飘零影音

Chapter 141 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 141: Yun Lie Arrives

Translator: Lynn

Not long after, Ji Rui completed the roasting process. With a charming smile, she delicately offered the meat to Xu Ziqing, her voice a soft murmur, “Brother Dao, you’ve been waiting for quite a while. Please savor this little sister’s culinary creation.”

Xu Ziqing received it with a nod, his response laced with gratitude, “…Thank you.”

Though he was just in his early twenties, the way Ji Rui addressed herself as “Little Sister” in comparison to him was a source of puzzlement.

Internally sighing, Xu Ziqing cast his gaze downward, opting not to engage Ji Rui’s attention. Instead, he took a bite of the roasted meat.

Observing his consumption, Wu Anyi breathed a sigh of relief, casting a knowing wink at Ji Rui.

Ji Rui’s cheeks flushed a rosy hue, her appearance becoming increasingly delicate and enchanting.

Wu Anyi opted to abstain from eating the animal’s leg. Nonetheless, to stave off any suspicion from Xu Ziqing, Ji Rui partook. The two of them exchanged a few words, choosing to focus on Xu Ziqing’s reaction—a strategy that would enable them to execute their plan smoothly.

As Ji Rui’s anticipation of what lay ahead continued to mount, her anxiety likewise grew. Whenever she directed her gaze at Xu Ziqing, it carried an unmistakable intensity.

Engrossed in eating, Xu Ziqing diligently concentrated on his food. He was determined neither to succumb to Ji Rui’s advances nor to mislead her with unwarranted attention. Consequently, he consumed a significant portion of the meat.

Ji Rui’s culinary prowess was undeniable; the meat was tender and aromatic, dissolving in his mouth. Each bite transformed into a surge of yang energy upon reaching his stomach, bestowing warmth and comfort.

Unbeknownst to him, Xu Ziqing had nearly devoured the entire animal’s leg. Due to its potent yang essence, beads of sweat began forming on his forehead. A warmth enveloped his body, accentuated by a slight flush to his cheeks. He mused that the taste was exceptional, surpassing the animal meat he had sampled in previous years. While previous meats carried a wealth of spiritual energy, their flavor paled in comparison to this one.

Observing the subtle changes in Xu Ziqing’s demeanor, Ji Rui’s eyes glistened with a kindling tenderness. A hint of coquettish joy and bashfulness radiated from her eyes and the arches of her brows.

Wu Anyi deduced that the time was ripe for action. With a subtle gesture, he signaled Ji Rui and conveyed his message through a hushed transmission: “Shimei, take your time. Once you’re ready, I’ll stand by your side.”

In response, Ji Rui, cognizant of the pivotal moment, suppressed her embarrassment. She gently brushed her fingers against Xu Ziqing’s side before smoothly transitioning into a more intimate position.

As Xu Ziqing savored the delectable meat, he suddenly caught wind of an alluring fragrance—a scent that emanated from a woman. His gaze shifted to the side, only to be met with a startling revelation. Almost unnoticed, Ji Rui had positioned herself beside him!

He couldn’t fathom how a disciple from any sect could display such audacious behavior—so forward and self-assured.

Xu Ziqing was no fool; he immediately grasped Ji Rui’s intentions from her perplexed expression. Without hesitation, he maintained his composure, interposing the unfinished animal leg in front of him while taking a step back.

In an effort to preserve his junior sister’s dignity, Wu Anyi averted his gaze before Ji Rui approached, leaving him unaware of the developments between the two.

Meanwhile, Ji Rui was engulfed in her emotions. Her vision grew misty, rendering her blind to Xu Ziqing’s evident discomfort. What she perceived was a beloved figure who appeared to recede into the distance. She inched closer, her body inclined toward him.

Xu Ziqing was inherently gentle and considerate. Observing Ji Rui’s state, he deduced her lack of sobriety. While he recognized that her intentions were clear, he remained steadfast in his refusal. Consequently, he distanced himself by a couple of paces, serving as a visual reminder.

