Chapter 190

After returning to the Floating Dream Sect, the three did not rest but went straight to the Patrol Heaven Bureau sub-division located on the eastern side of the main peak.

The architectural style of the Patrol Heaven Bureau differed greatly from other halls of the Floating Dream Sect; the entire structure was built from massive stones of profound black and azure-green, with cold, hard, and straight lines, and bronze bells hung from the eaves, ringing without wind, emitting a clear and distant sound, as if constantly warning of the four directions' evil spirits. No disciples guarded the gate; only two slightly weathered ancient stone beasts stood there, their eyes inlaid with rare "Illuminating Evil Jade," faintly glowing with spiritual light.

Gu Yusheng stepped forward and placed the three Patrol Heaven Tokens simultaneously into the depression beneath the right stone beast's foot. The stone beasts' eyes flashed with spiritual light, scanning the three, and the heavy stone door slid open silently, revealing a wide downward passage, with walls inlaid with luminous pearls emitting a soft white light on both sides.

Upon entering, they found an extraordinarily tall and spacious hall. The ceiling was painted with a chart of the heavenly constellations, the positions of the stars seemingly still slowly moving, corresponding to the true celestial phenomena outside. The floor was a single slab of giant green jade, polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the starlight from the ceiling. Figures within the hall were sparse, most hurrying about with solemn and concentrated auras; the lowest cultivation level was Foundation Establishment, and occasionally the aura of a Golden Core cultivator would flash by, inspiring awe.

Directly ahead was a row of curved jade platforms, behind which sat several cultivators dressed in the standard black robes of the Patrol Heaven Bureau, handling affairs or perusing documents. Gu Yusheng approached one of the stern-faced middle-aged cultivators, presented the Patrol Heaven Token, and said in a deep voice: "Gu Yusheng, Mei Ruoxue, and Shi Ran of the Floating Dream Sect report completion of the Bing-medium task 'Yunmze Ghost-Crying Gully Sunken Ship Incident,' but the situation is abnormal and requires urgent reporting."

The middle-aged cultivator took the token, scanned it with his divine sense, confirmed the task status was marked as "Completed," and upon hearing the words "abnormal situation," his expression turned serious: "Speak in detail."

Gu Yusheng spoke clearly and systematically, explaining the discovery of demonized beasts, underwater evil formations, spatial rifts, and suspected human arrangements one by one. Mei Ruoxue supplemented the characteristics and battle details of the demonized beasts, while Shi Ran described the spatial disturbance sensed by the Patrol Heaven Token and the final repair process.

As the narration continued, the middle-aged cultivator's face grew increasingly grave. Upon hearing keywords such as "spatial rift," "demonic abyss aura permeation," and "human evil formation," he immediately stood up: "This matter is no small affair, exceeding the scope of Bing-level tasks. Please follow me, all three of you."

He led the three through a side door of the hall, past several corridors, to a more secluded quiet room. The room's furnishings were simple, only a jade table and a few futons, but the walls were covered with hidden reinforcing and soundproofing spiritual patterns. The middle-aged cultivator took out an octagonal bronze mirror, input several hand seals, and the mirror lit up, projecting a phantom of an old man with white hair and beard but eyes bright and clear like stars.

"What matter has startled the 'Source-Tracing Mirror'?" the old man's voice was calm yet carried authority.

"Chief Qin, the three newly appointed Patrol Heaven Envoys of the Floating Dream Sect have completed the Bing-medium task at Yunmze, but the reported information involves evil formations stabilizing spatial rifts, continuous demonic abyss aura permeation, and high human suspicion, suspected to be linked to other recent abnormal incidents; your subordinate judges that direct reporting is necessary." The middle-aged cultivator bowed and reported.

The old man called Chief Qin turned his gaze toward Gu Yusheng and the three, his eyes lingering on Shi Ran for a moment, as if sensing her still-unsettled unique aura belonging to the Patrol Heaven Token. "Relay your observations and the spiritual power imprints from battle through the Source-Tracing Mirror."

Gu Yusheng complied, injecting a thread of divine sense containing fragments of mission memories into the Patrol Heaven Token, then transmitting it to the old man's phantom via the auxiliary mirror held by the middle-aged cultivator. Mei Ruoxue and Shi Ran did the same.

