[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-cursed-blade-s-walk":3,"chapter-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-90":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Cursed Blade's Walk",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2262395,4415,"Chapter 90: The Spiritual Cave in the Mountain","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-90",90,"\u003Cp>“Who’s there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan jolted awake, the illusion before him vanishing instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi waved a hand; the nearby Daoist immediately leaned in to listen, while the one skilled in spirit sight scanned the surroundings, then gave a slight shake of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Luo Mingzi speak up to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan, still uneasy, quickly recounted what had occurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He bore the Three Talismans of Spirit Subjugation; ordinary soul-disturbing spells had no effect, and in a place like this, no concealment was permitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This… is the mind root awakened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old Daoist beside him stared in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young Daoist also exclaimed: “Impossible! Only after building the Third Story can one awaken a second spirit root—but this young layman hasn’t even built a story yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi, however, fixed his gaze on Li Yan’s left palm and mused: “Perhaps it’s the effect of the Gou Die. This isn’t the mind root—it’s spirit communication.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spirit communication?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan had never heard the term before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi nodded: “Yes. Spirit communication.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All earthly deities, spirits, and demons… all have true forms. There is no such thing as the folk tales claim—transforming into human shapes. After all, the flesh is merely a vessel; to alter one’s form is already to transcend worldly laws.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thus, when they communicate with humans, they usually manifest as mental visions. Those with awakened mind roots may occasionally dream of strange human forms and converse with them. Others, deceived by demonic allure, believe they’ve met a beautiful, amorous woman—only to find their primordial yang drained, waking up to find themselves lying in a grave…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This may well be the Gou Die’s effect. When you later build your Tower of Observation, you may learn to master it—communicating with ghosts and gods is no small ability.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist beside him sighed enviously: “Indeed. Take treasure-seekers, for example—they spend years studying. But if you can strike a bargain with ghosts and gods, they might reveal their secrets to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Gou Die has this power? Why didn’t I get such fortune…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi rebuked: “The Ordinance forbids interference with the Underworld’s affairs. Once you enter the Profound Heaven Orthodoxy, you will never receive a Gou Die. Likewise, those who hold a Gou Die cannot summon the Celestial Generals of the Talisman Army. Each has its strengths—do not harbor greed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned again to Li Yan: “If my guess is correct, the mountain spirit of this graveyard saw your Gou Die and sought your aid. Try communicating again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was speechless: “I don’t know how…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist, Gu Chenzi, blinked and suggested: “You must have done something unconsciously. Think back carefully.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan pondered, recalling his actions: “I didn’t do anything—just followed you in, then glanced at the shrine…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant he looked toward the shrine, his vision blurred again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous scene reappeared before him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man sat in the pit, facing him, lips moving silently…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Li Yan steadied his mind and observed closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man was certainly not human. His skin resembled tree bark, with branches and leaves growing from it; his beard was covered in moss, and his flesh looked strangely swollen—pale, soft, and grayish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially his lower body—it resembled a giant tree, with fleshy tendrils like roots plunging into the surrounding ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn, this is the mountain spirit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s astonishment quickly gave way to suspicion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hat on the old man’s head looked absurd—like a greasy, foul-smelling rag sack piled atop his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was this thing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan recalled the intelligence he’d received earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every celestial treasure or earthly marvel has a countermeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The countermeasure for this Mountain Tai Sui was the beggar sect’s ancestral cloth satchel—the very item the mountain spirit carried, which kept him waiting in the graveyard for the treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts scattered, and the illusion vanished. Li Yan said grimly: “We must hurry—they’ve already succeeded.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He described what he had seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is a sign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly Daoist mused: “When a spirit hides within a cave, it is called concealment—corresponding to the Spirit Storepoint. The mountain spirit is showing us the location of its true form.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Daoist Gu Chenzi exclaimed: “The Spirit Storepoint is a human acupuncture point—what does it have to do with celestial treasures?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elder Daoist shot him a reproachful glance: “You never read your texts, do you? The ‘Compendium of Meridian and Acupoint Studies’ states: The Spirit Storepoint lies two inches lateral to the Purple Palace. The Purple Palace is also called the Purple Forbidden Enclosure—its direction is north!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pulled out a Luo Pan from his robe, glanced at it, then pointed to the right fork: “There!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan sniffed the air: “The scent spreads to the left—it’s suspicious. Someone deliberately misled us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, another vision appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wandering master, clad in bloodstained funeral robes with chains piercing his body, reappeared and pointed south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan sighed: “Can’t you guys take turns?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Luo Mingzi look at him, he shook his head: “The Cold Altar wandering master has appeared again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi mused: “Likely triggered by the Gou Die. When you search for the Cold Altar later, you may use this ability to make it appear and guide you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s move. Stay alert.