Wei Yunshu was to return to the summit of Buzhou to break through to the Nascent Soul realm, so Lingfeng naturally returned to Luoshui Divine Palace. In recent years, undercurrents had been surging through the Fu Li Immortal Realm; neither the Sunset Burial Mounds nor the Northern Continent outposts were very peaceful. But the most turbulent of all was Cloud City. After Yun Qingzi gave up on ascending to a higher realm, she had fewer scruples and carried out sweeping reforms, purging the noble families. She brought out the Heavenly Sea Cloud Beast left by their founder, Yun Huai, to preside over the city, and anyone who stood in her way was slain without mercy. As a result, the noble families either had to submit or flee. Some of the more audacious ones secretly colluded with the demonic cultivators of the North, giving Yun Qingzi an even better excuse for a complete cleanup.
In truth, many changes had also been quietly taking place within Luoshui Divine Palace over the past few years. After the death of Luo Hengjun, the elders and disciples from the Luo family were inevitably marginalized. Logically, the cultivators from the Wen family of Xiaohan Mountain should have taken their places, but they did not. Apart from a few of Wen Dantong’s trusted confidants, those who were subsequently promoted to fill the vacancies, even if their surname was “Wen,” had no connection to the main family and were all from distant branches.
The master of Xiaohan Mountain, Wen Xianren, was secretly displeased by this. But with his current power, it was difficult for him to deal with Wen Dantong. After the Guangyuan and Yunmeng marshes gained more benefits, they were unwilling to side with him. After much thought, Wen Xianren chose the Dustless Sea as his target. He knew that Lord Xiang wanted to ally with Luoshui Divine Palace to enhance his own status and power before the Dragon Lord, but Luoshui Divine Palace was Luoshui Divine Palace, and his Xiaohan Mountain was just as significant.
After several meetings with Lord Xiang, Wen Xianren planned to marry his daughter, Wen Yutang, to him. When Wen Yutang heard about this, she immediately rebelled against her father. Unfortunately, her usually doting father would not listen to her at all, leaving her no other choice. In her desperation, Wen Yutang found her aunt, Wen Dantong, and sought her protection. Wen Dantong had always treated Wen Yutang well in the past. Seeing her in such a pathetic state now, she took her in on a whim. This made the relationship between Luoshui Divine Palace and Xiaohan Mountain delicate.
This was the scene Lingfeng returned to. Not only was Xiaohan Mountain pressing them, but the Dustless Sea was also frequently questioning them.
“Does Mother have a plan?” Lingfeng asked softly.
Wen Dantong did not hide it from her. “Your uncle is small-minded and very unwilling to be beneath me. In his eyes, Xiaohan Mountain contributed a great deal back then, and now it should be his turn to be in charge.”
“Is Mother going to make a move against Xiaohan Mountain?” Lingfeng asked again. After the incident with Luo Hengjun, she no longer believed in “blood ties.” What was the use of being connected by blood? When it was time to be abandoned, one would still be cast aside without mercy. A coldness appeared in her eyes as she added, “The Dustless Sea has also gotten involved.”
Wen Dantong frowned. “As for the Dragon Lord, both I and Fellow Daoist Yun Qingzi suspect he is secretly colluding with the North, but we haven’t found any concrete evidence.”
A glint flashed in Lingfeng’s eyes. “Mother,” she said softly, “on my way back, I met a Cavern Heaven True Monarch from the Dustless Sea.”
“Oh? Who was it?” Wen Dantong raised an eyebrow, sensing that this was not a simple matter.
Lingfeng calmly uttered two words: “Phoenix Lord!”
Afterward, they obtained definite news from Phoenix Lord and began to conspire in secret. Relying on the strength of Luoshui Divine Palace alone would only lead to a prolonged war. A protracted conflict was very likely to trigger changes in the North. They needed to suppress the turmoil in the Dustless Sea at the earliest opportunity, which required the participation of other fellow cultivators. After some thought, Wen Dantong sent flying letters to both Cloud City and Buzhou to discuss the matter with the various sects.
Half a year later, on Buzhou Peak.
The mountains stood tall, and the cold forests stretched as far as the eye could see. The clouds in the sky were like a bolt of white silk stretching across the firmament, hazy and sometimes gathering, sometimes dispersing. The mountain peaks poked through the vast whiteness, like jade bamboo shoots sprouting from the ground. Suddenly, a clear sword cry rang out. A sharp sword light broke through the clouds, instantly shining like the great sun with ten thousand rays, stirring the boundless clouds into huge, flowing vortexes. This phenomenon lasted for a quarter of an hour before dissipating. Where the sword light vanished, a free and easy figure suddenly appeared, descending towards a peak.
