Moonlight Mystique

Chapter Forty-Five

The wilderness was pitch black, with evening stars hanging in the half-lit sky.

A flash of light streaked across, and a dozen people tumbled to the ground in disarray, groans rising one after another.

Bai Shuo landed as if her feet were made of cotton, steadied by Fan Yue’s embrace. Dizzy and disoriented, she somehow managed not to fall. Suddenly, as Nan Wan turned his head, she swiftly pulled Fan Yue down with her, letting out an exaggerated groan.

She had almost forgotten—Mu Mu was a great demon, unaffected by the Formation of the Transmigration Stone!

Nan Wan turned back, frowning slightly at the master and disciple pair. Was it just his imagination, or had the Daoist just pushed the young man?

Even the disciples of Lianyunxiao couldn’t withstand the Spiritual Qi disturbance caused by the Transmigration Stone’s spatial crossing. How was this young man seemingly unharmed…

"As expected of the Transmigration Stone. Thankfully, Your Lordship had us protect our spiritual platforms in advance…" Bai Shuo wobbled as she stood up, her eyes dazed, feigning lingering fear.

Fan Yue stood behind her, his face slightly pale.

In a place no one could see, Bai Shuo was pinching Fan Yue’s palm with all her might. Finally catching on, her little disciple circulated his Qi, turning his face deathly pale.

Nan Wan’s suspicions eased for the moment as he glanced at the disciples.

"Get up already!"

The disciples scrambled awkwardly to their feet, but before they could speak, a rough, shrill voice suddenly rang out.

"What’s going on? Where is this?"

Everyone looked down to see a face peeking out from the corner—thick green eyebrows, a face painted white and pink, and a mouth smeared bright red. The disciples gasped in shock, and even Nan Wan took two steps back.

But Hua Da Tie had eyes only for Bai Shuo. With a leap, she charged forward and roared, "Well, well, you damned Daoist! What did you promise me last night? You think you can trick me and run?!"

Bai Shuo desperately signaled Hua Hong with her eyes, but Hua Hong glared back. "What’s with the blinking? Guilty conscience turned you cross-eyed?"

Bai Shuo was speechless. Behind her, Nan Wan’s icy voice cut in.

"Who exactly are you? How dare you intrude into Lianyunxiao’s Formation?"

The disciples drew their Swords in unison, pointing them at Hua Hong.

Only then did Hua Hong belatedly turn around. Seeing ten immortal Swords aimed at her, her burly frame trembled. "D-d-damned Daoist, wh-what’s happening now?"

"Wait, my lords, it’s a misunderstanding!" Bai Shuo quickly broke free from Hua Hong’s grip and waved her hands. "This Hua Xiaomei isn’t a bad person."

Hua Xiaomei? The disciples stared at the mountainously sturdy woman before them, collectively speechless.

Nan Wan narrowed his eyes. "Daoist Bai, you know her?"

"Yes, yes! This Hua Xiaomei is my neighbor, a well-known blacksmith from Nanhai City. We had a misunderstanding last night, and she must’ve accidentally stumbled into the Transmigration Stone’s Formation while looking for me."

"Last night? A misunderstanding?" Mingxin muttered from the side, glancing between Bai Shuo and Hua Hong. "She wouldn’t happen to be your…"

"No, no, she’s not—"

"Ah, that’s right! I’m his… that." Before Bai Shuo could finish, Hua Hong grabbed her hand and winked exaggeratedly.

Her grip was like iron pincers, and she shot Bai Shuo a meaningful glare. Though reckless, Hua Hong wasn’t stupid—she could tell these people were dangerous, yet they treated the Daoist with respect. Survival came first.

"Daoist Bai, is what this… Hua Nüjun says true?" Nan Wan paused, his tone skeptical."Yes." Bai Shuo hissed through the cold air, turning stiffly. "My Lord, my younger sister meant no harm. She merely strayed into the formation by accident. I beg you to send her back to South Sea City."

"She can't go back." Nan Wan spoke gravely, gazing into the distance. "We've arrived. This city is sealed."

Bai Shuo froze. The disciples gathered their Qi, only to discover their spiritual power had stagnated, leaving them with strength barely above that of a half-immortal—just slightly stronger than a semi-immortal.

Only then did Bai Shuo feel a gust of wind, cold and dry. Looking up, she saw a clear night sky filled with stars.

