Chapter 146

"This seal can temporarily cut off its connection to the outside world and suppress its activity. But it is not a long-term solution; it is still slowly absorbing your power." Shen Lingyue withdrew her hand, her tone solemn. "If you want to resolve it completely, it ultimately falls to Shouji. Either he dies, and this soul thread, having lost its source, will naturally wither; or... you find a power capable of purifying it at the root, such as the Five Directions Immortal Treasure."

At this moment, light footsteps came from outside the door. The green-clad servant girl who had previously guided them appeared at the doorway, bowing and saying: "Manor Master, Young Master Luo and Miss Wei have heard that fellow disciples have arrived and eagerly wish to see you."

Senior Brother and Senior Sister Wei!

Upon hearing this, Shi Ran and the three others were instantly invigorated.

Shen Lingyue gave a slight nod: "Let them come in."

Not long after, Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu entered, their faces still somewhat pale. Seeing the unconscious Lingxiao, they both looked sorrowful; then, seeing Qiu Chengshuang severely injured and weak, and Shi Ran's wrist seal, they were even more shocked and pained.

"Master! Second Junior Brother! Little Junior Sister!" Luo Changfeng hurried forward, his voice choked: "You... you too..."

Wei Yuzhu also had red-rimmed eyes, walking toward Shi Ran and Ruan Xinli: "Shi Ran! It's wonderful that you're unharmed, Xinli!"

Everyone briefly exchanged their situations since parting, all sighing deeply, hearts heavy. Who would have thought that in such a short time, so many changes would occur?

Shen Lingyue stood aside, listening silently without interruption. Only after everyone's emotions had somewhat settled did he speak again, asking the most crucial question: "Where exactly did you encounter Shouji? What is his current strength? Any abnormalities?"

His tone carried a solemn inquiry. Shouji's resurrection and progress in strength clearly exceeded his expectations.

According to his knowledge, back then the Demon Race was nearly exterminated by the Fuxian Sect, so how could Shouji possibly be resurrected? All of this inexplicably revealed something strange.

Shi Ran then recounted in detail the places the Thousand-Faced had taken her, and Qiu Chengshuang added: "His power is very strange; it seems able to contaminate spiritual energy, erode divine sense, and... I always feel he is very strange, as if he is very familiar with us, even my techniques are very familiar to him. But I am certain that I and Xinli arriving at Piyun Zhiduan was the first time we encountered Shouji."

Shen Lingyue listened, his eyes growing colder: "Indeed... he not only did not die, but likely obtained some great 'supplement,' possibly even... touched that wisp of legendary 'demonic intent.'" He paused, gazing out the window, as if recalling something: "In ancient times, there were demons who mastered annihilation, devoured souls, and were called 'Xu.' Shouji's ambitions are likely far greater than we imagine."

Xu Demon? Everyone heard this name for the first time, but merely from the characters they could feel its terror.

"Senior, what should we do next?" Ruan Xinli asked. We have found Lingxiao, but the crisis is far from over.

Shen Lingyue pondered for a moment, then said: "Lingxiao needs to remain in Bibo Chuan to rest and recover; his soul wound may require the 'Yunshen Flower' to accelerate healing. But this flower only grows deep in the 'Hanxue Valley' of the extreme northern snowlands, where the environment is harsh and powerful demon beasts lurk."

His gaze swept over everyone: "You two girls have decent cultivation; you may try going there—perhaps it is also an opportunity. As for this boy..." He looked at Qiu Chengshuang: "The deathly aura of annihilation clings to you; it is inadvisable to recklessly use spiritual energy. For now, remain in Bibo Chuan, and perhaps... I can transmit to you a method for calming the mind and condensing essence. Though it cannot eradicate the deathly aura, it may help you slightly suppress it and nurture your sword intent."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Chengshuang's eyes flashed with sharp light as he stared at Shen Lingyue. Stay in Bibo Chuan? To be alone with this mysterious powerhouse rumored to have a fondness for male beauty and whose relationship with the master is subtle?

Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran were also stunned, not expecting Shen Lingyue to make such an arrangement.

Shen Lingyue seemed to see through Qiu Chengshuang's thoughts, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly, neither smiling nor not: "How so? Afraid I will eat you?"

Qiu Chengshuang fell silent for a moment, suppressing the various doubts and innate resistance in his heart, then bowed again, his voice firm: "Junior dare not. Thank you, Senior... for bestowing the method!"

At present, restoring strength and suppressing the deathly aura are paramount. Regardless of the other party's intentions, this may be an opportunity. The heart of a sword cultivator knows no fear or dread, but also lacks not the wisdom to weigh circumstances.

Shen Lingyue seemed satisfied with his answer, nodding: "Very well. Do not delay; you two girls prepare and set out immediately for Hanxue Valley. Bibo Chuan will provide you with maps and necessary cold-attribute protective artifacts."

He then looked at Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu: "You two are still injured; for now, remain and rest, and you may also assist in watching over Lingxiao."

The arrangements made, an invisible sense of urgency descended.

Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran knew that finding the Yunshen Flower was of utmost importance, so they dared not delay, immediately beginning preparations with the help of the servant girl.

Qiu Chengshuang was then summoned by Shen Lingyue alone to another quiet chamber.

In the quiet chamber, Shen Lingyue dismissed the attendants, leaving only the two of them. He looked at the young sword cultivator before him, who, despite severe injury, still had a straight spine and bright eyes, and suddenly asked: "Do you know why Lingxiao had you obey the former sect master's marriage contract?!"

Qiu Chengshuang jerked his head up, a flash of astonishment in his eyes.

Actually, after returning from the Lianhua Secret Realm, the master had once called him for a late-night private talk about the marriage contract. In fact, when the Floating Dream Sect was first established, the old sect master had joked with the Tianji Sect about this marriage contract. However, the old sect master was alone and had no one to fulfill it, so he did not keep it. When Lingxiao became sect master... if nothing unexpected happened, he also did not intend to agree to this marriage contract. Then, one must be chosen from the four of us—Feng, Shuang, Yu, and Xue.

He is that chosen one.

But this matter, aside from the master and Feng Yingzunzhang, no one knows—not even Xinli.

Shen Lingyue's words were like another boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirring new ripples in his heart: Shouji's conspiracy, his own predicament, the secret of the marriage contract... and Xinli, who seems to have her own obsession... all these intertwined, foretelling that Bibo Chuan's temporary respite is not the end of turmoil, but the beginning of a greater vortex.

In the quiet chamber, sandalwood incense curled, yet could not dispel the invisible heaviness.

Qiu Chengshuang was shaken by Shen Lingyue's sudden question; he indeed did not know. That marriage contract existed even before he entered the master's door; the master only said it was a sect master's agreement, that he had been favored, and that obeying the master's command was sufficient.

He had always respected the master; though he found this matter abrupt, he had never probed deeply. Now, raised by this Qinghe Jun, it is clear the truth is far from being mere "child's play."

He suppressed his surging thoughts, met Shen Lingyue's gaze that seemed able to see into hearts, and spoke frankly: "Junior does not know. I only know it was an agreement between my ancestral master and the former sect master of the Tianji Sect; as a disciple, I ought to obey the master's command."

Shen Lingyue gave a light laugh, the sound revealing neither joy nor anger, he paced to the window, gazing at the year-round undispersing clouds and mist, his tone drifting: "Master's command? Lingxiao appears cold-hearted, but is actually most protective of the old and nostalgic. He bound this marriage contract to you; rather than saying he follows the former sect master's last wish, it is more like... he is seeking a refuge for you, or leaving you a thread of life."

"A thread of life?" Qiu Chengshuang sharply caught this word, linking it to the deathly aura within him: "Senior, what do you mean by this?"

