飘零影音

Chapter 143 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 143: Walk and Fight

Translator: Lynn

Within the hushed depths of the underground magical cavern, Xu Ziqing rested upon Yun Lie’s back, his arms encircling his senior brother’s shoulders while his legs clung to his waist—an arrangement that left him feeling somewhat uneasy.

Despite having known each other for nearly a decade and sharing a profound familiarity, this proximity was an unprecedented occurrence. Xu Ziqing’s earlier loss of composure before Yun Lie had left him grappling with complex emotions. Even though Yun Lie’s demeanor remained unchanged, beneath the surface, his feelings were undoubtedly intricate. In times past, being carried by his senior brother would have been a flattering experience, evoking joy and contentment. Now, however, the situation was different, rendering Xu Ziqing unable to regain his composure easily.

The recollection that Yun Lie had overheard everything earlier caused a flush of warmth to creep across Xu Ziqing’s face. This distraction momentarily pushed aside his physical discomfort.

Abruptly, Yun Lie’s voice sliced through the silence, advising, “Don’t overthink. Focus on regulating your breath.”

Taken aback, Xu Ziqing quickly responded, “Yes, Shixiong.”

He chided himself for his repeated blunders on this day.

In a concerted effort to quell his swirling emotions, Xu Ziqing turned inward, engaging in the practice of his exercises. Swiftly, he guided the flow of his true energy through his meridians, hastening its circulation.

In his eagerness to expedite his recovery, he retrieved a piece of primal wood grass from his storage ring and ingested it raw. Instantaneously, a potent Ethereal Wood Qi coursed down his throat, permeating every corner of his body. The Ethereal Wood Qi harmonized with the true essence within his dantian, encouraging heightened production.

As this harmonious cycle continued, the Qi and blood within Xu Ziqing’s frame stirred, gradually escalating in intensity. The melodious resonance echoing within his meridians resembled a symphony of harmony, with meridians as strings, blood droplets as notes, and the flow of energy as music. Together, these elements weaved a captivating auditory tapestry.

Xu Ziqing’s eyes fluttered closed, a soft azure radiance flickering within. His form was embraced by a delicate green luminescence, lending him an ethereal aura.

Such intimacy and vitality were qualities intrinsic to practitioners of the wood element. Xu Ziqing, holding a unique single wood spirit root, epitomized the peak of this connection.

Consequently, the youthful figure, shrouded in an aura of coveted allure, exuded an irresistible temptation to the sinister denizens of the Heavenly Demon Cave.

Amidst the labyrinth of passageways and shadowy corners, an array of frigid and malevolent creatures began to stir, their intentions ominous and violent.

The nearby ambiance took on an even more eerie quality. The air became saturated with a sense of impending danger and malevolence, emanating from all directions. This aura of impending doom carried with it the essence of bloodlust and avarice, steadily advancing.

Yet, Xu Ziqing, engrossed in his meditative practice, remained oblivious to the encroaching peril.

Within this expanse of boundless darkness, a lone figure draped in white traversed the depths. Upon his back, the young man swathed in a voluminous black robe lay in repose. His breath exuded warmth and vitality, infusing the surrounding atmosphere with an active energy that somehow softened the ice-cold demeanor of the white-clad individual.

In a sudden shift, the man raised his gaze, his jet-black eyes flickering with an uncanny artistic conception—dangerous and keen. Simultaneously, an invisible “field” materialized, enveloping the aura of the young man and gradually coalescing around him.

Within this emergent “field,” the man’s icy intent intermingled with vibrant life, a peculiar fusion.

Yet, the young man remained unaware, deep in his trance.

Slowly but surely, the menacing artistic conception dwelling within the man’s eyes began to radiate outward, expanding in a long and deliberate arc. It metamorphosed into a myriad of minuscule golden swords, each as slender as a steel needle, raining down upon the shrouded abyss like a cascade.

A chorus of anguished howls pierced the dense darkness, resonating with a sharp and haunting resonance. Subsequently, the thunderous thud of heavy bodies crashing to the ground echoed, a series of somber beats.