The old man closed his eyes briefly, as if quickly browsing the information. When he opened them again, his pupils held sharp light: "The evil formation structure……a variant of the 'Reverse Abyss Soul-Seizing Reincarnation Formation.' Though simplified, the core rune progression is consistent. The method of maintaining the spatial rift also bears three-tenths similarity to the residual records of the 'Broken Void Valley' incident in the Southern Wastelands thirty-seven years ago. The method of catalyzing demonized beasts……leans toward the crude application of the 'Flesh-Magic Evolution' lineage."

With each sentence he spoke, Gu Yusheng and the three felt their hearts sink. Most of these terms were unheard of by them, but hearing them made it clear they were not isolated coincidences.

"You have done well, especially in the final repair of the spatial rift; though your method was immature, the intention was pure and effectively prevented secondary disasters." Chief Qin looked at Shi Ran, gave a slight nod, then turned solemn: "This matter has been officially upgraded to a Bing-upper-level investigation incident, code-named 'Zewu.' Your task contribution points will be calculated according to Bing-lower-level standards, and you will additionally receive the award 'Forewarning Merit.' Next, the Bureau will dispatch stewards proficient in formation and spatial arts to the Yunmze ruins for detailed inspection and expand the inspection scope."

He paused briefly, then said: "That you three encountered such a matter on your first official task shows that the demonic abyss infiltration trend cannot be ignored. By convention, newly appointed Patrol Heaven Envoys have a period of independent training after completing their first task. But given the current situation, and the abilities and cooperation you displayed in this incident, the Bureau suggests——of course, only a suggestion——that you consider forming a fixed team to continue investigating related clues. Relevant information permissions will be partially opened to you, and future task selection will also be biased. Of course, risks will also increase."

Gu Yusheng, Mei Ruoxue, and Shi Ran exchanged glances, each seeing determination in the others' eyes. The demonic abyss matter, like dark clouds gathering, since they had already been drawn into the gate, they must investigate it thoroughly—this too is a trial and responsibility on the path of cultivation.

"Disciples wish to continue the investigation." Gu Yusheng spoke for the three, clasping his hands in response.

"Good." Chief Qin's phantom nodded, "Related information and suggested tasks will be transmitted to your tokens later. Diligently cultivate, act with caution. Remember, the duty of a Patrol Heaven Envoy lies in insight, warning, and restraint, not in blindly showing off strength. Preserve a useful body, so as to long protect order." His voice faded, and the phantom dissipated.

The middle-aged cultivator's attitude toward the three became noticeably more courteous: "Three, contribution points and rewards have been recorded in your tokens. The Bing-lower-level task 'Zewu' base contribution points are two thousand, the forewarning and detailed information provision reward is eight hundred, totaling two thousand eight hundred points, to be evenly divided among your tokens. Additionally, the Bureau grants an extra reward of 'Clear Heart Tranquil Soul Pill,' one each, which can help stabilize the divine soul and resist evil spirit disturbance." He took out three small jade bottles and handed them to the three.

After leaving the Patrol Heaven Bureau and returning to Gu Yusheng's cave dwelling, the three finally relaxed and tallied their gains and losses.

Contribution points are valuable, exchangeable within the Patrol Heaven Bureau for cultivation methods, pills, magical treasures, information, etc.; two thousand eight hundred points divided equally, each person has nearly a thousand points, a considerable harvest. The Clear Heart Tranquil Soul Pill is even better, capable of preserving the divine soul at critical moments and resisting evil spirit intrusion.

But the greater harvest is the tempering from actual combat, the intuitive understanding of the demonic abyss threat, and the initial rapport established among the three.

"Chief Qin mentioned the 'Reverse Abyss Soul-Seizing Reincarnation Formation,' the 'Broken Void Valley incident,' and the 'Flesh-Magic Evolution'; we currently lack the permission to query detailed information on these." Gu Yusheng pondered, "However, his suggestion that we form a fixed team and tilt tasks means that the tasks we encounter next will likely all be related to demonic abyss infiltration."

"Exactly what we want." Mei Ruoxue said in a clear, cold tone, "Fighting demonic beasts is better than the meaningless wrangling within the sect."

Shi Ran gripped her Patrol Heaven Token: "My token……seems to have changed again." She focused her mind, and the token appeared; its starlight seemed more solid, and she faintly felt that, besides its original sensing, purifying, and protective abilities, there was an additional extremely faint ability to trace 'spatial coordinates' and 'abnormal trajectories,' perhaps a feedback from repairing that rift.