They stood at the edge of a city, its towering walls bearing the bold, stark character "Yi," exuding an air of desolation.

Was this the isolated, barbaric Yi City?

But this was far too bleak. With Fairy and Demon Disciples from the Three Realms gathered here, shouldn't it be bustling with activity? At the very least, as one of the three immortal mountains of the Immortal Realm, shouldn't there be someone to greet them at the city gates?

To seal the city without a word?

"Let's go." Nan Wan frowned but said no more, leading the group into the city.

The disciples of Cloud Summit followed closely. Bai Shuo quickly grabbed Fan Yue and Hua Hong, pulling them along. The city was pitch black and utterly terrifying. For now, she'd stick with this Nan Wan, assess the situation, and wait for news of A-Zhao.

High above, the moon hung over the Phoenix Isle of Wutong.

At midnight the previous night, Jin Yao had activated the Spirit-Locking Formation left by Mu Guang, sealing Yi City. The masters of each hall and mountain had returned to their courtyards, awaiting the outcome in three days. Now, one day had already passed.

In the Roosting Phoenix Pavilion, Jin Yao was playing a game of Go with Elder Feng Xian, the Grand Elder of the Phoenix Clan.

"Yi City has long been isolated from the Three Realms, and the King of the Yi People holds deep prejudices against both the fairy and demon races. Why did you choose Yi City for the Martial Banquet? And why would the King of the Yi People agree?" Feng Xian stroked his beard, his curiosity piqued.

The Wutong Martial Banquet had been held on Phoenix Isle for a thousand years. Though the Cold Spring Palace had proposed changing the format this time, the location and method had been decided by Jin Yao.

"A month ago, the King of the Yi People sent a letter to the Heavenly Palace," Jin Yao said slowly.

"Oh?" Feng Xian was surprised. "What did he request?"

"He hopes the Yi People can establish friendly relations with both races and move freely through the Three Realms."

Feng Xian's expression shifted in astonishment. The King of the Yi People had always been reclusive and cold, guarding his city alone for millennia, keeping his distance from immortals and demons alike. Why the sudden change? Likely for the sake of his people...

The Phoenix Clan was benevolent. Thinking of the Yi People's plight, Feng Xian sighed inwardly but shook his head. "Both races hold deep prejudices against the Yi People. The King's wish may be difficult to fulfill."

"Which is why I chose Yi City for this competition. Though the Yi People are fierce in temperament, their customs are simple and honest. The participants are all rising talents from both races. If they can coexist peacefully with the Yi People, it will be easier for the Yi People to move through the Three Realms in the future." Jin Yao sighed.

"Your compassion is commendable. May these young ones gain some wisdom from this." Feng Xian smiled, placing a stone on the board.

Jin Yao waved his hand, and a water mirror appeared beside them, showing the scene in Yi City. The city was brightly lit, with Yi People dancing around bonfires, singing and celebrating. The fairy and demon disciples who had entered the city wandered about, mingling harmoniously with the Yi People.

Seeing this, the two exchanged a smile, their expressions easing.

Jin Yao waved again, and the water mirror dissipated. They returned to their game.

A thousand miles away in Yi City, Bai Shuo clutched Fan Yue's hand, her heart growing more unsettled with each step, her legs trembling uncontrollably.The entire city was eerily silent. Though a few lights flickered here and there, aside from the footsteps of their group of ten or so, not a single human voice could be heard—it was as if they had entered a ghost town.

Even if the Yiren despised both races and every household had shut their doors, what about the Fairy and Demon Disciples who had come to Yicheng? There should have been at least a hundred of them, all here to search for the Phoenix Tree’s heart. With only three days to find the Spiritual Artifact, they should have been scrambling with urgency. Why was it so deathly quiet?

And where was A-Zhao? Bai Shuo’s heart tightened.

"Senior Brother, something’s wrong." Before Bai Shuo could voice her concern, Mingxin whispered to Nan Wan. The Yunxiao disciples had clearly sensed the strangeness as well, gripping their Immortal Swords tightly.

The group happened to stop in front of an inn—one of the few places in the city still lit with lanterns.

"Let’s go inside," Nan Wan said.

Mingxin immediately stepped forward, sword at the ready, and pushed open the inn’s door. With a creak, the hall was revealed, brightly lit yet completely empty. A cold gust of wind swept through, causing the red lanterns at the entrance to sway precariously.