“Congratulations, Junior Sister, on achieving Nascent Soul,” Shi Wufang was processing documents in the hall. When she saw Wei Yunshu stride in, she quickly rose to greet her, a smile on her face.
Wei Yunshu bowed and chuckled a few times before asking, “Senior Sister, has anything happened recently?”
“Yes. Junior Sister has come out of seclusion at just the right time,” Shi Wufang said gently. “Next, you will go to Luoshui Divine Palace and escort a wedding procession with them to the Dustless Sea.”
“Escort a wedding?” Wei Yunshu was stunned, thinking she had misheard. What did a Luoshui Divine Palace wedding have to do with them? Sending someone to observe the ceremony would have been enough. And who was marrying into the Dustless Sea? Even though she knew the possibility of it being Lingfeng was small, her heart still tightened. She looked up and met Shi Wufang’s gentle smile, and suddenly had a flash of insight. “Yes,” she agreed. This was definitely no ordinary marriage! After a pause, she couldn’t help but ask, “Who is getting married?”
Shi Wufang smiled sweetly. “Who do you think, Junior Sister?”
Wei Yunshu’s body tensed, and a wave of panic washed over her. “I… I don’t know.”
Shi Wufang patted her shoulder, a hint of mischief in her smile. “Rest assured, it’s not the Divine Maiden of Luoshui, but Fellow Daoist Wen Yutang of Xiaohan Mountain.”
When she heard the name Wen Yutang, the huge stone pressing on Wei Yunshu’s heart finally fell. As long as it wasn’t Lingfeng, she didn’t care about anyone else. Shi Wufang found her dazed expression somewhat amusing and stopped teasing her, explaining the whole situation. The Dragon Lord, Canal Lord, and others from the Dustless Sea were secretly colluding with the North. They had to quell the turmoil before a disaster could occur.
“Are these vicious demons trying to betray their masters and ancestors?” Wei Yunshu’s brow furrowed, a sense of disgust for the Dragon Lord and the others rising within her.
After receiving her mission, she didn’t stay long on Buzhou Peak. She transformed into a streak of sword light and shot out of the mountain gate. The sword energy left a trail in the high heavens, causing the newly initiated disciples to look up frequently, their hearts filled with a mixture of awe and envy. They had come to Buzhou to learn the sword for no other reason than the freedom to roam as they pleased, sword in hand!
At Luoshui Divine Palace.
Wei Yunshu was already a frequent guest here. She didn’t fly recklessly on her sword as she had on her first visit. Instead, she politely greeted a Luoshui Divine Palace disciple and went to find Lingfeng.
At this time, Lingfeng had also just come out of seclusion a few days ago. Her cultivation was no weaker than Wei Yunshu’s; she had also stepped into the Nascent Soul realm. Seeing Wei Yunshu’s joyful face, she bit her lower lip and released her Abyssal True Water. The misty water vapor around her instantly transformed into a hazy fog, enveloping the area. Having spent several years with her, Wei Yunshu had long developed a tacit understanding. Knowing that she wanted to test her skills, she reached out and summoned her Buzhou sword. The sword intent was swift and sharp, like a falling star, dispersing the fog in the blink of an eye and colliding with the Abyssal True Water, producing a series of crisp clangs. This exchange lasted for half an hour before Wei Yunshu, still wanting more, put away her sword, walked quickly towards Lingfeng, and stared at her intently.
Lingfeng smiled faintly, her eyes sparkling. She raised her hand to smooth a stray strand of Wei Yunshu’s hair and said, “Did Buzhou send you?”
Wei Yunshu nodded. “Even if they hadn’t sent me, I would have come.”
Lingfeng’s fingertips slid down, brushing past the corner of her lips, over her jade-like neck, and gently tapped on Wei Yunshu’s heart. “You have very heavy selfish intentions.”
Wei Yunshu grasped Lingfeng’s hand, her fingers gradually tightening. A tremor arose where their skin touched, spreading through her entire body. Wei Yunshu lowered her head and rubbed her lips against the back of Lingfeng’s hand, admitting frankly, “I do.” She gazed at Lingfeng for a long while, then suddenly slapped her forehead. “Oh no!”
Lingfeng glanced at her face, which was suddenly filled with distress.
Wei Yunshu said, “My master is in seclusion. I haven’t had a chance to tell her.”
“Tell her what?” Lingfeng asked, feigning ignorance.
Wei Yunshu blinked. “About you and me.”
“There’s no rush,” Lingfeng said gently.
“How can there be no rush?” Wei Yunshu’s mind raced, and a spark of clarity suddenly ignited. She looked at Lingfeng in surprise, the corners of her lips turning up, unable to suppress her smile. “Does this mean you’ve agreed?”