"It seems this journey benefited you the most." Gu Yusheng smiled, then turned serious: "Since we have decided to form a team, we need clearer division of labor to improve coordination. I excel in sword formations, capable of both attack and defense, responsible for frontal containment and field control. Mei Ruoxue's Profound Ice Arts have strong killing power and can widely alter the environment, suitable for assaulting strongholds and restriction. Shi Ran's Patrol Heaven Token ability is unique, especially effective against evil spirits, and can handle spiritual and spatial abnormalities; she should take a central supporting role, balancing protection and dispelling evil."

Mei Ruoxue and Shi Ran nodded in agreement. After the battle at Ghost-Crying Gully, this division of labor is indeed the most reasonable and efficient.

"For the next period, we will each digest what we gained this time, consolidate our cultivation, and use contribution points to exchange for needed materials." Gu Yusheng continued planning, "I need to integrate the insight on 'change and constancy' from the 'Bright Moon Sword Canon' into my sword formation, making it more agile and stable. Mei Ruoxue's Profound Ice True Solution seems to have advanced further. Shi Ran needs to familiarize herself with the new abilities of the Patrol Heaven Token. In one month, we will regroup and take on new tasks."

In the following month, the Floating Dream Sect was relatively peaceful, but the three lived exceptionally fulfilling lives.

Gu Yusheng closed his cultivation for seven days, combining insights from the Enlightenment Pavilion with real-world experience from Yunmze; his sword intent became ever more rounded. The phantom of the bright moon between the vast sea and desert in his sea of consciousness continuously evolved, finally condensing into a crystalline "Sword Intent Seed," merging into his natal flying sword. After emerging from seclusion, he practiced sword formations; the moonlight sword shadows were no longer mere light and shadow, but carried the conception of virtual-real transformation and endless circulation, power greatly increased. He used part of his contribution points to exchange for a fragment of the 'Lesser Heavenly Stars and Dipper Sword Formation Detailed Explanation'; though incomplete, it provided considerable inspiration for perfecting his own sword formation.

Mei Ruoxue then deeply tempered her Profound Ice spiritual power. She realized that the thread of warmth she sensed beneath the ice-sealed lake heart was actually the embryonic form of the profound 'yin extremes yang birth.' She continuously refined her cold energy, attempting to nurture a thread of life force within extreme cold; this was not for healing, but to make her Profound Ice power more penetrating and enduring, even capable of eroding and dissolving the enemy's vital source. She also exchanged for some rare water- and ice-attribute spiritual materials to assist her tempering.

Shi Ran spent most of her time researching the Patrol Heaven Token. As her spiritual power and mind were nourished, the token's feedback increased. Besides keen perception of evil spirits and chaotic auras, the newly born 'tracing' ability gradually became clear——it is not a true tracking technique, but can, based on residual strong abnormal energy (especially spatial disturbances and high-level demonic auras), vaguely sense the source direction or recent activity 'trajectory,' similar to a high-level intuitive guidance. Simultaneously, her understanding of 'order' deepened; she attempted to infuse this意蘊 into her spiritual power, so that her ordinary spiritual power also carried a faint purifying and stabilizing quality, though weak, but with observable growth potential. She likewise exchanged for several jade slips recording ancient runes and basic spatial theory, though profound and difficult to understand, but through gradual study, helpful for understanding the Patrol Heaven Token and responding to spatial abnormalities.

As the one-month deadline approached, the three's auras were all more沉凝精進 than before. Gu Yusheng smoothly reached the peak of mid-Foundation Establishment; Mei Ruoxue's mid-Foundation Establishment became more solid, progressing toward late stage; Shi Ran completely solidified her early Foundation Establishment realm and faintly touched the threshold of mid-stage.

That day, the three gathered in Gu Yusheng's cave dwelling. Gu Yusheng activated his Patrol Heaven Token, retrieving the task list that the Patrol Heaven Bureau had 'suggested' for them over the past month based on their situation. The tasks on the list were clearly more difficult than ordinary Foundation Establishment tasks, and most bore words like 'abnormal,' 'missing,' 'strange change,' 'suspected evil arts.'

"It seems we have already been 'marked.'" Mei Ruoxue said lightly.

