Chapter 144

Shi Ran's words were like a massive stone thrown into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand waves within the room.

"Qinghe Jun? Shen Lingyue?" Ruan Xinli repeated the name, her expression turning extremely complex, her eyes interwoven with surprise, doubt, and a trace of indescribable subtle emotion. "Is it that Shen Lingyue I know? That... 'Clear River Under the Moon, Peerless Grace' Shen Lingyue?"

Among those at the edge of the clouds named Shen Lingyue, and who could be honored as 'Qinghe Jun', there was likely only that one person. That was a mysterious figure who stirred the four directions, neither wholly righteous nor wholly evil, with countless rumors, and intricate ties to many major sects, yet transcendent and detached from the world.

Qi Chengshuang's brows also knitted tightly. He had also heard of Qinghe Jun Shen Lingyue's title, and some... rumors about his particular fondness for male companionship. How did Shizun become entangled with him, and even stay in his manor to recuperate? The potential risks involved made him instantly vigilant.

"Second Shixiong, Ruan Shijie," Shi Ran saw their expressions change and grew even more anxious and uneasy, struggling to sit up straight. "Shizun was severely injured protecting me... at the critical moment, Qinghe Jun indeed saved Shizun, Da Shixiong, and Wei Shijie, but I accidentally fell for Qianmian's Dao, which led me to Shouji... in any case, Shizun must be very worried about me too, we must go find him as soon as possible! I..."

She dared not imagine, if Shen Lingyue also had ulterior motives, or if something changed with Shizun's injuries...

"Don't panic, we'll go right now!" Ruan Xinli immediately suppressed all her doubts and decided without hesitation. No matter who Shen Lingyue was, saving people came first, especially since it involved Wanshan Jun Ling Xiao; Shizun had said his safety was of utmost importance. "However, Elder Sun said you still need to recuperate, you..."

"I'm going with you!" Shi Ran's tone was resolute; despite her pale face, her gaze was exceptionally stubborn. "I must go! I won't become a burden to you, and... Shizun is still there." Letting her stay alone in the separate courtyard waiting for news, she absolutely could not be at ease.

Qi Chengshuang looked at the faint, heart-palpitating red thread marks on Shi Ran's wrist, then sensed the Silent Extinction death qi still rampaging in his own body and his empty dantian sword yuan, and said in a deep voice: "This trip likely holds unknown risks. My cultivation is now barely one-tenth of what it was; if we encounter a strong enemy, I fear I cannot protect you both fully. Xinli, your cultivation is the highest now, but you must also be cautious."

His words were calm, yet carried a barely perceptible heaviness. Once a sect prodigy, now unable to even protect his fellow disciples — this gap was enough to break one of weaker resolve. But Qi Chengshuang's eyes remained clear and firm, not sinking into despair because of it, only adding a few degrees of prudence.

"I understand." Ruan Xinli nodded. "But Sect Master Ling must be saved. From here to 'Bibo Chuan' where Shen Lingyue's manor is located is still several days' journey. We must make thorough preparations." She pondered a moment, then continued: "Chengshuang, your injuries are unsuited for using spiritual power; I'll have the separate courtyard prepare the fastest spirit steeds and carriage, plus a squad of elite guards. Then send a message back to the sect informing them of our movements, so rescue can arrive in time if something unexpected happens."

Ruan Xinli had grown considerably, and traveling together with Qi Chengshuang had been tempering; she immediately turned and went out to arrange things. The Tianji Sect's separate courtyard in Yunmo City mobilized its forces swiftly.

In less than an hour, everything was ready. A carriage drawn by four divine Taifeng Ju, its compartment engraved with defensive formations, stopped at the separate courtyard gate; ten Tianji Sect guards at mid-to-late Foundation Establishment stood solemnly on both sides. Ruan Xinli had even purchased many healing, spirit-recovery, and one-time defensive and offensive talismans from Wanbao Tower in Yunmo City, distributing them to the three of them and the guard captain.

Elder Sun was invited again to give Shi Ran and Qi Chengshuang a final checkup and simple stabilization. Watching the three about to depart, the old man sighed, handing Ruan Xinli a few fragrant pills: "These are my treasured 'Endless Life Pills'; at a critical moment they may keep a breath hanging on. Be extremely careful on this trip; if anything is amiss, return to Yunmo City immediately."

"Many thanks, Elder Sun." Ruan Xinli accepted them solemnly.

The three boarded the carriage. The interior was quite spacious, laid with soft cushions. Shi Ran's body was still weak; she leaned against the cushions, but her gaze stayed fixed on the window, wishing she could fly to Bibo Chuan at once.

Qi Chengshuang sat with eyes closed, striving to regulate his breath, condensing that wisp of feeble sword intent as much as possible to resist the death qi in his body; a trace of pain occasionally flashed across his pale face. Ruan Xinli sat near the carriage door, her divine sense spread out, vigilant of everything around them.