Lingfeng’s expression was soft, her smile radiant. She deliberately didn’t answer Wei Yunshu, instead changing the subject to the matters of the Dustless Sea. While they, the Nascent Soul disciples, were “escorting the wedding,” the ones who would truly decide the outcome were not them, but the Cavern Heaven True Monarchs. Of course, the troublesome formations of soldiers below the Cavern Heaven realm were not to be underestimated either; the task on their shoulders was also heavy.
On the auspicious day, the golden carriage departed from Xiaohan Mountain, heading towards the Dustless Sea in a vast procession.
Lord Xiang himself came out of the sea to receive the bride. The sun’s rays spread a wide, smooth path across the sea’s surface. The ocean currents seemed to have been split by a sword, rolling to either side. In the sky, countless magnificent birds sang loudly, their bodies shimmering with iridescent light, a truly beautiful sight. Surrounded by numerous demon soldiers, Lord Xiang wore a proper smile, but deep down, he was not very happy. The young lady of Xiaohan Mountain was different from the divine maiden of Luoshui Divine Palace. Unless Wen Xianren could take another step forward, she wouldn’t be of much help to him. Unfortunately, his previous plans had fallen through, and Luoshui Divine Palace gave him no opportunity, so he could only settle for second best.
With this thought in mind, Lord Xiang walked towards the golden carriage being pulled by four exotic beasts in the sky. But just as he was about to get close, he sensed something strange. Trusting his intuition, he retreated without hesitation. However, those who had long been prepared, how could they let him retreat so easily? The clash of weapons exploded, and sword energy shot straight into the heavens, aimed at Lord Xiang’s heart! The killing trap was sprung in an instant, and countless rays of light descended upon Lord Xiang and the demons!
In an instant, blood stained the Dustless Sea.
Inside the Dragon Palace, it was bustling with excitement.
The demon race cultivators and the Xiaohan Mountain cultivators gathered in the crystal hall were drinking merrily, exchanging compliments with the Dragon Lord and his sons. But at that moment, a small demon covered in blood stumbled into the hall and cried out in hatred, “Xiaohan Mountain has set up an ambush, killing our fellow demon race members of the Dustless Sea!” As his voice fell, sharp, sword-like gazes turned towards the elder from Xiaohan Mountain. The elder was startled, the cup in his hand fell to the floor with a crash, and he forced a smile. “Perhaps it’s a misunderstanding?” But as soon as he finished speaking, he saw Lord Xiang rush back, his red robes tattered, a dragon horn broken, and dragon scales visible on his cheek, twitching constantly and seeping fresh blood!
The sudden attack from Luoshui Divine Palace caught the Dustless Sea completely off guard. After they reacted, the Dustless Sea immediately summoned its troops to face Luoshui Divine Palace. This was their territory; they had the geographical advantage. As for the reason for the fight, the demon race couldn’t be bothered to ask. If there was going to be a fight, then they would fight to the end!
The waves surged, and the water seemed to overturn the sky.
The figures of the Dragon Lord, Canal Lord, Qilin Lord, and Phoenix Lord materialized from illusory to solid, appearing in mid-air. The pressure of the Cavern Heaven great powers radiated outwards, like great mountains pressing down on everyone. But then, a deafening sword cry rang out. The clouds in the sky suddenly moved, then rumbled violently. A powerful momentum surged forth, and in everyone’s vision, all they could see was a single sword streaking across the sky! A Daoist stepped out from a ball of brilliant light, reached out, and grasped a sword. This person was none other than True Monarch Yuan Ying of Buzhou. Immediately after, a vast expanse of cloud energy, like a tidal wave, swept in. Yun Qingzi stepped out and bowed to True Monarch Yuan Ying.
At this point, the Dragon Lord finally understood. It wasn’t just Luoshui Divine Palace; it was all three major powers coming to suppress his Dustless Sea! He sneered and directly revealed his true form. A ferocious and terrifying giant dragon appeared in the clouds, its fierce eyes wide with anger. Canal Lord and Qilin Lord also silently activated their auras, preparing to fight the True Monarchs to the death. But just as Qilin Lord was about to move, a hand suddenly pressed down on his shoulder. He turned to see Phoenix Lord’s deep eyes. He was slightly stunned, and a cluster of flames was already rolling down his Daoist robe.
The formation of the army in the sea changed, but suddenly, flames shot up into the sky, throwing the demons of the Dustless Sea into chaos.
“You—” Qilin Lord’s eyes widened.
“I have come to see you off, Fellow Daoist.”
The battle between the Cavern Heaven True Monarchs was immense, with powerful energy surging in great, open clashes of infinite power. Unconsciously, they moved far away. Meanwhile, the battle between the cultivators and the demon race cultivators was not yet over. Wei Yunshu and Lingfeng fought side by side. Sword energy surged, and the Abyssal True Water roared and rushed forward, breaking through the enemy formation like splitting bamboo, clearing out the different races in no time.
