Chapter 133

The transmission array's blinding light that devoured everything finally gradually faded, like a receding tide, revealing the sand that had been covered. Shi Ran only felt that in that instant, she seemed to have forcibly pierced through a layer of icy, viscous invisible water curtain; her ears still retained the sharp buzzing produced by the violent twisting and tearing of space, as well as the lingering roar of the Silver Wolf Guard mixed with shock, anger, and unwillingness, which vibrated her eardrums painfully. The brief sensation of weightlessness made her stomach churn, but fortunately her feet soon touched solid ground—although this ground seemed to carry a faint, barely perceptible tremor, like the aftereffects of some huge device operating.

The white light before her eyes completely faded, and her vision gradually cleared.

She discovered she was standing in the center of an extremely spacious, ancient blue stone hall. The hall loomed high, and on the thick beams and pillars supporting the dome were carved ancient birds, beasts, and cloud patterns, exuding an air of ancient majesty. The air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance that calmed the mind, but even stronger was the peculiar slightly astringent sensation unique to the circulation of spiritual energy, like an electric current passing through fresh air after rain, making her exposed skin tingle slightly.

Beneath her feet was a large transmission platform engraved with countless intricate and profound runes; on the jade-stone floor, the residual spiritual light in those grooves still drifted like water. Around the platform stood eight stone pillars thick enough to require two people to encircle, each carved with ferocious, majestic coiling dragons whose mouths were slightly open, as if spiritual light had once spewed from them. At this moment, several cultivators dressed in uniform cyan-white Daoist robes with embroidered cloud patterns on the cuffs were guarding the platform's perimeter. Their originally solemn and vigilant expressions had all turned into undisguised surprise and astonishment, their eyes fixed in unison on these four suddenly appearing, disheveled intruders.

Cough cough cough…

A heart-rending cough came from beside her, instantly drawing all of Shi Ran's attention. It was Ling Xiao! He almost pressed his entire weight onto her shoulder, his complexion pallid to the point of near-transparency, like the finest porcelain, fragile enough to shatter at a touch.

Blood traces lingered at his lips and fresh blood seeped out, standing out starkly against his fair skin. Earlier, to grab her as she was flung away at the critical moment, he had evidently unleashed all his remaining spiritual power without reserve, fully agitating the severe, dreadful injury within his body.

"Master!" Shi Ran and Luo Changfeng on the other side exclaimed in unison, gripping him more firmly to keep him from collapsing. Wei Yuzhu also stepped forward immediately, nervously protecting his other side.

"No problem…" Ling Xiao's voice was as thin as a silk thread, so faint it seemed about to dissipate into the air, yet he forced himself to speak, trying to straighten his body. His eyes, usually calm as a deep pool, though dim, still sharply scanned the surroundings, his brows slightly furrowed with a hint of uncertainty and deep fatigue: "This place is… the transmission hub of the Human Realm Demon-Suppressing Pass? But this aura…"

His words trailed off, a flash of quick doubt crossing his eyes. No, the spiritual energy fluctuations, architectural style, and even the details of the guards' attire here are completely different from the Demon-Suppressing Pass in the Spirit Realm that is mainly defended by the Pure Sound Realm! The guards' uniforms in their Spirit Realm Demon-Suppressing Pass are predominantly dark black and gold, with a stricter, more austere style.

He was about to focus and inquire further when a cultivator who appeared to be the team leader stepped forward. This person had a sharp, capable face, eyes keen as an eagle, and his hand constantly rested on a lustrous jade pendant at his waist—clearly a defensive or communicative magical item of considerable grade. He openly scrutinized their party of four:

One was gravely injured, on the verge of death, his breath faint; another (Shi Ran) had an unstable, strange aura all over, faintly revealing an indescribable agitation; the other two gripped their swords, on guard, their bodies still exuding the bitter cold and frost traces of having just escaped a slaughter on an icy snowy battlefield.

"Who are you? Where do you come from? How dare you privately activate this ancient formation that connects our side with the Pure Sound Realm?!" the team leader cultivator shouted sternly, his tone full of vigilance and an unquestionable interrogative tone.

As he spoke, the other guards around quietly shifted their steps, their magical implements faintly glowing with spiritual light, vaguely forming a threatening encirclement that trapped the four of them at the platform's center. Evidently, their near 'airdrop' manner of appearance, together with their disheveled state, was far too abrupt and suspicious to resemble a normal visiting transmission.

The transmission array for some unknown reason actually sent the four of them to this unfamiliar 'Other Clouds' End'! The four quickly exchanged glances, each filled with astonishment and uncertainty.

Luo Changfeng took a deep breath, about to step forward and, following convention, reveal his identity to negotiate. No matter what, Sect Master Ling Xiao of the Floating Dream Sect enjoyed great renown in the cultivation world; his title alone should be enough to dispel the misunderstanding.