Notwithstanding, within this self-contained “domain,” tranquility prevailed, an oasis of serenity amid the tumult.

Originally cradling the youth against him with both hands, the man in white subtly extended one hand and gestured with his sleeve. Swiftly, numerous obsidian crystals, each the size of a heart, levitated and were swiftly ensconced within the folds of his robe.

Yet, the undercurrents of turmoil within the darkness showed no signs of abating; on the contrary, they surged with renewed intensity, akin to an advancing tide.

The white-clad man’s countenance grew solemn. The sword intent that had assumed the form of petite golden swords shattered, subduing the latent demons that lurked within a radius of a hundred paces—any who dared to draw nearer faced immediate, merciless execution.

After traversing for an hour, the man had amassed a cache of nearly a thousand magical crystals.

The reticent demons hesitated to provoke this individual, thus these magical crystals ranged in size from that of a clenched fist to that of a human head. Emanating from these crystals was a potent and enigmatic essence of pure, dark energy.

Originating from within the bodies of demons, these crystals were now unearthed. Strangely, they bore no trace of blood, perhaps due to some inexplicable reason. Each crystal was carefully stored within the man’s sleeve.

Then, the young man slumbering on the man’s back stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

Upon rousing, Xu Ziqing found himself gazing upon dozens of floating magical crystals, prompting an involuntary start.

Yun Lie inquired, “How is your true energy recovery progressing?” As he spoke, he waved his sleeve, causing the crystals to vanish from sight.

Xu Ziqing promptly responded, “It has already restored over half of its capacity. I plan to employ a primordial wood grass upon our return to absorb its essence, ensuring a full recovery.”

Yun Lie nodded, approvingly remarking, “Excellent.”

Following these brief exchanges, silence once again enveloped the two.

Xu Ziqing’s practice had steadied his formerly unsettled emotions. Although he still sensed a certain unease due to his proximity to his senior brother, the agitation was significantly diminished. Observing his brother stow away the magical crystals, he contemplated for a moment before inquiring, “Yun Shixiong, I’ve heard that these magical crystals can be traded within the sect for valuable resources. However, I remain uncertain about the specific purposes the sect has for these crystals.”

Yun Lie elucidated, “These magical crystals harbor demon energy within them, an exceptionally pure variety with multifaceted applications that cannot be exhaustively described. You will come to understand their significance when you visit the Shifang Pavilion in due course.”

Xu Ziqing initially nodded in response, then remembered that his senior brother couldn’t see his physical state. Consequently, he concurred, “Understood.” In this instant, he detected another sphere encompassing his body.

Within this perimeter spanning a few feet, an eerie stillness prevailed. Other than Yun Lie’s respiration, only Xu Ziqing’s breath occupied this space, while myriad other scents were effectively blocked. Although Xu Ziqing acknowledged this alteration in his surroundings, his sensory experience remained unaffected. Despite his awareness, his actual sensations mirrored those before, devoid of discomfort.

Xu Ziqing grasped that this must be a technique employed by his senior brother, a realization that invoked a profound sense of comfort. However, this technique was so enigmatic that his curiosity got the better of him, prompting him to inquire, “Yun Shixiong, how did you achieve this? Can I also learn it?”

Yun Lie responded, “This is my sword domain, and it can only be accessed by those who have attained sword intent.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing’s enthusiasm waned. It seemed it might not be within his grasp, and this was disheartening.

Observing his evident disappointment, Yun Lie addressed it by saying, “On the path of Dao, there are diverse routes leading to the same destination. Keep broadening your understanding.”

Xu Ziqing’s spirits lifted as he exclaimed, “Thank you for your guidance, Shixiong.”

In the past, Xu Ziqing had never had to bid farewell to Yun Lie. Yet, these five months of separation had kindled a yearning for his senior brother.

In former times, whatever skills he acquired or techniques he learned, he always sought “Brother Yun” during precepts for guidance. Since joining the sect, his connection with his senior brother had deepened, and while he had made significant progress over the past months, he was bearing it in solitude—a circumstance that felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Now, nestled against Yun Lie’s back and gradually replenishing his true energy, Xu Ziqing found himself with much to share, an urge to confide in his closest senior.

