Chapter 225: Extra Story 3: A Dream of Past Lives, Bound into a Name (Part 1)

Extra Story 3: A Dream of Past Lives, Bound into a Name (Part 1)

(Foreword: The plot here follows Chapter 191. It can be considered a side-theater and has little connection to the main storyline. If you do not like it, please skip it.)

"If you see Miss Lingxiang, please tell her this: The Suspended Thread Returning to Heaven is hard to return, and the fool's dream is all in vain."

……

"That is what she said..." Long Qi patted his head, turned his head, and said to Lingxiang.

"It seems there was such a saying..." Zhao Wuyang pinched his chin, looking quite mature as he spoke.

Seeing him like this, Xin Yi rubbed his hair, the corners of his mouth lifting, and then nodded to Lingxiang to indicate that he had been present at the time.

Seeing this, Lingxiang could not help but frown in deep thought: How could this Liu Yaoyi know what she was going to do? Listening to this, did she know who she was from the very beginning? And how did she know?

Tumuo, oh Tumuo, what else is there about you that others do not know?

Just as Lingxiang was pondering, she heard Banxia ask: "The turmoil here can be considered settled, what are your plans now?"

She naturally wanted to travel with Lingxiang, but ever since Liu Xia came out of that secret chamber, he had been a bit off, and now the Eight Trigrams Plate was completely silent, leaving her at a loss for what to do.

Hearing this, Liu Xia looked up at her, then lowered his head again, lost in thought. Seeing him like this, Lingxiang became even more certain that something must have happened in the Xuanwu Array.

"I originally came to reminisce about the past and see the old house, but I didn't expect to run into Sheng halfway and learn about the Sword Manual. Now that the Sword Manual is in hand, I really don't know where to go for the time being." Long Qi scratched his head and looked at Xin Yi: "Do you have any place you want to go?"

After experiencing some things recently, Long Qi felt a bit relieved. He had thought Xin Yi would be like him, wanting to see the place where he lived as a child, but Xin Yi shook his head.

For Xin Yi, the past was already in the past. After learning about the matter of Cheng, Long Qi's persuasion had made him let go. Although the illusions in the Qinglong Array had disturbed his mind, he now believed that dwelling on the past would only make him stagnate.

A person lives a life, after all, one must look forward. Thinking back to the time in Xuancang Cave, the blade spirit's probing was likely trying to convey this to him.

Seeing Xin Yi shake his head, Long Qi turned back to look at Liu Xia, only to see him with his head lowered, looking thoughtful. Although Liu Xia was usually slow-witted and rarely spoke, he was usually astonishing when he did, but he was rarely like this today.

For a moment, Long Qi did not know whether to ask him. After hesitating repeatedly, he still turned his head and asked Zhao Wuyang if he had any place he wanted to go.

Zhao Wuyang had at most only gone with his father to the palace in the capital to pay respects to the Emperor during the New Year; he had never been out like this before. Naturally, he wanted to go everywhere, yet he did not know where to go.

Looking at Zhao Wuyang, who was also shaking his head, Long Qi raised an eyebrow, shrugged, and looked at Lingxiang. The latter could not help but sigh at the sight.

She was an Elder of the Yuanqing Sect; by rights, she was a generation higher than the few people present, so it was truly inconvenient to get involved in their training. Moreover, she had intended to head to Yunmeng Marsh alone after seeing Liu Yaoyi.

But Long Qi's expression just now was as if he were saying: Look, look, we all don't know where to go, why don't you give us an idea!

You people are training, what does it have to do with me? I am not your wet nurse!

But now, except for Liu Xia, who was still lowering his head and thinking about something, everyone else was staring at her without moving, as if she would be letting them down if she did not suggest a destination.

"Sigh..." Lingxiang sighed heavily once more: "Meeting is likely fated by Heaven. Fine, fine, since you have nowhere to go, follow me to Liangcheng. Perhaps you will have a goal by then..."

The group did not follow the original path they came by, but instead, led by Long Qi, took a side path. Although it was a side path, it was not as rugged as the way to Cangzhou before, which made Zhao Wuyang heave a sigh of relief—after witnessing Liu Xia's ability to lead the way, he truly could not trust Long Qi.

It was precisely because of this thought that Zhao Wuyang could not help but look at Liu Xia, but seeing him in a distracted state, he was greatly puzzled and hurriedly asked Xin Yi for the reason, but how would Xin Yi know?

"It is likely that something happened in the Four Symbols Array. That array can peer into the human heart; I suppose his body and mind were wounded and it is difficult to recover for a while."