Amid the guards' escort, the carriage left Yunmo City, speeding southeast toward Bibo Chuan.

The Taifeng Ju traveled a thousand li a day, and the carriage had a light-body formation boosting it; the speed was extremely fast. Scenery outside the window flew backward rapidly, gradually shifting from bustling city walls to desolate mountains and forests with sparse human presence.

Along the way, the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive. All three harbored their own worries; Shi Ran didn't even care whether she was a giant third wheel anymore — her mind was full of Ling Xiao.

Shi Ran's mind kept replaying the scene of parting with Shizun Ling Xiao: his pale face, determined eyes, and that careful "wait for me."

And the terror of that Mr. Shouji — Shi Ran had actually already confirmed Shouji was the gray-robed man, i. e., this book's author; what she didn't understand was how the gray-robed man could have progressed so much in mere days? What panacea did he eat?

And this bizarre red thread on her wrist... the Seven-Color Fire Lotus and Abyssal Demonic Power couldn't even handle it! Letting it dominate alone, even seizing her body and consciousness... too bizarre!

And the seniors living in her sea of consciousness — she couldn't sense any of them at all... except Yun Tingliao, who had already been beaten severely injured, Fantian and the rest seemed to have vanished...

All these messy thoughts intertwined, leaving her heart in chaos; she could only tightly clutch her lapel, forcing herself to calm down.

Qi Chengshuang was silently sensing his body's condition. The Silent Extinction death qi was like a gangrene attached to the bone, constantly eroding his vitality and cultivation. Every attempt to circulate sword yuan invited heart-piercing pain and a backlash of death qi.

But he never gave up; with incomparably tenacious will, he guided that feeble sword intent, like a candle in the wind, bit by bit, excruciatingly slowly grinding away the death qi. This process was painful and long,

yet his resolve was like iron, his eyes never dimming. Only occasionally would he subconsciously stroke the "Yinhun" sword resting on his knees; the blade's light was dim, its connection to him grown weak — this stirred a ripple deep in his heart, but was immediately suppressed by an even firmer intention.

Ruan Xinli, while keeping watch, pondered information about Qinghe Jun Shen Lingyue. This person's disposition was lofty and cold, neither wholly righteous nor wholly evil, cultivation unfathomable; it was said he was already a late Nascent Soul or even peak Nascent Soul powerhouse. His Bibo Chuan manor was utterly inaccessible to ordinary people.

Moreover, thinking of the romantic rumors about Shen Lingyue in the cultivation world, Ruan Xinli couldn't help blushing slightly; rumors said Shen Lingyue especially liked handsome, dashing male cultivators, and whenever he encountered one, he would always... she really shouldn't think further, but couldn't stop a faint unease in her heart.

The journey was not smooth sailing.

On the second afternoon after leaving Yunmo City, when the carriage reached a gorge called "Heifeng Jian", they encountered a group of blind demon beasts — a pack of roughly third-rank Gale Demonic Wolves. They seemed starved; scenting living humans, they charged with red eyes.

The guards reacted swiftly, immediately forming an array to meet the enemy. Sword light flashed, spells roared, and they clashed with the demonic wolves.

Ruan Xinli originally wanted to act, but glancing at Qi Chengshuang meditating inside and the weak Shi Ran, she held back. She stood guard at the carriage door, divine sense locking onto the battlefield, lest any wolf slip through and ambush the carriage.

The sounds of battle and the scent of blood alarmed the two inside. Qi Chengshuang snapped his eyes open, hand subconsciously gripping the Yinhun sword hilt, but then sensed the death qi in his body growing restless due to the external spiritual power fluctuations, and his face paled again.

"These trifles don't need you to act; leave it to the guards." Ruan Xinli said softly in reassurance.

Shi Ran also silently watched the slaughter outside; seeing cultivators and demon beasts battle at such close range, though the scale was small, the blood and cruelty still made her uncomfortable. She subconsciously touched her wrist; the red thread showed no reaction, seemingly uninterested in the outside slaughter.

The battle ended quickly. The guards were well-trained and coordinated; though some suffered minor injuries, they successfully slew all twenty-odd demonic wolves.

This minor episode didn't delay them long; after a brief rest the party continued on. But it also reminded the three that even leaving that Silent Extinction-polluted mountain forest, the outside world was not absolutely safe.

Night fell; the party camped on a leeward slope.

The bonfire crackled, dispelling the night's chill and darkness. The guards took turns standing watch, eyes alert on all surroundings.

Shi Ran ate a little, her spirits slightly better, but still couldn't hide fatigue and worry. She sat by the fire, staring blankly at the leaping flames.

Ruan Xinli walked over and sat beside her, handing her a pot of hot tea: "Don't worry too much; since Qinghe Jun was willing to save your Shizun and Luo Shixiong and Wei Shijie, they should be safe for now. We'll hurry; we'll catch up and meet them soon."