His train of thought reflected that if he adopted this posture, Ji Rui should understand his rejection as well.

However, Ji Rui remained oblivious to the cues. At this juncture, all she could perceive was the youth’s handsome visage. She envisioned a future intertwined with him, with her sect playing a crucial role. Consequently, she drew even nearer.

Xu Ziqing retreated once more, the repetition causing a chill to creep down his spine. Cornered against the wall, he sighed in frustration.

Observing Ji Rui’s impending approach, Xu Ziqing finally relinquished his restraint. Disregarding any pretense of sparing her feelings, he raised his voice in exasperation, “Fellow Daoist Ji!”

In an instant, Ji Rui jolted awake, confronted by her reality.

It was at this moment that she regained her senses, starkly aware of the predicament she had created.

She had leaned provocatively, hoping to press herself against him. Her hair and attire bore signs of disarray, while her face blushed like spring. However, when her gaze returned to the green-clad youth, shame washed over her like a tidal wave.

Before her stood the young man, his attire immaculate, leaning against the wall with a demeanor of utmost seriousness. Clutched in his hand was the incomplete animal leg, which he had employed as a barrier to thwart her advances. The meat’s grease had even stained her front skirt—a clear testament to her endeavors to allure him. In stark contrast, his gaze remained detached, his countenance unclouded by desire. This juxtaposition laid bare her own embarrassing display.

The young man’s eyes were devoid of any longing, an indifference that contrasted sharply with her own earlier behavior, rendering her appearance disgraceful.

In an instant, Ji Rui was consumed by self-reproach for her ill fortune. She simultaneously harbored a degree of blame for Xu Ziqing’s apparent lack of awareness, culminating in a rather unsightly expression.

On the other side, Wu Anyi’s attention was abruptly seized by Xu Ziqing’s exclamation. He promptly turned his head and was confronted by the spectacle of his humiliated junior sister and the resolute young man who had spurned her advances.

Quickly closing the distance, Wu Anyi felt utterly baffled.

Did this young man not possess a normal appetite? Could it be that he lacked sustenance? If this were an elder with years of cultivation and a fortified will, they would think twice before testing their limits. Yet, this was a mere youngster—what reason would they have for hesitating?

Observing Xu Ziqing’s continued presence of mind even after indulging in the yang-infused bull’s meat, Wu Anyi couldn’t help but marvel at his inherent yin nature. Although such a disposition was common among females, men being yin-oriented was an anomaly. Excluding those who dabbled in the sinister arts, such occurrences were exceedingly rare in the realm of cultivation.

Ordinary men, faced with the advances of a woman, would often respond in kind. Yet here, the young man had eaten heartily and seemingly taken no notice. His constitution was undoubtedly yin-oriented. Wu Anyi shook his head slightly, lamenting the unfortunate circumstances that Ji Rui had encountered.

Ji Rui, her face alternating between shades of red and white, longed to disappear into thin air.

A comforting pat on her shoulder from Wu Anyi was intended to provide solace, but the words of reassurance remained unspoken.

Her teeth clenched, Ji Rui sent a telepathic message: “Shixiong, he trampled my dignity into the ground!” Hearing her distinct choice of address, Wu Anyi understood the depth of her frustration. He sighed and promptly set his mind to finding a solution.

A male with a yin physique may be fine initially, but should his Yuan Yang energy be drained, Wu Anyi could attempt to establish a connection. Regrettably, Xu Ziqing had formed a Daoist bond with Ji Rui’s sister. On this visit to the Heavenly Demon Cave, he was tasked with accompanying Ji Rui at the behest of her sister. This encounter with Xu Ziqing, a disciple of a prestigious sect, was unintentional. Wu Anyi advised Ji Rui to seize this unexpected chance.

Regrettably, the situation has now backfired. Ji Rui’s reputation suffered, while Xu Ziqing exhibited unexpected resistance. The question now was how to proceed.

Before Wu Anyi could arrive at a resolution, Ji Rui’s voice reached him through their telepathic connection once more.