Hearing what Xin Yi said, Zhao Wuyang deeply agreed. He had experienced it himself, so he naturally knew the power of the Four Symbols Array. Thinking of this, Zhao Wuyang sighed deeply and put on a feigned mature look again, which made Xin Yi chuckle and rub his head once more.

About two and a half days later, the group arrived at a lakeside and was about to rest when they heard Banxia shout out. Following the sound, they saw her and Lingxiang pointing at the lake in amazement.

The group was curious and looked into the lake, only to see a small island in the middle, with two bridges connecting it to the shore in front and behind, looking like a swimming dragon from afar.

Especially those two bridges, shaped like dragon bones, winding and twisting, with the water and bridges corresponding to each other, which was quite spectacular.

Just as everyone felt it was incredible, they discovered that there seemed to be a small town on the island. Since it was getting late, Banxia suggested that they might as well go to the town to rest for a while.

Lingxiang agreed, contrary to her usual behavior, not at all as anxious to hurry as before, which surprised the others. At this moment, Xin Yi saw that there seemed to be hesitation on Lingxiang's face, but when he looked at the island again, he could not see anything wrong.

Following the riverbank onto the bridge, the scenery looked different from the bridge. Surrounded by greenery, fish in the water were swimming and breathing contentedly, and swarms of mayflies made one feel as if they were in another world.

Upon reaching the island, one could see a jade gate with the three characters "Longqiao Town" prominently displayed. The scene in the town was even more peculiar; from a distance, it looked quiet, but unexpectedly, the town was bustling with noise and excitement.

Banxia's eyes lit up, and from time to time she would probe the stalls on both sides, looking very much like a child.

It was not that she was inexperienced, but the items in this town were truly strange. For example, paper butterflies that were lifelike and flew out of thin air, or lively tiger dolls that were vivid, and even shadow puppets that performed on their own, dreamlike and illusory.

By rights, practitioners should be accustomed to these kinds of tricks, but what was astonishing was that such tricks were everywhere on the street, and every passerby looked as if they were used to it.

This was unusual. Even though Lingxiang had been immersed in the mortal world for many years, she had never heard of such a place full of hidden talents.

It was at this moment that a piece of music was heard, and then someone sang: "Her Excellency Sutong Xianshang is approaching, do not listen, do not look, quickly make way!"

As soon as the singing stopped, the pedestrians retreated to both sides, looking pious, bowing their heads and touching their chests, performing Daoist salutes. The noisy street suddenly became quiet; in the broad daylight, one could hear a pin drop.

Even the Emperor's carriage would likely not have such a grand display. Who exactly is this so-called Sutong Xianshang?

Furthermore, practitioners are transcendent and would never show off. Just like the Yuanqing Sect Leader, Shangqing Zhenren, with such cultivation, whenever someone comes up the mountain to seek an audience, he is always approachable. How could he ever be like this?

The few of them were stunned on the spot. At this moment, a force suddenly pulled them one by one to the side. Looking back, it was actually...

"Chengkai!"

It was Chengkai, whom they had not seen for many days. He hurriedly signaled everyone to be quiet, gestured for them to follow him, and then ducked into a nearby alley.

As soon as they stood still, Long Qi could not help but ask: "Why are you here?"

"This is my home, naturally I would be here," Chengkai said as if it were a matter of course. "I didn't expect that I would run into you all just by going to buy some wine." As he spoke, he performed a Daoist salute to Lingxiang.

The group then discovered that he was carrying several wine jars in his hands, with red paper and black ink on the jars, inscribed with the words "Baimezhi".

"Baimezhi?" Lingxiang frowned, "Is there a sacrificial ceremony in Liangcheng recently?"

Chengkai paused upon hearing this, and only after a moment did he say: "This is a long story. By the way, since the Martial Aunt is here for the first time, I suppose you haven't found a place to stay yet. Why not stay at my home!"

Observing his expression, there seemed to be concerns; it seemed there must be a hidden story in this. The group looked at each other and followed him.

After several turns, they arrived at the home Chengkai mentioned, which was actually an escort agency. Looking at the riveted gate and the four large characters "Chengfeng Escort Agency" on the plaque, Zhao Wuyang and Banxia could not help but exclaim—this was truly too imposing.

But unlike that, as soon as they entered the door, it was a scene of desolation. Sparse pomegranate trees, a cold and quiet courtyard, and a deathly stillness permeated the surroundings.