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led the group toward the right cave entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy had already seized control of the mountain spirit. To prevent mishaps, they quickened their pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, after advancing another hundred meters, the Daoist skilled in spirit hearing twitched his ears and whispered: “Ambush ahead—ten or so archers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group tensed, advancing cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, a bend appeared ahead, blocking their view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi gave a signal; the Daoist skilled in spirit sight stepped forward, pulled two black pellets from his waist, lit them, and flung them backward—where they ricocheted off the corner toward the right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puff! Puff! Puff!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pellets were not explosives—they burned fiercely, releasing thick, acrid smoke and blinding flashes of white light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan shut his eyes, inwardly awed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Daoxuan had once told him: during the Qin and Han dynasties, the Daoist alchemists flourished, seeking immortality through external elixirs. Though proven futile over centuries, they developed many strange methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the “Red-Haired Red-Faced Ones” used to guard tombs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or substances accidentally discovered during alchemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This device, resembling a flash bomb, likely contained large amounts of white phosphorus—the Enforcement Bureau actually used it in combat. How intriguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the dark cave, the ambushers’ eyes were instantly blinded by the glare, and the choking smoke threw them into panic—they began firing arrows in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang! Bang! Bang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrows rained down, striking the stone walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were powerful enough to embed themselves in cracks, their feathers trembling with a low hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even the fastest archers have a pause between volleys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the first wave of arrows ended, Luo Mingzi and the two Daoists drew their swords and charged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All three excelled in body mastery. Though their perception didn’t rival the senses of sight, hearing, or spirit sight, their control over their bodies was astonishing—and all were masters of hidden force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish! Swish! Swish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They leapt into the air, rebounding off the walls, darting left and right, moving like thunder, vanishing within the glare and smoke—breathing once, they were already inside the enemy ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their coordination was flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swordlight flashed—left slash, right cut. Their Daoist swordplay was both elegant and deadly. Screams and the sound of blades tearing flesh echoed continuously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The targets are tough—quickly…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The last man barely turned to flee when Luo Mingzi pierced his throat with a single thrust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mere breaths, all the ambushers lay dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan and the others followed inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the captured men had said, the two factions infiltrating the graveyard had joined forces. The ambushers included both fierce-looking martial artists and ragged, vicious beggars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some among them were masters of hidden force—but they stood no chance against the Enforcement Bureau’s methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan looked at Luo Mingzi, a thought forming in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Profound Heaven Orthodoxy had millennia of accumulated treasures. The Enforcement Bureau had many fine tools—the yarrow used in the invisibility spell, these blinding black pellets—small as they were, they could be decisive in battle. He’d have to find a way to acquire some before leaving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving his private thoughts aside, the group pressed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The deeper they went, the stranger the cave’s atmosphere became.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold air radiated everywhere, shrouded in mist. A layer of frost coated the ground; no figures were visible, yet countless footprints covered the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the Three Talismans of Spirit Subjugation, Li Yan could smell rotting yin poison—clumps of it, thick and clinging—as if countless eyes watched them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan even felt something breathing icy air against the back of his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi was right: on the ninth day of the ninth month at noon, all the lonely ghosts and wandering spirits of the graveyard had retreated underground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Commandant’s men followed, and one of them accidentally got possessed, their martial strength would turn into a major problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With so many spirits here, even they didn’t wish to provoke them—they all activated their invisibility spells and passed swiftly through the frigid cavern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the stretch of cave where spirits gathered was short. Soon, they reached another fork—two identical entrances on either side, each flanked by ancient stone incense burners and altars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Another maze?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lively young Daoist frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly Daoist said gravely: “Both are real!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to the center between the two cave mouths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan looked up and saw a large, smooth, rounded stone protruding—seemingly natural in form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More remarkably, a faint flow of earth vein Gangsha  could be sensed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the spirit orifice of the mass grave’s earth vein.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly Daoist explained: “This place can also be regarded as the Purple Palace’s central node. The Divine Treasury orifice opens two inches beside the Purple Palace—this confirms both orifices are genuine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan sniffed the air after forming a hand seal and nodded: “Both sides have a scent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi mused: “We don’t understand the treasure-seeker’s methods, but since there are two Divine Treasury orifices, they likely must be activated simultaneously to subdue the Mountain God.