This battle lasted for half a month before it ended.
As expected, the Dragon Lord, Canal Lord, and Qilin Lord were defeated and killed, but the remaining soldiers still needed to be dealt with.
It was not until two months later that Wei Yunshu and Lingfeng returned. They had only recently entered the Nascent Soul realm, and this time they had fought many Nascent Soul demon cultivators, which served as excellent tempering for their cultivation. In just a few short months, they had gained more than a whole year of sitting in a cave dwelling, a fruitful harvest indeed.
Wei Yunshu was not in a hurry to return to Buzhou. For one, she didn’t want to be separated from Lingfeng again. For another, her master was also a guest at Luoshui Divine Palace. She found an appropriate opportunity and brought up the matter. True Monarch Yuan Ying had later learned of the history between Wei Yunshu and Lingfeng. If she hadn’t taken Wei Yunshu away back then, perhaps she would have been found by the Luoshui Divine Palace disciples and grown up with Lingfeng. She naturally would not disagree with this matter, but the final outcome still depended on Wen Dantong’s attitude.
Wen Dantong had long known her daughter’s heart. She had searched for Wei Yunshu for many years. Although she didn’t mention it later, it didn’t mean she had completely forgotten. Whenever she had free time, she would always visit that mortal city, searching for traces of the past. If there had been a gap between immortal and mortal, then it would have just remained a thought. But Wei Yunshu had entered the Dao, become a disciple of Buzhou, and after their reunion, it would have been strange if that thought didn’t ignite. After asking for Lingfeng’s opinion, she made a verbal agreement for the marriage with True Monarch Yuan Ying. Now, with the threat of the North still unresolved, they had to deal with this matter first.
For these few days, Wei Yunshu felt like she was walking on clouds.
Although the Dao Companion ceremony had not yet been set, she and Lingfeng were already a married couple. She wished she could cling to Lingfeng and never be separated from her again. But when her master was leaving to return to Buzhou, she took her along, saying that she should go to the Northern Continent for some training. As for Lingfeng, she was to stay at the Sunset Burial Mounds. Once the war started, due to the existence of that Chaos Tree, the Fu Li Immortal Realm would inevitably open up two fronts. Guarding the Sunset Burial Mounds was the responsibility of Luoshui Divine Palace, while they were to guard the North.
Although Wei Yunshu was reluctant, she knew that the greater matter was more important. After parting with Lingfeng, she went to the Northern Continent. The demonic aura there was thick, and the demonic cultivators, demons, and evil beasts were innumerable. Wei Yunshu trained and fought with the demonic cultivators. Whenever she had free time, she would talk to Lingfeng through a communication jade talisman. Even though she couldn’t touch her, just seeing and hearing her was enough to alleviate the pain of lovesickness.
This separation was much longer than the one during her breakthrough.
For a cultivator, several decades pass in the blink of an eye, but in Wei Yunshu’s heart, these short years felt like endless, overlapping waves.
One spring.
Wei Yunshu heard from a fellow disciple that Luoshui Divine Palace was sending disciples. She had once looked forward to Lingfeng suddenly appearing. But every time, her hope turned into disappointment, which was more heart-wrenching than not having any expectations at all. She gradually learned not to expect, not to look, only thinking of improving her cultivation and quelling the demon disaster as soon as possible.
Night fell.
The moon was in the middle of the sky.
Under the rolling demonic aura, the moon seemed to be stained with a thin layer of red, casting a ghostly glow on the Northern Continent and the Great Wall, leaving long, eerie shadows.
Wei Yunshu stood on the city wall with her hands behind her back, her eyes fixed on the direction of the Northern Continent. Sword lights, like stars, circled around her, adorning her snow-white Daoist robe and scattering points of clear light. Wei Yunshu heard the strange whimpers and roars in the strong wind. Her eyes turned cold, and she transformed into a sword light, flying out. When she returned, a lingering murderous aura still clung to her.
Wei Yunshu’s mood was heavy.
People came and went, and there were disciples to receive them.
She glanced in the direction of the bright lights. Several times she wanted to go over and see, but she held herself back.
She leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, sighing silently.
Footsteps reached her ears at this moment.
Wei Yunshu initially thought it was another patrolling fellow disciple and casually looked up. But when she saw the person’s figure clearly, she was suddenly stunned.
“A’shu, not coming to greet me, is it because you don’t welcome me?”
The voice, tinged with a smile, was scattered by the wind. Everything felt like a dream.
Wei Yunshu stood there, stunned, unwilling to look away for a moment.