The Yunxiao disciples swallowed hard, huddling closer together. Inside Yicheng, everyone’s spiritual power had dwindled to the faintest trickle, leaving these usually arrogant Immortal disciples feeling utterly out of their depth.

Bai Shuo shivered, her spine tingling with unease. Fan Yue took her hand, and when she met the young man’s gentle gaze, her heart steadied slightly.

Hua Da Tie, standing nearby, glanced at the two of them with a strange expression before abruptly wedging himself between them. He looked around wildly, then screeched in a shrill voice, "You damned fool! What kind of cursed place have you dragged me to? Not a soul in sight—are they all dead?"

His outburst dispelled some of the tension hanging over the group.

Nan Wan frowned and turned toward the trio. Bai Shuo quickly pinched the blacksmith. "Shut up, talk less!" She then looked at Nan Wan. "My Lord, this city really is strange. There’s not a single person—"

Before Bai Shuo could finish, a streak of Sword light shot from the second floor. As it neared the group, it split into a dozen beams, slashing straight toward the Yunxiao disciples.

"Mother of—!" Bai Shuo shrieked.

"Holy hell!" Hua Da Tie yelped in unison, their reactions eerily synchronized. She tried to pull Fan Yue down to use him as a human shield, but Fan Yue was faster—without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around Bai Shuo, shielding her with his back against the incoming Sword light.

The dozen Sword beams were impossibly fast. Hua Da Tie, grabbing at empty air, wailed and covered his head.

A metallic clang rang out as Nan Wan’s Immortal Sword flashed forward, intercepting and dispersing all the Sword beams midair.

The three of them narrowly escaped death, and Bai Shuo quickly dragged Fan Yue and Hua Da Tie behind the Yunxiao disciples for cover.

Nan Wan stood protectively in front of the group, his hand trembling slightly from the impact. He glared coldly at the second floor. "Which Immortal sect dares to ambush us from the shadows?"

That Sword light had unmistakably come from an Immortal. Under Yicheng’s spirit-sealing restraints, only one person should have been capable of such a strike.

A figure slowly emerged from the second floor. The man’s face was utterly unremarkable, dressed in white robes with a white Sword, his expression completely blank.

As he stepped forward, the tightly shut doors on the second floor swung open one after another, revealing disciples from various Immortal sects, all pointing their Swords at the Yunxiao group.

Nan Wan narrowed his eyes, his anger barely contained as he stared at the white-robed Immortal Lord. "The Phoenix Tree’s Martial Banquet hasn’t even begun. Is Kunlun already rallying the sects to annihilate Yunxiao?"

The gathered Immortal disciples all turned their gazes toward Bei Chen, who stepped forward and landed gracefully in front of Nan Wan.

"Nan Wan of Yunxiao?" Bei Chen spoke coolly."Exactly." Nan Wan snorted lightly. "I've long heard that Kunlun's Bei Chen Sword is upright and honorable. Who would have thought this is what they mean by 'upright and honorable'?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Shuo quickly peeked out from behind Fan Yue, scanning the descending disciples from various sects with a start.

Why wasn't A-Zhao here? Her gaze settled on Bei Chen as she raised an eyebrow. Compared to the Yunxiao disciples, Kunlun's head disciple in his plain robes and simple sword looked positively austere.

"How did you enter?" Bei Chen's gaze swept over the Yunxiao group before settling on Nan Wan as he spoke slowly.

Nan Wan froze momentarily before growing angry. "Bei Chen, Yunxiao is also one of the Three Great Mountains. As the sect's representative for the Wutong Martial Banquet, am I not permitted to come?"

"The Wutong Martial Banquet has already begun, and Yicheng was sealed yesterday," Bei Chen said solemnly. "Today is already the second day. The Locked Spirit Seal is a restriction laid by His Majesty Mu Guang—none below divine status can enter or exit."

No wonder the other cultivators had attacked the Yunxiao disciples. With Yicheng sealed, anyone managing to enter now would not only be suspicious but dangerous. Who knew if they were evil spirits disguised as Yunxiao members using some unknown method to break in?

"What?!" Nan Wan's expression changed. "That's impossible! Today is clearly the first day of the Wutong Martial Banquet. How could I misremember?"

