Qingle Zhenren observed the entire mountain, nearly devoid of vitality due to the Gluttonous Beast's blood, and couldn't help but silently shake his head in regret. The blood of ferocious beasts was saturated with malevolent energy. Once the various Immortals departed, this place would quickly become a gathering ground for such creatures. Located perilously close to the great city of Duanming, the presence of these beasts would inevitably lead to trouble. The nearby Immortals would have much to worry about in the days to come.
"Greetings to Elder Celestial Shouzhong and Elder Celestial Cui Xuan." Wuzheng Zi, along with over a dozen elders from other sects, had just landed and immediately stepped forward to pay their respects. In terms of seniority, these two venerable Celestials from the No Moon Court were generations above them. The fact that a single Gluttonous Beast had prompted these two elders to travel all the way from the No Moon Court to assist was deeply humiliating.
Cuixuan Xianren withdrew the Spiritual Qi Net, his drowsy eyes drooping once more as he gave a slight nod. Shouzhong Xianren, however, chuckled twice and said, "With celestial anomalies appearing, we old folks can no longer stand idly by. This time, it was a Gluttonous Beast blocking the way—who knows what chaos will emerge next? All of you must remain vigilant."
The elders could only murmur their agreement. These senior Celestials had lived through the Sea Fall five hundred years ago, whereas this time, the primary forces would be the younger generation of Celestial elders like themselves. Yet, a single ferocious beast had trapped them all, leaving no room for complaint when others spoke with veiled criticism.
Under the soothing effects of the Healing Net, the unconscious victims began to awaken slowly. Suddenly, Cuixuan Xianren let out a cold snort and declared, "That fool who was bewitched by the Gluttonous Beast—how dare he claim to be an elder of our No Moon Court!"
Seeing his anger, the elders from other sects recognized this as an internal matter for the No Moon Court and promptly retreated to a distance. The No Moon Court elders bowed deeply, none daring to speak in defense. The elder who had been reveling and drinking inside the Gluttonous Beast's belly turned deathly pale, unable to utter a single word.
Cuixuan Xianren's voice turned icy. "Five hundred years of peace have made you all far too complacent! Do you think becoming a Celestial automatically qualifies you to be an elder? Such elders are far too cheap! In the past, a single man from Azure City could cleave a Yaksha Horn—and he was merely an elder at the time! Now look at you—over a dozen elders, yet most of you were swallowed by a Gluttonous Beast! When the Sea Fall comes, do you plan to bare your necks for the slaughter?!"
The elders held their breaths, their shame undeniable. Even the elders from other sects found these words cutting. Indeed, peaceful times had dulled their fighting spirit and ambition. With celestial anomalies appearing and the Sea Fall approaching, if they clung to their old carefree and complacent attitudes, they would truly struggle to survive the coming calamity.
Shouzhong Xianren stepped in to mediate. "The anomalies have appeared suddenly—don't be too harsh on them. In my opinion, having this person reflect in seclusion upon returning should suffice. In these critical times, every additional fighter is valuable."
Cuixuan Xianren retorted coldly, "The more critical the times, the stricter we must be! Have you forgotten the days of Azure City? This man is stripped of his elder position effective immediately and will face further judgment upon returning to the No Moon Court! If I ever discover such laziness or ill intent again, don't blame us old folks for showing no mercy!"Li Fei noticed he mentioned Qing Cheng Xian Ren twice in his words, praising his abilities highly yet also expressing clear frustration with his actions. Coupled with Ri Yan's remark that Qing Cheng Xian Ren was barely clinging to life, she suspected it was because No Moon Court wanted information about the overseas lands from him. It seemed Qing Cheng Xian Ren must have had some connection to those distant shores. After the Yaksha Horn was severed, everyone spoke vaguely about the aftermath—likely because the details were either deliberately concealed or too complicated to explain.
This realization made her heart race. The black booklet Qing Cheng Xian Ren had given her before his death must have been something of immense importance—perhaps even records of his most closely guarded secrets, things the great Immortal sects must never know. Most likely, it was related to the overseas lands.
The thought made her pulse quicken. The hidden booklet in her robes suddenly felt heavier than a mountain. She pressed a hand lightly to her collar, struggling to maintain her composure.
Cui Xuan Xian Ren’s drowsy eyes suddenly shifted to Lei Xiuyuan, and a trace of approval flickered in his gaze. He murmured, "Guangwei, this disciple of yours—you have a keen eye. He is exceptional. So young, yet unshaken in crisis, decisive in action. He will undoubtedly achieve greatness. You must guide him carefully, without the slightest neglect."
This praise was a far cry from the polite pleasantries exchanged earlier at Literature Ancient Peak. Guangwei Zhenren was both elated and proud, immediately responding with a respectful acknowledgment.
Cui Xuan Xian Ren seemed weary, his eyelids drooping as he moved aside and fell silent. Seeing their conversation concluded, the elders from other sects stepped forward to offer thanks and bid farewell. With the strange phenomena now manifesting, the Immortal sects would need to collaborate to manage the repercussions. No one wished to delay, and soon the elders began retrieving their unconscious disciples.
Lan Ya Junzhu had already awakened under Ji Tongzhou’s care and had been whispering softly to him. Now, as the elders called for departure, she frowned, her eyes brimming with tears. Clutching Ji Tongzhou’s sleeve, she murmured, "Your Highness, Lan Ya has long known of your gathering with friends in Lu Gongzhen this August. Might Lan Ya accompany you?"
Ji Tongzhou paused before replying, "Ah, yes, there is such a gathering. You wish to come?"