"You bear a rare sword bone, a naturally born sword dao seed, but it is brittle when strong, and easily damaged when wise." Shen Lingyue turned, his eyes like cold lightning sweeping over Qiu Chengshuang: "Your sword dao is overly pure and fierce; once encountering a setback far beyond your limits, your dao heart is damaged, your sword essence backfires, and the consequences are a hundred times worse than for ordinary cultivators. The deathly aura of annihilation is merely the fuse igniting all this. Lingxiao... perhaps he had long vaguely seen this calamity in your fate."

Qiu Chengshuang said nothing, but his heart was like stormy waves. The master... had actually anticipated this long ago?

No wonder... when he came to Piyun Zhiduan, though the master did not speak plainly, he let out a long sigh.

"As for that marriage contract," Shen Lingyue's tone paused slightly, carrying an indescribable meaning, "why is the object precisely that girl Ruan Xinli? The Tianji Sect's techniques are neutral and harmonious, especially adept at nurturing the heart and mind, balancing yin and yang. She inherits from Feng Ying, practicing the medical path; ordinary injuries are tolerable, but only her 'Clear-Minded Dao Heart' is one in ten thousand; if cultivated to a high level, her spiritual energy naturally calms agitation and purifies impurity. For you, it is an excellent aid to stabilize the sword heart and counteract backlash."

Ah, so that's it! Qiu Chengshuang suddenly understood. This is not a simple sect marriage alliance; the master is paving a path for him! A warm current and deeper bitterness surged in his heart. The master had thought of him to this extent, yet he...

"Of course, this is merely one of my guesses." Shen Lingyue shifted tone, a hint of playfulness flashing in his eyes: "Or perhaps, that blockhead Lingxiao had other considerations—who knows."

He no longer continued this topic; his fingertips condensed a point of clear radiance, and suddenly pointed at Qiu Chengshuang's brow: "Calm the mind, condense the spirit, carefully perceive this method!"

Qiu Chengshuang felt a cool, vast stream of information surge into his sea of consciousness, transforming into a profound and complex method—the *Bihai Chaosheng Nongxin Jue*. This method is not for attack, nor for healing, but focuses on condensing the power of the soul and spirit, harmonizing internal energy, seeking the effect of the Sea God's Needle amidst waves, especially effective for stabilizing agitated and unstable power. Exactly what he needs now!

He immediately gathered all distracting thoughts, immersed himself in the profound method, trying to understand and operate it. However, as soon as he attempted to mobilize the residual sword essence in his body to cooperate, the dormant deathly aura instantly surged like a provoked poisonous snake, violently counterattacking, sharp pain transmitting, making his face instantly turn as white as paper, he let out a muffled groan, and his body swayed.

"Tsk." Shen Lingyue seemed to have expected this; his form flashed and he was already behind him, lightly pressing a palm on his back: "To cultivate this method, first suppress the deathly aura. Endure!"

A vast power like the sea, yet extremely yin-cold and pure, instantly surged into Qiu Chengshuang's body. This power is utterly different from the yang-strong sword essence he cultivates—ice-cold and piercing to the bone, yet not destructive; rather, it carries a powerful binding and suppressing force, as deep as a ten-thousand-zhang abyss, as firm as a thousand-year-old black ice, unmelting.

The rampant deathly aura encountering this power actually met its nemesis; though still violently struggling, it was layer by layer wrapped and suppressed by this yin-cold spiritual power, its invasive and erosive speed noticeably slowed.

Qiu Chengshuang gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead, cold sweat trickling. The two extreme powers clashed within his body, bringing pain beyond words, but he could clearly feel that the deathly aura, which had ceaselessly devoured his vitality, was for the first time truly and effectively confined within a certain range!