Bai Shuo was equally shocked. Having traveled with Nan Wan, she knew he wasn't lying. Yet Bei Chen and the other sect disciples wouldn't speak idly either. Why was there a one-day discrepancy between the two groups? If the Yunxiao disciples hadn't entered Yicheng, why would the Wutong Island elders seal the city? And if the city was sealed, how had they gotten in?

Could it be because of the Time-Shifting Stone...?

Bei Chen studied Nan Wan, gauging the truth of his words, and frowned. "Then how did you bypass the Locked Spirit Seal to enter the city?"

Before Nan Wan could respond, someone from the Yunxiao group timidly raised a hand. "I might know what happened."

The cultivators turned to see a shabby-looking Daoist peeking out from behind a young man. "Lord Bei Chen, we used a Time-Shifting Stone to enter the city."

"A Time-Shifting Stone?" Bei Chen paused, looking at Nan Wan, who also seemed to realize the situation. "Indeed," Nan Wan admitted frankly. "In preparation for the Wutong Martial Banquet, I've been in seclusion at Yunxiao. Our Master gifted us the Time-Shifting Stone to spare us the fatigue of sword flight. I've never used it before—perhaps the stone distorted time."

Hearing that the Yunxiao group had traversed thousands of miles instantly with the Time-Shifting Stone, the other sect disciples couldn't help but feel exasperated. Yicheng was located in the wilds of the Three Realms—they had all flown by sword for days to get here, exhausting their spiritual energy. Worse, upon entering the city, their Spiritual Qi had been sealed, leaving them utterly drained. In contrast, the Yunxiao disciples looked fresh and energetic.

This Yunxiao Sect Leader was too cunning! Using wealth to exploit backdoor privileges.

The other sect disciples curled their lips in disdain but didn't dare spit. Yunxiao was a towering powerhouse among immortal sects, famously wealthy and influential. Kunlun, on the other hand, was full of ascetic cultivators. With such resources at their disposal, what could these poorer sects do besides envy?

Unlike the murmuring disciples, Bei Chen remained calm, his gaze sharpening as it landed on Bai Shuo and her two companions.

"You're not Yunxiao disciples? Who are you?"

The trio stood out glaringly—especially Hua Da Tie, who might as well have had the words "gaudy mediocrity" stamped on his face."They are Guest Elders of my Cloud Sky Sect. What, is Kunlun so overbearing that you'd presume to dictate who we associate with?" Nan Wan's brow twitched as he fought the urge to drive away that blacksmith, but he couldn't let Bei Chen's Sword discern Bai Shuo's identity now. He had no choice but to stubbornly shield the trio.

Like we'd believe that, the disciples from various immortal sects exchanged skeptical glances.

Cloud Sky disciples were notoriously arrogant, and Nan Wan was especially known for looking down on half-immortals. With the Phoenix Tree Martial Banquet being so important, why would he bring these three oddballs along? They clearly weren't ordinary. But with Cloud Sky's formidable influence, no one dared voice this suspicion outright.

Bei Chen gave Bai Shuo's group a cursory glance but said nothing more. Kunlun disciples preferred swords to words—he'd already drawn his blade to test Nan Wan's identity earlier. Everything else was none of his concern.

"In that case, Cloud Sky may proceed as you wish." With that, Bei Chen vanished without another word.

Upstairs, a door opened and closed, its light extinguished.

That's it? Bai Shuo nearly laughed aloud at Nan Wan's frosty expression.

He'd long heard that Kunlun's Bei Chen was socially inept, preferring blades to conversation. Seeing it firsthand was truly better than a hundred rumors.

Nan Wan's face stiffened. Bei Chen had drawn his sword without warning and now left just as abruptly—wasn't this trampling Cloud Sky's dignity into the mud?!

Noticing Nan Wan's dark expression, the sect disciples who'd drawn their swords earlier hurried to smooth things over, fearing Cloud Sky's retaliation. "Immortal Lord Nan Wan, Immortal Lord Bei Chen's temperament is rather... unyielding. Please don't take offense. This Strange City isn't a friendly place—we're just being cautious."

"Esteemed immortal friend, I am Mingxin of Cloud Sky. May I ask what's happening in Strange City? We saw no one on our way here. Have any of you encountered the King of the Strange Ones?" Mingxin spoke up when Nan Wan remained silent.