“Shixiong, strike first!” she declared with indignation. “Let’s eliminate him!”

Wu Anyi was taken aback. “Shimei, this is more than mere obstinacy. Provoking someone from a major sect could bring trouble upon us.”

Ji Rui’s countenance darkened. “Shixiong, you’re too hesitant. Xu Ziqing hasn’t shown us any respect. It’s possible that my earlier actions have stirred his anger. Instead of waiting for him to retaliate later, let’s eliminate the threat now.”

Wu Anyi hesitated, still wavering in his decision.

However, Ji Rui refused to relent. “Do people not die frequently within the Heavenly Demon Cave? Even disciples from major sects have met their end here over the years. Should Xu Ziqing perish here, who would be the wiser? There would be no repercussions. Moreover…” A glint of avarice gleamed in her eyes. “Given Xu Ziqing’s distinguished background, he’s likely carrying a trove of magical artifacts and treasures. I glimpsed a ring on his hand earlier, though he concealed it with a storage bag. I can tell it’s a storage ring. It’s probably brimming with years’ worth of accumulated possessions. If the two of us can secure it, we’d possess a monumental fortune!”

She concluded with unwavering determination, “Shixiong don’t hesitate any longer. Opportunities are fleeting. Even if he’s more skilled, his cultivation level is akin to ours, in the middle stage of foundation establishment. We siblings can surely eliminate him!”

Upon hearing this, Wu Anyi felt his heart stir with greed. He made his choice at last. “There’s no time like the present. Let’s take action immediately.”

Ji Rui’s triumphant smile conveyed her satisfaction. She gently raised her jade hand, conjuring forty-nine talismans that encircled Xu Ziqing, effectively sealing him in!

Wu Anyi drew his sword suddenly, the tip of the sword shone with a sharp edge, and quickly stabbed at Xu Ziqing!

The two senior brothers and sisters made a killing move, and they wanted to get rid of Xu Ziqing in one fell swoop!

Yun Lie navigated the obsidian depths of the subterranean cavern with resolute determination, his steps marked by purpose rather than blind fumbling.

Amidst the stygian abyss, he maintained an unwavering course, his senses attuned to a distinct pulse within his own being. With the passage of time, this sensation grew sharper, and clearer in his consciousness.

This locale was the focal point of the yaksha demons’ congregation. The inky expanse seemed to pulsate with their presence—every few paces, shadowy figures, their forms tinged with eerie green, surged forth with strident shrieks, their cacophonous cries resonating with a discordant “buzz.”

Yun Lie, however, remained unafraid. His swordsmanship was deft and deadly, with each swing of his blade resulting in the swift demise of a demon.

Lingering behind him were the lifeless bodies of these demonic fiends. Yun Lie’s robe billowed as he gestured, and an array of palm-sized, obsidian-hued magic crystals levitated from the corpses, forming a spectral halo around him, devoid of any trace of blood.

With another flourish, the magic crystals vanished into thin air.

These magic crystals, gleaned from the Yaksha demons whose power paralleled that of Golden Core stage Daoists, held no utility for Yun Lie—yet they served other purposes.

Continuing his relentless journey, Yun Lie sensed a burgeoning vitality growing nearer. Such a phenomenon in this abyss could only mean one thing: the being harboring this aura had been assailed by the malevolent influences dwelling within this infernal den. The possessor’s mental state was likely far from tranquil.

Adjusting his posture, Yun Lie’s pace quickened, his body almost weightless as he leaned forward. In a matter of heartbeats, his speed surpassed its prior limits, allowing his consciousness to hone in on the source of the vital energy.

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Having witnessed Ji Rui’s displeasure, Xu Ziqing’s defenses immediately went up.

Ji Rui’s countenance had turned sour, her eyes harboring a fiery anger. This indicated to Xu Ziqing that his prospects of parting on amicable terms with these siblings were swiftly vanishing, potentially giving way to enmity.