However, just as he began to move, Ling Xiao gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head, stopping him with his gaze. Ling Xiao himself drew a deep breath; that action seemed to exhaust all his strength, his chest heaving violently a few times before he could barely raise his voice. Though weak, his tone still retained a clear, composed dignity:

I, Ling Xiao, sect master of the Floating Dream Sect in the Brahma Sound Realm, led my disciples through the Northern Border of the Demon Realm when we unfortunately encountered a powerful demon beast's pursuit; having no choice, I forcibly activated a deserted ancient formation to teleport, intending to return to the Human Realm for refuge, but the long-neglected formation deviated and sent us straight to your esteemed land—any disturbance caused is truly unintentional; I hope fellow Daoists will forgive.

He clearly stated his name and reason; meanwhile, beneath his wide sleeves, his hand swiftly tucked away the demon emperor's order engraved with the Black Bird pattern, a matter of great importance, leaving not a trace.

"Brahma Sound Realm? The Floating Dream Sect, one of the Seven Sects? Sect Master Ling Xiao?" The leading cultivator heard this and froze; instead of showing relief, his suspicion grew heavier. He sized up Ling Xiao from head to toe, his gaze lingering especially on Ling Xiao's paper‑pale face, beaded with cold sweat, and the large, striking bloodstains on his robes.

"The name of Mountain‑Moving Lord Ling Xiao is naturally known to us like thunder in the ears. But according to what we know, Mountain‑Moving Lord Ling Xiao has long been in secluded cultivation on Floating Dream Mountain, contemplating the Great Dao, and…" His tone took on obvious doubt: "…and his cultivation is profound; he should already be a mighty Nascent Soul expert—how could he… how could he be so gravely wounded? Even his breath is so feeble! Who exactly are you, daring to impersonate Mountain‑Moving Lord Ling Xiao? Speak the truth at once!"

The atmosphere instantly became extremely tense!

The guard cultivators hesitated no longer, all brandishing their swords and weapons, spirit light flashing; their icy, murderous aura locked onto the four on the platform without courtesy, ready to strike at the slightest disagreement.

Wei Yuzhu had never suffered such questioning and threats; her pretty face turned white, her brows knit in anger: "You! Blind as a bat!"

Luo Changfeng's face darkened further; he stepped forward sharply, though his long sword remained sheathed, a stern, pure sword intent burst forth, twisting the air before him slightly: "Impudent! My master is here—how can you tolerate such rude questioning?"

Ling Xiao's face showed a faint, helpless smile; he seemed not surprised by the situation. Given his current sorry, fragile state, it was indeed hard to believe he was the renowned Mountain‑Moving Lord of the Spirit Realm. He was about to speak again, trying to produce some token to prove himself, but the surge of qi and blood in his chest could no longer be contained; a violent coughing fit shook him, his body swayed, his vision darkened, and he nearly collapsed.

"Master!" Shi Ran panicked, barely mustering all her strength to keep him from sliding down. Overwhelming anxiety and anger churned in her heart; the strange red thread around her wrist suddenly turned scorching hot, and a faint, extremely fine scarlet light flashed in the depths of her amber eyes.

Devour them! Tear to pieces all these road‑blocking, noisy fools—leave none alive!

An icy, murderous thought erupted in her heart without warning, filled with tempting and brutal killing intent. Shi Ran's body stiffened; she bit hard on her lower lip, so hard she tasted a faint tang of blood. She forcibly suppressed that terrible thought, and a sheen of cold sweat broke out on her back.

Damn this red thread! It's begun to bewitch her mind more directly!

Just as the conflict was about to erupt, the instant Luo Changfeng's sword was about to be drawn, a gentle yet unquestionably authoritative voice sounded from the carved wooden door at one side of the main hall:

"What is all this clamor? What propriety is this?"

Everyone turned toward the sound and saw a middle‑aged cultivator clad in deep‑blue auspicious‑cloud Daoist robes, wearing a jade‑lotus crown, his bearing refined and handsome, walking slowly from the side hall. His demeanor was dignified, his steps steady, clearly marking him as someone of distinction. His gaze, gentle yet piercing, swept over the crowd; when he saw Ling Xiao, half‑conscious and blood‑soaked, supported by Shi Ran and Luo Changfeng, his composure froze instantly, his pupils contracted, and his face filled with utter shock and disbelief.

"Mountain‑Moving… Lord, Ling… Ling Xiao, senior brother?! Is it really you?!" He exclaimed, unable to keep his composure, striding forward quickly, almost ignoring the tense guards who were about to explain, and rushed straight to Ling Xiao's side, his voice trembling with the joy of reuniting with an old friend and the shock at seeing him in such a wretched state.

"Ten… ten years since we parted in Tianque City, I had still been thinking that when I had leisure I would certainly go to Floating Dream Mountain in the Brahma Sound Realm to seek you out for discussion and sparring; I never imagined… never imagined we would meet again under such circumstances! You… how did you end up like this?! What exactly happened?"