Lingxiang frowned inadvertently but did not speak. Instead, Chengkai scratched his head embarrassedly: "The escorts in the agency have all gone on trips, and only my Martial Aunt, the young lady, and I are left at home, so..."

No wonder, so that was it, the group suddenly understood. But just as Chengkai led them to their respective rooms, Lingxiang suddenly spoke: "Is someone in the house sick?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Banxia was startled. For Lingxiang to say this was truly a bit impolite. There was no such thing as visiting someone and saying that about the host; wasn't this cursing others? She just didn't understand why she had to ask this at this time when she could have waited until Chengkai left.

But Chengkai did not look angry; he just stood at the door without moving. At this time, they heard Lingxiang say:

"The school of Feng Shui was originally the specialty of Senior Brother Donghui. If he were here, I would naturally not dare to show off, but since I have encountered this matter, I have to ask. An escort agency is originally a place of extreme Yang, but your house is cold and chilly, and I saw the trees withering when I entered, which is truly somewhat discordant."

"Furthermore, although an escort agency is a place of the secular world, it still follows rules and regulations. Since there are female family members in the house, and both Banxia and I are women, once we enter the hall, we should be hosted by them. Yet, for even a place like our living quarters to be led by you, a man, is somewhat inappropriate."

Banxia was startled upon hearing this; in the short time it took to walk, Lingxiang had already seen through all these matters?

Chengkai often heard his master say not to underestimate Fucang Elder, but he had not expected her to be so discerning; he hadn't even said anything yet, and she had already figured it out. When he saw the group on the street, he was truly overjoyed, but having never asked anyone for help since he was a child, he really didn't know how to bring it up for a moment.

And Lingxiang, as if delivering a verdict, interjected: "If I am not mistaken, the person in the residence suffering from an ailment should be the master's wife you mentioned just now."

……

What Lingxiang did not expect was that although it was said there was still a young lady in the house, there was no one serving by the master's wife's sickbed. Upon entering the door, one could only hear bursts of light coughing, sounding incomparably desolate.

She glanced at Chengkai with suspicion, and the latter only gave a wry smile before leading her into the room.

After a brief examination, Lingxiang could only sigh and shake her head. Although she was not skilled in medicine, the master's wife was already terminally ill; even if Senior Brother Fuyin came in person, it would likely only prolong her life for a few days, and suffering for a few more days in vain would not be worth it.

"Is there truly... no way?" Chengkai looked flustered. "What if we use a Pill? Aunt-Master's pill-making skills are peerless; surely you could cure the illness with medicine?"

But Lingxiang shook her head again: "The madam has no cultivation, and she suffers from consumption; her body has been weak for a long time and cannot withstand the pill poison. Forcing her to take a pill would be no different from drinking poison."

Chengkai was still unwilling to give up and pulled on Lingxiang, wanting to plead with her again, when the master's wife coughed lightly and said: "A-Kai, I know my own body. Life and death are determined by heaven; do not make things difficult for the Immortal."

"But... but..."

Chengkai had been by the master's wife's side since he was a child; she had treated him as her own, and he had long regarded her as his mother. Now that the master's wife was in this state, how could he accept it?

At this moment, the master's wife asked weakly: "I hope the Immortal will tell me truthfully, how much time do I have left?"

Looking at the master's wife lying on the bed with a calm expression, Lingxiang was also calm. Although she was not old, she had been down the mountain for some time, and during those years at Youran Abode, she had seen many partings of life and death.

"I am afraid it is a matter of days."

Chengkai was shocked to hear this; although the madam was bedridden, she looked much better than in the past, so how could it be a matter of days?

The master's wife was very calm and just sighed: "In that case, it can be considered a relief. There is only one thing I cannot let go of, and that is this Chengfeng Escort Agency. Your master poured his life's blood into it, but Danruo..."

……

"What!" Long Qi exclaimed: "They are all dead?!"

Xin Yi also frowned: "This so-called Immortal, I fear, is merely some sort of demon; otherwise, it would not commit acts that take human lives."

It turned out that the reason no one was serving the master's wife was that her daughter, Danruo, had been chosen as a Saintess and was currently in the demon's cave. And the reason there was no one in the residence was not because they had all gone out on escort missions.

Some escorts, upon returning from missions and learning about their young lady, went to seek Sutong Immortal, but once they went, there was no news of them again.

"It seems they are in grave danger..." Liu Xia said with a furrowed brow: "With mortal eyes and flesh, how can they contend with a demon that has cultivation?"

Chengkai sighed with a frown: "This matter is all my fault..."