It wasn’t that Xu Ziqing was inherently distrustful of others. The countless near-death experiences he faced throughout his life were largely the result of minor disputes. The vastness of the world bred fickle human nature, and this realization compelled him to be ever vigilant.

As anticipated, although Ji Rui hadn’t yet made her move, a tacit exchange transpired between her and Wu Anyi through telepathic communication as they stood side by side in silence. Xu Ziqing’s caution escalated, his fingers subtly flexing as he poised himself to unsheathe his sword at a moment’s notice.

His suspicions were soon validated. In the next breath, the sibling duo’s intent to kill became palpable, and they moved in tandem.

In that fleeting instant, Xu Ziqing witnessed an array of talismans weaving a complex dance, their patterns and radiance entrancing. Suddenly, a burst of brilliant flames erupted from these talismans, converging into a dense cascade of fire hurtling directly toward him.

Concurrently, a glinting sword beam surged forth, its tip rippling like a cascade of water.

The brother and sister were determined to strike with lethal precision.

Xu Ziqing, however, was not one to be caught off guard. With his meticulous preparations, he remained unfazed by their assault. Even while outnumbered, he had already studied Ji Rui’s talisman patterns. Moreover, his months of seclusion within the sword cave had honed his skills considerably.

In a swift motion, he clasped the steel and wooden sword firmly, imbuing his strike with the profound concept of concealment—the notion that no matter how turbulent the waters or fierce the talismans, he would not allow himself to be ensnared.

Hence, what the siblings deemed a foolproof plan was now thwarted, as Xu Ziqing’s response left them empty-handed.

For some reason, the fire flow was extremely powerful, and that sword technique was also an extremely vicious ultimate move, but when they were about to attack Xu Ziqing, Xu Ziqing disappeared.

Right before their eyes, the figure vanished into thin air.

It wasn’t just the figure that disappeared; even the faintest trace of breath was nowhere to be found. Their astonishment was palpable.

Ji Rui’s gaze grew somber, and a similar gravity darkened Wu Anyi’s countenance as well.

In this circumstance, reconciliation with Xu Ziqing was out of the question. Their current strategy dictated the necessity of locating him swiftly and executing him to ensure his silence.

The siblings, seasoned from numerous battles, maintained their composure.

Ji Rui retrieved her talismans. She was no fool; if their traps failed, she had to resort to alternative tactics.

Wu Anyi also eased off the aggressive sword energy. In a stern tone, he commanded, “Shimei, employ the twin jade technique!”

Ji Rui nodded, her wrist adorned with the gleam of a longsword matching Wu Anyi’s.

Both swords, one slender and one broad, radiated a deep azure hue akin to the sea’s clear depths.

These were a pair of yin-yang swords—a male and female set. Ji Rui’s elder sister had provided them in fear of Ji Rui falling victim to the perils of the Heavenly Demon Cave. Now, they were being wielded by Wu Anyi and Ji Rui.

However, the duo was not a pair of dual cultivators. Utilizing the twin jade technique would undoubtedly take a toll on their vitality.

Wu Anyi raised his sword and swept it forth, bellowing, “The boundless sea!”

Ji Rui followed suit, her voice coquettishly commanding, “The surging river—”

If Xu Ziqing sought refuge in concealment, they would drown him in a deluge of rivers, lakes, and seas. The countless currents they stirred would inundate heaven and earth, leaving no crevice for him to elude.

The sword technique’s release birthed an overpowering pressure in the cave, akin to being ensnared in the abyssal sea—each breath difficult, nearly suffocating.

Illuminated by a luminous radiance, the siblings’ swords transformed the cave’s walls into an expanse of blue. From rivulets pooling into rivers to towering billows within the depths of the sea, an onslaught of countless forms surged forth, creating a maelstrom with no escape.

Though water nurtures wood, an inundation too vast smothers growth.

The essence of Tibetan script lay concealed within ice and snow, founded upon the stillness of Wan Mudong’s heart. Yet, snow, though it blankets the world, cannot bind the expanse of the boundless sea.