Shi Ran took the teapot, smiling bitterly: "Thanks, Ruan Shijie. I'm just... very afraid. Afraid we'll be too late, Shizun he..." She didn't dare continue.

"Good people have heaven's blessing." Ruan Xinli comforted, though her own heart had no bottom. She glanced at Qi Chengshuang still meditating not far away, and said softly: "Chengshuang he... is very badly hurt. Elder Sun said his sword dao origin is damaged, cultivation plummeted, that Silent Extinction death qi is extremely hard to eradicate."

Hearing this, Shi Ran's gaze toward Qi Chengshuang filled with guilt: "It was all to save me... Second Shixiong he..."

"This was his own choice." Ruan Xinli shook her head. "A sword cultivator's heart: rather break than bend. Since he acted, he won't regret it. Only the road ahead is hard; we need to be even more careful."

Just then, Qi Chengshuang, who had been silently regulating his breath, suddenly let out a muffled groan, black blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. His aura fluctuated violently; that stubborn death qi seemed to have grown active again.

"Second Shixiong!" Shi Ran cried out in alarm.

Ruan Xinli immediately rose, came behind Qi Chengshuang, pressed both palms to his back, and slowly channeled pure gentle spiritual power to help him suppress the rampaging death qi.

After a long while, Qi Chengshuang's breath gradually steadied; he opened his eyes, wiped the blood from his mouth, voice somewhat hoarse: "No harm, a moment's carelessness."

He looked at Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran's worried gazes, paused, then added: "Rest assured, I won't die." Tone still flat, yet carrying a reassuring strength.

Night deepened; the wilderness wind brought distant scents, and also a hidden unease.

At midday on the third day, the carriage entered a vast wetland swamp area; the air was filled with faint water vapor and the scent of rotting vegetation. This was already near Bibo Chuan's territory.

According to the map in Ruan Xinli's hand, Shen Lingyue's manor should be located in some rarely visited spiritually beautiful spot deep in this swamp.

However, the deeper they went, the more quiet the environment became, even eerily so. Even common bird and insect cries were much rarer.

Ruan Xinli's expression grew increasingly grave; she raised a hand signaling the party to slow down, her divine sense spreading forward like a spider web in delicate probing.

"Something's off." She said in a low voice.

Qi Chengshuang also opened his eyes; though his divine sense was damaged and perception range greatly reduced, a sword cultivator's instinct for danger remained. He sensed an extremely faint formation fluctuation and... killing intent from ahead.

The carriage advanced for about the time of an incense stick, passing through a dense reed marsh; the view ahead suddenly opened up, revealing a crystal-clear lake. On the opposite shore, faintly visible were pavilions and towers shrouded in hazy water-mist — like a fairyland; that should be Bibo Chuan's Qinghe Jun Shen Lingyue's manor.

However, on this side of the lake, before the sole white jade stone bridge leading to the opposite shore, a single person stood silently.

The man was dressed entirely in black, his figure tall and lean, his features ordinary, devoid of any expression, like a block of cold stone. He simply stood there, yet seemed to merge with the surrounding environment, exuding a heart-palpitating sense of oppression. His gaze was like two streaks of cold lightning, locking directly onto the approaching carriage.

The guard captain's expression changed, and he immediately raised a hand to halt the procession; everyone instantly entered a state of alert.

Ruan Xinli descended from the carriage, stepped forward a few paces, and cupped her fists: "Ruan Xinli of the Tianji Sect of the Lingmu Realm, escorting fellow disciples of the Fumeng Sect to the Bichuan River to seek an audience with Senior Shen of the Qinghe Lord, having an urgent matter to inquire about; I ask you to please pass on the message."

The black-clothed man's gaze swept over the carriage, his voice dry and cold, without any emotional fluctuation: "The Lord is in secluded cultivation and sees no outside guests. Please return, all of you."

Ruan Xinli's heart sank; as expected, it would not be so easy to gain an audience. She suppressed her impatience and said: "We truly have an urgent matter, concerning the life and death of a Fumeng Sect elder; it is absolutely not a groundless disturbance. I ask you to please show some accommodation."

"The rules are thus; please return." The black-clothed man's tone held not the slightest room for maneuver; the aura emanating from him grew increasingly cold — he was actually a Golden Core late-stage cultivator! And no ordinary Golden Core at that; that condensed, dense killing intent clearly marked him as a veteran of slaughter.

Inside the carriage, Shi Ran heard the exchange, anxiety burning like fire; unable to restrain herself, she poked her head out and shouted: "We are disciples of Lord Wanshan, Ling Xiao! He is recuperating from injuries right in this manor! Let us in!"

Upon hearing the three words "Lord Wanshan," the black-clothed man's eyes seemed to ripple for a moment, but quickly returned to dead silence; he shook his head: "Never heard of it. Final warning, leave this place."