As Cloud Sky's head disciple, Nan Wan considered only Bei Chen worthy of his attention among the immortal sects' disciples—yet Bei Chen was utterly unapproachable. Their inexplicable one-day delay left them ignorant of Strange City's situation. Otherwise, Nan Wan wouldn't have patiently listened to some low-ranking disciple's explanation.

"Ah, Dao Brother Mingxin." The disciple bowed first, then sighed miserably. "You wouldn't know—we've yet to meet the King since entering the city."

"Not at all?" Mingxin was astonished.

"Indeed. We assumed since the King agreed to host the Phoenix Tree Martial Banquet here, he'd at least receive us. But upon arriving yesterday, only his deputy Wu Zhao greeted us. He said the Immortal Realm's decree had been issued, so Strange City dared not refuse, but the King recently entered seclusion for cultivation and couldn't receive immortal and demon sect members. The Phoenix Tree's Spiritual Artifact is already in Strange City—we're to find it ourselves. However, he relayed the King's edict: though immortals and demons may enter, harming even one Strange citizen means immediate expulsion."

Nan Wan frowned. Having agreed to the immortal sects' request, the King of the Strange Ones was being exceedingly discourteous with this behavior."Even the King of the Yi People treats us with such disdain, let alone the common Yi folk. As you know, the Yi people are fierce by nature and hold grudges against both the Immortal and Yao Races. Yesterday when we entered the city, we nearly clashed with them. If not for the intervention of the Yi King's palace, they would have driven us out of the city already. And now, before nightfall, the Yi people in the city avoid us like the plague, shutting their doors and refusing to engage. The empty inns on this street were specially prepared by the Yi King for the Immortal and Yao Races. This one is the most spacious, so we invited Immortal Lord Bei Chen here. The disciples from other immortal sects have found their own lodgings elsewhere. As for the Yao Race, as far as I know, Mu Jiu hasn’t arrived—just a ragtag bunch. Your Lordship need not concern yourself with them."

No wonder the city was pitch black—the Yi people, displeased with the disciples of the Immortal and Yao Races, had withdrawn to avoid them. Piaomiao was merely a third-rate sect, unworthy of staying in the same place as Kunlun's Bei Chen.

Bai Shuo couldn’t help but wonder: if the Yi King despised both races so much, why would he agree to Golden Yao Celestial’s request? It didn’t make sense.

"Mu Jiu of the Fox Tribe hasn’t come?" Mingxin was surprised. He had thought Yunxiao was the last to arrive, never expecting that the Yao Race’s most promising contender for the Phoenix Tree Spiritual Artifact hadn’t even entered the city.

"The Fox Tribe is cunning. He may well have slipped in unnoticed," Nan Wan said gravely. "The Yi people have sealed their city for a millennium, cutting off all contact with the outside world. Though their behavior is rude, it’s to be expected. If they stay out of this, we can contend with the Yao Race without restraint, avoiding collateral harm to the Yi people and sparing the Yi King any grievances."

Perhaps it was precisely because of the Yi City’s neutrality that Golden Yao Celestial chose this place for such an unusual trial.

"The night is deep. Everyone should rest well. We'll continue searching for the Spiritual Artifact tomorrow. No matter which sect the Phoenix Tree Spiritual Artifact falls to, as long as it doesn't end up in the hands of the Yao Race, it will be fortunate for our immortal clans."

The words sounded noble enough, but everyone knew only Kunlun among the immortal clans had the power to compete with Yunxiao. With just a light remark, Nan Wan had pitted the immortal clans against the Yao Race.

After speaking, Nan Wan turned and went upstairs. His gaze lingered briefly on Bai Shuo. Understanding his intent, Mingxin dismissed the disciples from various immortal sects and led Bai Shuo upstairs.

Fan Yue refused to stay behind, and Bai Shuo couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he had no choice but to bring him along. Hua Da Tie, thoroughly frightened earlier, didn't dare leave Bai Shuo's side for even a step. Clutching his iron hammer, he stubbornly stood guard at the door, refusing to budge. Mingxin would have loved nothing more than to toss these two troublesome burdens out of the inn, but there was no helping it. Even Kunlun's Bei Chen had spent a day in this strange city without gaining anything. This eccentric fortune-teller was Yunxiao's last resort.

"Let's begin." As soon as Mingxin closed the door, Nan Wan revealed a withered branch of a phoenix tree in his palm and looked at Bai Shuo. "Daoist Bai, let this lord see just how much real skill you possess."