Unwittingly, he began to speak more freely.

“Shixiong, in recent days, I’ve become well-versed in the four seasons swordsmanship. I’ve diligently practiced the sword light technique and dedicated extensive effort to hone my skills with the Five Elements Wind Gust. However, I remain uncertain about my prospects in the Sect’s Grand Competition. Do you think I have a shot with my current level of strength?”

Yun Lie’s voice offered reassurance, “Since you’ve familiarized yourself with these techniques, you should possess the capability to hold your own. The competition features a range of adversaries, and facing them will serve as a trial for you. In victory, remain humble; in defeat, stay resolute.”

“Yes, I understand. I’m ready to be tested,” Xu Ziqing affirmed.

“Very well.”

“Shixiong, when I first arrived at the Heavenly Demon Cave, I encountered a group of monks engaged in battle against the Heavenly Demons. Some of them were using talismans, which appeared quite different from what I had witnessed before.”

“Talismans are indeed diverse in the path of Dao. You’ve immersed yourself in swordsmanship, but if you wish to excel in charms, you can integrate talismans as a supportive tool.”

“I concur with that perspective, but I’m unsure how to learn about Talismans. While browsing the library, I went through various manuals, but I couldn’t find any literature related to talismans.”

“As it falls under miscellaneous studies, you should explore the Shifang Pavilion for relevant materials.”

“Shixiong, do you possess a swift-moving talisman? I’ve heard that without one, returning can be challenging.”

“There’s an alternative exit from the cave, so there’s no need to fret about it.”

“Understood, Shixiong.”

“Shixiong, the day we agreed upon hasn’t arrived yet. How did you realize that I accidentally entered the Heavenly Demon Nest?”

“An impulsive feeling overcame me that day, leading to an intuition.”

“I appreciate your concern, Shixiong… However, the Heavenly Demon Nest is vast. How did you manage to locate me?”

“Within the bamboo hairpin atop your head, there’s a trace of my aura. I could track you by following it.”

“So…”

“After your return, you can refine this item. It will hold mystical properties.”

“Yes, I’m grateful for your guidance, Shixiong.”

As they journeyed and conversed, Xu Ziqing maintained his internal recitation of formulas, experiencing a mixture of delight and satisfaction from engaging in conversation with his senior brother.

He ceased moving until his cheek brushed against something.

Sideways glancing, Xu Ziqing noticed two snow-white vines emerging from his robe, their leaf buds playfully rubbing against him. Reflecting for a moment, he comprehended the intentions of the demon vines. Smiling, he inquired, “Shixiong, it appears that Rongjin has developed a taste for consuming demons. I’ve been restricting their meals, but I wonder if I could let them feast now?”

Given Yun Lie’s earlier instruction to have the demon vine investigate, he was already aware of the situation. He responded, “You’re currently weakened, so I fear you might not be able to control them. Once you’ve regained strength, you can unleash them.”

Xu Ziqing understood, nodded, and conveyed, “Shixiong’s advice is prudent. Rongjin’s behavior is indicative that it’s not feasible to be affectionate now.”

Unable to express its appeal through affection, the demon vine begrudgingly slinked beneath the black robe, winding itself around Xu Ziqing’s arms twice, a display of its discontent. Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but chuckle, reassuring it with a couple of pats.

One more day elapsed and Xu Ziqing’s wounds were entirely mended. He no longer rested on Yun Lie’s back and instead descended to the ground.

Yun Lie remarked, “Initially, I intended for you to stay here for further refinement after the grand competition. Given your accidental entry, you might as well extend your stay by a few days.”

Perplexed, Xu Ziqing inquired, “The time agreed upon between us is only two days away. If you remain within the cave, wouldn’t you miss the Sect’s Grand Competition?”

Casting him a glance, Yun Lie nonchalantly stated, “The Grand Competition is still a month away.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback.

In the aftermath, Xu Ziqing adhered to his senior brother’s guidance, engaging in battles with numerous demons within the cave.

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