Lan Ya’s relationship with Ye Ye and the others wasn’t just strained—it was practically nonexistent. Though they had all come from the same Academy, the words exchanged between them in a year could likely be counted on one hand. She had always been reserved about her royal status, and she was nothing like Ye Ye and his companions. If she went alone, she would have no one to talk to—how awkward would that be?
"Wherever Your Highness is, Lan Ya will gladly go. From the moment I first saw you, I vowed never to part from you, in life or death!"
Ji Tongzhou gazed at her quietly. Since childhood, Lan Ya’s eyes had never changed when looking at him—filled with admiration, longing, fervor. He knew that if he were to seek a cultivation partner, Lan Ya would be the ideal choice in every aspect. Both his imperial brother and the feudal lords would undoubtedly rejoice at such a match. It would be seamless, flawless—except for the restless discontent in his own heart.
He could only smile. Was it resignation? Anger? Or perhaps mockery? His heart had become a blade, forged between the awakening of wild desires and the weight of reality. Its occasional glint of cold light frightened even him.Lan Ya Junzhu's face was flushed crimson. Though overwhelmed with shyness, she mustered her courage and spoke: "My lord, Lan Ya only wishes to stay by your side forever. Your highness is noble and a peerless genius. A man like you, Lan Ya dares not monopolize. Whether or not Lan Ya occupies any place in your heart, just being able to be with you..."
"Enough." Ji Tongzhou stood up and walked away with his back to her. "You should leave now."
Lan Ya called out anxiously: "My lord! Please don't forget what Lan Ya just said!"
Ji Tongzhou paused his steps. After a long silence, he finally said: "I have no mind for such matters now. I only wish to focus on cultivation. You... wait for me awhile."
Overjoyed, Lan Ya gracefully bowed: "A hundred years, a thousand years—Lan Ya is willing to wait! Lan Ya takes her leave now. May your highness take care."
"Lan Ya, do you like me, or the title of prince..." Ji Tongzhou suddenly murmured, then shook his head before she could respond. "Never mind. Go now."
After walking a few steps forward, he saw Li Fei being pulled aside by her Master for conversation, while Lei Xiuyuan stood in the distance gazing at the countless withered trees on the mountainside. The spiritual energy fluctuations emanating from him were on par with his own. Since childhood, this person had always been engaged in a relentless chase with him—whenever one advanced a step, the other would immediately catch up.
Once, he had found this back-and-forth rivalry amusing, treating their competition with a playful attitude. But now, neither of them likely found it entertaining anymore. The myriad worries and pains that emerged upon growing up were things their younger selves could never have imagined.
As if sensing someone's gaze, Lei Xiuyuan turned his head and met his eyes.
Ji Tongzhou said nothing. Neither did Lei Xiuyuan. They had always spoken little between them, repelling and contending with each other. They seemed cut from the same cloth, yet were fundamentally different.
In this world, the person he least wanted to lose to was Lei Xiuyuan. Yet unknowingly, he had already suffered complete defeat. His pride forbade him from bowing his head before Lei Xiuyuan, while in reality, the other truly stood above him. Therefore, at the very least in cultivation, he absolutely would not lose again.
As for Lei Xiuyuan, he couldn't even articulate his own feelings—was it jealousy? Admiration? Resentment? Regret? He allowed these venomous serpents of emotion to gnaw at him without restraint, for this way the flames in his heart burned ever fiercer, soaring to the heavens. Perhaps one day they would consume even himself.
Ji Tongzhou averted his gaze and stopped looking at him. Mounting his sword, he flew off. Wuzheng Zi had long been waiting ahead. Seeing his beloved disciple approach, the master couldn't help smiling: "With your fiery and impetuous temperament, I had worried the Gluttonous Beast's illusions might ensnare you. But you've done well—you haven't disappointed me."
This disciple's recent progress had been astonishingly rapid. Perhaps he had finally understood where his cultivation heart lay. Only when one clearly knows what they want can they fight for it with their life.
"Did you gain anything from this demon hunt?" Wuzheng Zi asked with a smile. As a master, how could he fail to notice Ji Tongzhou's inner turmoil and melancholy? The disciple's temperament seemed to have changed greatly—where once he was spirited and unrestrained, now his emotions rarely showed on his face. While rapid progress in cultivation was good, a cultivator's mental state was equally important. One could pursue fame, profit, or desire, but must not become entangled to the point of madness. This demon hunt had been but a pretext—the main purpose was to help him unwind.Ji Tongzhou lowered his lashes and opened his palm, where a tiny black flame the size of a fingertip flickered faintly. Wuzheng Zi was first astonished, then overjoyed, but immediately after, he shook his head vehemently before finally letting out a long sigh.
Who would have thought that this journey would awaken the Profound Splendor Fire within him?
The Profound Splendor Fire was a talent that fire-attributed Spirit Roots could only dream of. Legend had it that the founding Celestial of Star Rectitude Hall had mastered this flame, leading to the division of the sect into the Profound School and the Splendor School. This fire was deeply tied to the caster’s state of mind—like walking a tightrope, where the slightest misstep could bring utter ruin. Most Celestials who had wielded it in the past were extreme in their emotions, either madly passionate or utterly unhinged. Yet, such unrestrained and overt temperament was far from the righteous path of cultivation.
"You have so much time ahead of you," Wuzheng Zi said, gazing at his beloved disciple. "Hundreds, even thousands of years. The burdens of youth will seem trivial in hindsight—just a fleeting amusement. Do not walk this path."
Ji Tongzhou clenched his fist, crushing the black flame in his palm. His voice was low. "Master, this is my path of cultivation."
He was a man caught between illusion and reality, forced into an inescapable predicament. The suffering and joy he endured were his alone to bear.
Wuzheng Zi sighed deeply several times before turning and soaring away on his sword.
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