Gu Yusheng browsed: "Difficulty ranges from Bing-upper to Bing-lower, indeed suitable for our current stage challenge. Hmm? This task……"

He pointed his finger, and a task brief enlarged:

Task Code: Yingzhang

Location: 1,700 li northwest of the Floating Dream Sect, edge of the Black Wind Mountain Range, Lin Family Fortress.

Summary: Lin Family Fortress is a small cultivation clan famous for nurturing low-grade spiritual plants 'Mist-Hidden Flower.' In the past two months, the plantation outside the fortress has frequently appeared 'Yingzhang'——a moving, strange shadow that devours light and spiritual energy. Contact with Yingzhang causes low-grade disciples or mortals to have their divine souls wither lightly, or fall into unconsciousness severely, with their spiritual energy or vital force mysteriously lost. The late Foundation Establishment clan head of Lin Family personally investigated but was also wounded by Yingzhang, now in seclusion for treatment. The fortress is filled with panic. Yingzhang appears without pattern, hard to capture, and seems immune to most direct Five Elements arts attacks. Lin Family suspects enemy forces secretly at work or an ancient curse, and seeks aid from the Patrol Heaven Bureau.

Difficulty Rating: Bing-upper (Note: Due to its strange nature, actual response difficulty may approach Bing-lower).

Contribution Points: One thousand five hundred.

Additional Information: Patrol Heaven Bureau intelligence shows that the Black Wind Mountain Range has had slight abnormal spiritual energy fluctuations over the past five years, with heavier yin energy, but no large-scale demonic abyss activity detected. This task is suspected to be related to 'abnormal energy erosion' or 'rare auspicious beasts/evil spirits.'

"Devouring light and spiritual energy, harming divine soul and vital force, immune to most Five Elements arts……" Shi Ran mused, "It sounds like a kind of 'shadow' life between the virtual and real, or……a gathering body of negative energy in a domain?"

"Immune to Five Elements arts, my sword qi and Mei Ruoxue's Profound Ice both belong to the Five Elements range; though powerful, they might be inefficient." Gu Yusheng frowned.

Mei Ruoxue said: "My Profound Ice power, especially the direction I am currently comprehending, focuses on 'solidification' and 'extinction,' perhaps effective against it. Even if it cannot directly kill, restricting its movement and spread should be achievable."

Shi Ran felt her Patrol Heaven Token: "My power should have a stronger restraining effect on this kind of 'shadow,' 'erosion'-type abnormality. Perhaps we can try to 'illuminate' or 'disperse' them."

Gu Yusheng weighed for a moment: "The task location is not too far; although the description is strange, Lin Family Fortress itself has a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, indicating that Yingzhang's absolute killing power likely does not reach Golden Core level, but is more troublesome and unknown. Our ability combination happens to have certain targeting. It can serve as our team's first task after formal formation."

Mei Ruoxue and Shi Ran had no objections.

"Good, then let's set the 'Yingzhang' task. We need to prepare some talismans and magical tools targeting divine soul protection, illumination, revelation, and binding of ethereal bodies. Depart in three days."

Three days later, the three left the Floating Dream Sect, riding on Gu Yusheng's white jade flying vessel, heading northwest toward the Black Wind Mountain Range.

The Black Wind Mountain Range lies in a remote area, with relatively thin spiritual energy, producing mostly yin- or poison-attribute low-grade spiritual materials; active ones are mostly scattered cultivators or small families. Lin Family Fortress is located in a relatively gentle mountain valley, backed by a small hill perpetually shrouded in light mist, ideal for planting Mist-Hidden Flowers.

Approaching the Lin Family Fortress area, the sky seemed to darken by several degrees. The air was filled with a faint, like decaying vegetation mixed with cold dust. Below, the hilly area showed large tracts of carefully tended terraces, where a plant with gray-blue leaves, tiny flowers like millet grains, emitting a hazy mist was planted—exactly the Mist-Hidden Flower. But many plots were clearly withered and abandoned, shrouded in an ominous gloom.

Lin Family Fortress is a fortress built from piled gray-white stones, covering considerable area; at this moment, the defensive spiritual light on the fortress walls was fully open, appearing heavily guarded. Sensing the approaching flying vessel, two sword lights rose from within the fortress to greet it, wielded by two late Qi Refining Lin Family disciples, faces tense and fatigued.