It turned out that Chengkai was an abandoned infant picked up by the Escort Master and his wife when they were on a mission. They had raised him by their side, and later they had the young lady. The Escort Master and his wife never treated Chengkai as an outsider and taught him carefully, never hiding his background from him.

Later, the Escort Master had an accident on a mission. When the master's wife found out, her old illness recurred, and she had been bedridden ever since. At that time, Chengkai was studying at Yuanqing, and the burden of the whole family fell on the young lady alone.

While the Escort Master was still alive, he had intended to match Chengkai with the young lady, but Chengkai refused, stating plainly that he had always cherished the young lady only as a younger sister and never had any improper thoughts.

Both palms are made of flesh; naturally, the Escort Master would not force it. But the young lady did not think so; she had never treated Chengkai as a brother and had long since set her heart on him.

On the day Chengkai left home, the young lady cried and found him, expressing her feelings to him. But Chengkai was focused on cultivation and tried to persuade her with kind words, but the young lady would not listen.

During the time he was cultivating at Yuanqing Sect, a mysterious Sutong Immortal appeared in the town, claiming that everyone could cultivate.

At first, naturally, no one believed it, but after she displayed some Mysterious Arts and cultivated a group of people who were originally ordinary mortals but could now perform Witchcraft, almost everyone in Longqiao Town became her followers.

With the family undergoing changes and being rejected by the one she loved, the young lady was truly depressed for a long time. After hearing about Sutong Immortal, she became deeply trapped in it, and no matter how others tried to persuade her, she was never willing to turn back.

Now, as it turns out, she has been chosen as a Saintess.

Since this so-called Immortal founded the Break of Dawn Divine Sect, four Saintesses have been chosen one after another. Each Saintess eventually died inexplicably, and their state of death was extremely strange, as if their blood had been sucked dry, their bodies withered, and they also seemed to have been poisoned, their entire bodies turning black.

Yet, despite such bizarre deaths, those followers remained steadfast.

"I fear she has cast some extremely powerful illusion..." Chengkai speculated: "I heard people say that Sutong Immortal is an extremely beautiful woman, whose beauty is comparable to a celestial being."

Illusion? A beauty?

Long Qi couldn't help but think of Liu Yaoyi, so he blurted out: "Even if she is a beauty, can she be more beautiful than Liu Yaoyi of Liangcheng? That is truly wine and beauty, not to mention her peerless illusion techniques..."

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. This sudden cold made him turn his head in a hurry, but he didn't find anything amiss. Yet, he had clearly felt killing intent just now; it could not be fake.

Could it be that Sutong Immortal had cast some spell and was hiding here?

Long Qi hurried to lean into Xin Yi's ear and whispered his guess, but Xin Yi had a half-smiling expression and raised an eyebrow toward Lingxiang.

Following Xin Yi's gaze, Long Qi was shocked: That's right, how could he have forgotten? He had suffered quite a bit earlier for praising Liu Yaoyi!

It was just that Lingxiang didn't seem angry...

But to ease the awkwardness, he quickly changed his tune: "Where there is something abnormal, there must be a demon. Regardless, it is necessary to pay a visit to this Sutong Immortal." As he spoke, he looked at Lingxiang: "Don't you agree?"

Long Qi was just feeling proud of his diversion when he heard a "Yo~" sound, the tone winding and melodious, which made him shudder instantly.

"Others are born with peerless beauty, unlike some people who are like tigresses! Oh my! Also, after all, some people lack what they should have, and are also overbearing and unreasonable; how could they compare to others!"

Lingxiang's words were nonsensical, and the people around were also confused, but Long Qi knew. He couldn't help but mutter to himself: How long ago was this? Why is this woman still holding such a grudge? She is truly petty.

Long Qi coughed twice and said sternly to the confused crowd: "This matter concerns human lives. In my opinion, it is the best policy to go and investigate as soon as possible."

This was indeed true, but just as everyone felt it should be so, they saw Lingxiang sitting on a grand armchair nearby, taking out a handful of pine nuts, crossing her legs, and peeling them with a "crack-crack" sound.

"Since that is the case, then go." Her tone was extremely lazy, as if it had nothing to do with her.

"You... you aren't going?" Long Qi looked surprised.

"Why should I go?" Lingxiang looked as if it were a matter of course. "Everything encountered on this trip down the mountain is for your training. As a dignified sect Elder, why should I participate in your affairs?"

Once these words were spoken, everyone present was stunned, but after they came to their senses and thought about it carefully, these words seemed to make sense...