He dared not delay; immediately following the *Bihai Chaosheng Nongxin Jue*, he guided the temporarily suppressed deathly aura, attempting to incorporate it into the method's operational trajectory, using the principle of tidal rise and fall to guide and bind it. The process remained agonizingly painful, each flow of spiritual power like dancing on a blade's edge, but for him, whose control over sword intent is extremely exquisite, he gradually grasped a hint of the way.

After an unknown time, Qiu Chengshuang slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of cold-tinged turbid air. Though his face remained pale and deathly aura still lingered in his body, the constant, maddening erosive pain had lessened by more than half, and a long-lost, faint sense of bodily control returned.

He rose, bowed deeply to Shen Lingyue, this time with sincere heart: "Thank you, Senior, for bestowing the method and your kindness!" This method is undoubtedly a timely aid for him.

Shen Lingyue withdrew his hand, lazily sitting back in his chair, as if what he had just done was merely a trivial matter: "You must diligently practice this method, combined with my spiritual power suppression, and in the short term you can keep the deathly aura from worsening. But eradication still requires external seeking. As for how much sword intent you can nurture through this, it depends on your own fortune."

His gaze fell on Qiu Chengshuang's still dim dantian qi sea, and he said lightly: "Adversity may not be without the chance of rebirth. The sword may break, but the heart does not, and then there is a day of reforging. Even... possibly surpassing the past."

Qiu Chengshuang's eyes focused, his heart seemed to grasp something, and he bowed again: "Junior will keep the senior's teachings in mind."

……

On the other side, Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran had already finished preparations. The maids of Bibo River provided them with a detailed map of the Far North Snow Region, marking the general direction of Bingxian Valley, as well as two ice-blue jade pendants; wearing them on the body would emit a gentle chill to ward off the bitter cold.

Before departure, the two went to see the unconscious Ling Xiao once more. Ling Xiao's complexion was still pale, but his breathing had stabilized under Shen Lingyue's spell, only a layer of lingering weakness shrouded the space between his brows.

"Master, you must wait for us to return." Shi Ran held Ling Xiao's slightly cool hand; a thousand words seemed to be contained in this one sentence.

Ruan Xinli patted Shi Ran: "Don't worry, we'll retrieve the Soul-Nurturing Flower soon, Ling... mm, everything will be fine!"

The two then went to bid farewell to Luo Changfeng and Wei Yuzhu. The two tried to persuade Shi Ran to let them come along, but were ruthlessly refused by Shi Ran.

"Senior Brother, Senior Sister Wei, Second Senior Brother and... Master, I entrust them to your care!" Shi Ran said solemnly.

Wei Yuzhu could only nod: "Rest assured, rest assured, we'll do our best." She winked at Shi Ran: "You don't worry either, I'll act as your eyes!"

Shi Ran was speechless, the corners of her mouth twitching symbolically; come on, Master is unconscious, even if Shen Lingyue wants to bring their feelings closer, this timing isn't appropriate, right!

Luo Changfeng coughed once, steering the topic back: "That, this journey of yours is perilous, you must be extremely careful!"

He knew Shi Ran wouldn't listen, so he simply addressed Ruan Xinli with instructions: "The Far North Snow Region's environment is harsh, demon beasts are fierce, and there are many strange illusions; you must prioritize safety, if things cannot be done, retreat first and plan for the long term."

"Okay! We understand."

Bidding farewell to everyone, Ruan Xinli and Shi Ran, led by a maid, passed through a short-distance teleportation array inside Bibo River, leaving this lake-heart immortal realm.

After a wave of spatial fluctuation, bone-piercing cold wind instantly rushed at them carrying ice and snow, making the two shudder violently. As far as the eye could see, heaven and earth were a vast white expanse; continuous snow hills and towering ice peaks stood tall, wild winds howled, rolling up thousands of piles of snow foam, visibility extremely low. Bone-deep chill penetrated everywhere; even with the protective jade pendants, they could still feel that coldness seemingly capable of freezing the soul.