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Split up. Gu Chenzi, Gu Yuanzi, you and Brother Luo Fengzi go left. The rest follow me right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan also realized: Luo Fengzi was the elderly Daoist—experienced, and both sides had fighters skilled in bodily penetration and those adept at detection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though dividing forces in unfamiliar terrain was a grave mistake, there was clearly no alternative now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This arrangement was the most reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, the group split and plunged into the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, after advancing only a short distance, the space opened abruptly into a naturally formed stone chamber—small in area, lit by torches, its situation immediately clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The occupants of this cave were none other than the Western Journey Beggar Sect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After imperial suppression, they had suffered heavy losses; all ordinary disciples had fled, leaving only the vicious beggars loyal to their leader, Shan Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Combined with earlier casualties, only four vicious beggars remained inside—each muscular and armed with sharp blades, staring at them with deadly intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the rear of the cave, Shan Ye sat cross-legged on the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground beneath him differed entirely from the surroundings—it was a massive, writhing mass of flesh, its surface petrified, revealing patches of white muscle only when it pulsed, and covered all around with moss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting atop it, Shan Ye’s obese bulk rested directly on the Beggar Sect’s ancestral, greasy, blackened cloth satchel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dī~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cave held many venomous snakes; upon seeing them, the four vicious beggars immediately blew snake whistles from their mouths and hurled flying daggers from their waist sheaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Li Yan’s group was unprepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The place was strange—it could block scent and aura; only upon entering the stone chamber did they spot the snakes and beggars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as before, wherever celestial treasures lay, a natural “arrangement” always formed to conceal and isolate the aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nevertheless, the group’s reactions were swift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi and another Daoist stepped forward, shielding Li Yan and the others behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were skilled in bodily penetration and possessed superior sword techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan could not discern their martial roots, but the Tai Xuan Zhengjiao’s swordplay was purely Daoist—each strike served multiple purposes, shifting dynamically like a dragon’s movement, head and tail responding in harmony, blending hardness and softness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They swept left and slashed right, faintly tracing several circles that deflected every flying dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the Daoist beside Li Yan drew his “Shang Xuan Bamboo Messenger Talisman,” formed a hand seal, and chanted the Six Jia Secret Incantation: “Lin Bing Dou Zhe Jie Zhen Lie Qian Xing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, the Bao Pu Ascending Mountain Technique was clearly ideal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the four opposing beggars also gathered their strength, wildly gesturing, blowing snake flutes, and scattering black powder from their sleeves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides were locked in stalemate; the snake swarm writhed restlessly, growing increasingly agitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan immediately drew his Guanshan Dagger, focused his spirit, and the Three Talismans Demon-Suppressing Sword tassel trembled faintly, radiating icy killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This shattered the balance entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snake swarm instantly turned and surged toward the beggars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two were immediately bitten, screaming as they tore the venomous snakes from their bodies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Shan Ye suddenly opened his eyes, formed a lotus mudra with both hands, his chest and abdomen heaved, and he roared: “Go!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The roar echoed like thunder through the cave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did the snakes scatter in panic, but Li Yan and the others felt their minds thundering, dizziness and vertigo overwhelming them, nearly causing them to collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maitreya’s Great Brahma Sound!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luo Mingzi staggered but quickly regained his footing, his eyes filled with wariness: “So you’re from the Maitreya Sect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye rose slowly, his fat quivering, his tiny eyes glinting with cold light as he looked at his dead subordinates and sneered: “Useless bastards, all of you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he picked up the spiked club beside him with deliberate slowness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiked clubs were usually wooden shafts studded with iron nails—but the one in his hand was forged entirely of iron, pitch-black, and covered in dark, dried bloodstains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just looking at it, one knew it was monstrously heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in Shan Ye’s hands, it was as light as a child’s stick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan was slightly surprised—he hadn’t expected this Western Journey beggar leader to be a hidden Maitreya disciple, having concealed his identity for years, and yet enduring it all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The beggar leader had no patience for words; he swung his spiked club in a full arc and slashed upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pēng!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive boulder ahead shattered instantly, shards screaming through the air toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stones carried tremendous force; blocking them with swords would not only fail but also damage the weapons. Thus, Luo Mingzi and his companion chose to deflect them with fists and feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both were at the peak of Dark Force, their every motion radiating devastating power; with sharp thuds, the flying rocks shattered mid-air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, some gaps remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fist-sized stone fragment slipped between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist practicing the Bao Pu Ascending Mountain Technique couldn’t dodge in time; the stone struck his head, and he collapsed without a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yan’s keen sense of smell let him dodge the stone, and he snatched a flying dagger from the ground, flicked his wrist, and hurled it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used Dark Force—its power was immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ye’s massive frame had no room to evade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pūchī!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dagger plunged straight into his belly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something shocking happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fat rippled violently—the dagger sank only halfway before stopping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And only a thin trickle of blood seeped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain of flesh grinned coldly, showing no sign of pain…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2642,"2026-06-19T18:28:32.159Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","c949c265e96e712e112adcc27af64dba93a6e8f1aab15b6d712466d666ac7eb3","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-91","the-cursed-blade-s-walk-chapter-89",801,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-cursed-blade-s-walk-cover.jpg"]