Thus, as the sea’s onslaught loomed, a faint azure silhouette suddenly pierced through the waves, manifesting in midair without delay.

However grandiose the waves, Xu Ziqing held his breath and focused, wielding the steel wooden sword in a “Shock and Thunder” maneuver. The sword’s radiance mirrored a flicker of lightning—a force that traverses water’s depths. Even if Ji Rui’s swordsmanship proved impeccable, they remained beholden to the laws of nature.

As anticipated, the lightning descended rapidly, with violet arcs rupturing through the wave’s momentum and charging directly toward Ji Rui.

Startled, Ji Rui swiftly altered her stance. A nimble stream accompanied her sword’s thrust, yet this shift in her technique dissipated the sea-inspired conceptualization formed mere moments ago.

Observing this maneuver’s disruption, Xu Ziqing relinquished his hold on the wind’s manipulation. With every alteration in swordplay, gusts of autumnal wind and spirals of falling leaves manifested, the seasons’ essence transforming with each shift.

Ji Rui and Wu Anyi, merging their sword techniques, found themselves confounded by Xu Ziqing’s myriad changes. Anxious hesitation plagued their response as they grappled with the complexity of his Four Seasons Swordsmanship—a style not widely known within their sects.

The clash of their sword techniques, while both at a comparable cultivation level, showcased a vulnerability to one another’s strengths. This resulted in a temporary stalemate despite their similar prowess.

At this juncture, Xu Ziqing held the upper hand, his swordsmanship displaying an uncanny finesse akin to divine intervention.

However, abruptly, a sensation of numbness crept over his back, and a wave of weakness surged through his body.

A subtle blaze ignited within his dantian, its ember-like presence gradually intensifying until it permeated his entire being.

The unfamiliar sensation overwhelmed Xu Ziqing. The area touched by the fiery warmth seemed to grow increasingly insensate. This—this sensation…

Suspicion brewed within him. Could he have fallen victim to a plot involving the meat he consumed earlier? Yet, something felt amiss. Given his keen instincts, he was unlikely to overlook any foreign substance present in the meat.

Thoughts whirl in my mind, an enigma I can’t fathom, but now is not the moment for unraveling it.

Xu Ziqing found himself struggling to contain his own being; his face flushed crimson, and his head spun with dizziness. Realizing his inability to endure much longer, he recognized the urgency of making a swift decision.

His arm, weakened and feeble, could no longer raise his sword…

Yet, to the delight of Wu Anyi and Ji Rui, they beheld this spectacle. Initially uncertain about their capacity to overcome him, Xu Ziqing’s sudden vulnerability bolstered their confidence. Nevertheless, Wu Anyi couldn’t help but rue his previous assumptions regarding the meat’s insignificance to Xu Ziqing. It appeared that the meat did hold relevance—it triggered a gradual reaction due to Xu Ziqing’s unique constitution.

Wu Anyi’s blade lunged forth, his voice carried with it: “Shimei, as he approaches his demise, if you’re capable of defeating him later, you can claim his essence and reap his last utility.”

Ji Rui willingly acceded, intensifying her assault.

A surge of anger gripped Xu Ziqing as he listened to Wu Anyi and Ji Rui’s audacious proclamations. Did they presume their victory solely due to their superior swordsmanship? With no further hesitation, he declared, “Rongjin, let’s go!”

Instantly, the two jade-white vines that had been twined obediently around Xu Ziqing’s arms sprang forth. One veered left, the other right, hurtling swiftly toward the pair of senior siblings. Their pointed tips aimed at the heart, poised to strike.

Wu Anyi and Ji Rui stared in disbelief as the vines punctured their chests. In the blink of an eye, their blood was siphoned by the vine’s budding leaves, replenishing the bloodthirsty demon vines.

They met their demise in agonizing torment.

With dwindling strength, Xu Ziqing’s legs buckled, and he slumped down the wall, utterly depleted.

Though his vision clouded, his senses remained acute.

Not far off, a familiar cold aura surged toward him with swiftness…

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