Ling Xiao's unfocused gaze sharpened, he made out the visitor's face, the tension on his features finally easing a little, revealing a genuine smile tinged with fatigue and helplessness: "Clear River Lord… Shen Lingyue… fellow Daoist, long… no see. This matter… is a long story, hard to sum up in a few words…"

The visitor was none other than one of the overseers of the transmission hub at the edge of Bi Yun, also an elder of the Fu Xian Sword Sect, one of the three great sword sects of Bi Yun, whose dao name is Clear River Lord—Shen Lingyue. He and Ling Xiao had been old friends for many years, belonging to different realms yet sharing a deep bond.

Shen Lingyue instantly noticed Ling Xiao's extremely grave injury, his face changing color; he hurried forward to support Ling Xiao's other arm, and at the same time shouted at the guards who were still unsure: "Quickly put away your weapons! Stand down! There is no doubt this is the Sect Master Ling Xiao of the Floating Dream Sect in the Brahma Sound Realm, the Mountain‑Moving Lord! You truly… fail to recognize Mount Tai! Hurry, immediately open the finest quiet chamber in the eastern side hall and fetch my treasured bottle of Nine‑Cycle Jade‑Returning Pill! Quickly!"

The guards stared at one another, faces showing panic and dread; they hastily put away their weapons and saluted, daring not to delay, and immediately acted on his orders—some ran to open the quiet chamber's door, others sprinted to fetch the medicine.

The tense danger seemed to ease for a moment; the breath Shi Ran had been holding released suddenly, and she felt her legs go weak. At the same time, she sensed her master's weight pressing down even more, almost entirely onto her and Shen Lingyue.

"Mountain‑Moving Lord, how… how could you be wounded so severely? Simply…" Shen Lingyue, while supporting Ling Xiao together with Shi Ran and hurrying toward the side hall, asked anxiously, his voice full of worry. His doubtful gaze swept over Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu following behind, then lingered for a moment on the faint, ominous‑aura red thread around Shi Ran's wrist, a flicker of barely perceptible suspicion flashing in his eyes.

"It… it's my disciples…" Ling Xiao's voice grew weaker, his breathing ever more labored; each inhalation felt like it was tugging at the wound in his organs: "In the Northern Border of the Demon Realm… we ran into some serious trouble… it was…"

Before he could finish, his body shuddered and he coughed up a large mouthful of dark‑red blood tinged with fine ice crystals, which soaked Shen Lingyue's azure Daoist robe, spreading a shocking dark stain. His eyes slowly closed, the last vestige of his tenacious consciousness finally dissipating, and his head slumped limp.

"Master!" "Senior brother!"

Several people, panicked, gently laid him on the white‑jade bed in the center of the quiet chamber, which exuded warm, moist spiritual energy. Shen Lingyue immediately sat beside the bed, joined his fingers, poured pure, gentle water‑type spiritual power, and lightly pressed it onto several major acupoints on Ling Xiao's forehead and chest, first protecting his fading heart meridian, then quickly took out the white‑jade vial, tipped out two longan‑sized, fragrant spirit pills, and carefully fed them to him. Yet as his spiritual power probed deeper, his face grew ever graver, his brows locked tight.

"His soul and spirit are gravely damaged, his elemental palace shaken, on the verge of collapse, his meridians ruptured in many places, and furthermore a sinister, icy, demonic power lodges in his five viscera and six bowels, constantly eroding his vitality…" With each sentence Shen Lingyue's voice sank lower, until his face was as still as water: "Senior Brother Ling Xiao… just what terrifying foe could have reduced him to this state?"

Luo Changfeng, suppressing grief and anger, briefly recounted how they had been pursued in the northern border by the demon general Bo Chen leading his forces, and how they had fought that desperate battle, deliberately omitting the specific details concerning the demon emperor's order and the red thread on Shi Ran's wrist, saying only that they had escaped by relying on their master's forced eruption of potential and a secret treasure.

Clear River Lord Shen Lingyue sucked in a cold breath after hearing this, his face full of alarm: "Demon general Bo Chen?! He himself took the field! I have often heard of his fearsome reputation even at the edge of Bi Yun—he is one of the demon emperor's top commanders, ruling the northern ice plains! For Mountain‑Moving Lord to bring you three out of his grasp intact… this… this is simply an unimaginable miracle!" His gaze then fell again on Shi Ran, standing aside, face ashen, clutching her wrist tightly, the probing intent unmistakable: "This junior niece of yours… seems to be in quite an odd state? The energy fluctuations within her…"

Shi Ran's heart jumped violently; she instinctively hid her wrist behind her back and lowered her head.

Just then, a soft "thud‑thud‑thud" sounded as the quiet chamber's door was gently knocked. A disciple's respectful voice came from outside: "Reporting to Uncle Shen Lingyue, Inspector Zixi Zhenren has arrived, saying he sensed the abnormal activation of the ancient formation, with intense and unusual energy fluctuations, and has come specially to inquire about the details."