After I Died My Dao Companion Drowns in Endless Regret Chapter 58

Within the cave mansion, water vapor gradually filled the space, and the indistinct sound of rushing water could be heard.
A wave of fatigue surged from the depths of her heart, instantly spreading to her limbs. The past was like a beautiful dream, now leaving only confusion and helplessness. She flicked her fingers, and several treasure pearls were re-embedded into the stone wall, illuminating the cave mansion brightly. She lowered her eyelids, her thick lashes casting small shadows.
She did not respond further.
Luo Lingfeng would not listen to anything she said.
With a flick of her sleeve, she retreated to the side of the stone couch, completely ignoring Luo Lingfeng, and began to meditate cross-legged.
Luo Lingfeng smiled and crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Wei Yunshu, deep and profound, like a bottomless abyss. After a long time, she turned around and left Wei Yunshu’s cave mansion without looking back.
The night was quiet. The wind blowing from the Buzhou mountain cliff carried a sharp and biting coldness.
The moonlight was cool. Luo Lingfeng stood alone on the cliff edge, thinking of past trifles, a faint smile on her lips.
Did Wei Yunshu want to completely break free from her? How could it be so easy? Until she herself grew tired of it, Wei Yunshu had no hope of succeeding!
She had already embarked on that path, becoming an evil person. Then she could commit evil deeds once, twice… even tens of thousands of times.
A lonely night soon passed. In the mountains under the morning sun, the palaces and pavilions were bathed in a light golden glow, dazzling and bright.
The disciples of Buzhou were originally practicing swords in the plaza, but today, not a single figure could be seen in the vast plaza. Only a few stewards hurried about, making arrangements in the reception hall.
By 9 AM, a dragon’s roar echoed through the heavens. A giant dragon, hundreds of feet long, emerged from the clouds and finally transformed into a handsome cultivator wearing a magnificent royal robe at the peak of Buzhou. His eyes were silent, without any trace of life, as if a jade statue had come to life. He laughed heartily and strode into the reception hall. This person was the Dragon Lord of Dustless Sea, who had arrived first at the invitation of Buzhou.
Half an hour later, clouds and mist billowed, enveloping an area of a thousand li. The sound of surging water rumbled, like thunder. Wen Xianren emerged slowly, treading on the water’s flow, wearing an official’s cap and wide robes, a faint smile on his lips. Before the clouds and mist around him could dissipate, the massive mist seemed to be controlled by another person, beginning to transform into various shapes. Wen Xianren frowned and turned his head, looking at the white-robed Daoist who emerged gracefully from the clouds, his eyes sharp.
“True Monarch Wen, please.” The white-robed Daoist raised his eyebrows and smiled, but even as he spoke, before Wen Xianren could make a move, he himself transformed into a streak of light and entered the hall first.
“Well done, Yun Yong!” Wen Xianren let out a cold laugh, dispelling the swirling clouds in mid-air, and then proudly strode into the treasure hall.
At this point, the key figures from the three major sects had all arrived. Since they were all avatars of Cavern Heaven True Monarchs, Buzhou Peak had also sent a Cavern Heaven to preside. Currently, True Monarch Yuan Fu sat cross-legged with his eyes closed at the head seat, while Shi Wufang stood respectfully beside him.
“Four bronze tables? Who else hasn’t arrived?” The Dragon Lord’s gaze swept over Wen Xianren and Yun Yong, a smile forming at the corner of his lips. Dealing with the former was not frequent, but the one from Cloud City was somewhat unfamiliar. Cloud City’s Yun family had two Cavern Heavens, but unfortunately, during the calamity of Cloud Sovereign’s demise three years ago, that formidable Yun family Cavern Heaven had also perished, leaving behind a junior who had recently entered the Cavern Heaven realm.
Yun Yong sensed the Dragon Lord’s unrestrained gaze falling upon him, and his brows furrowed slightly, revealing a trace of disgust. However, he ignored the Dragon Lord and instead turned his gaze to the empty bronze table, a guess vaguely surfacing in his mind. After the elders of the two families brought back their disciples, they only mentioned Buzhou blocking them and Luo Lingfeng remaining at Buzhou. Logically, with Luo Lingfeng present, Cloud City should be fine, but they couldn’t completely trust Luo Lingfeng, and after some deliberation, Yun Yong came personally.
“It’s True Monarch Luo,” True Monarch Yuan Fu replied gently.
As his words fell, the sound of tinkling jade pendants was heard.
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound in unison. They saw a figure in a water-blue dress, walking slowly.
Luo Lingfeng had changed into a new blue and white dress today. Her snow-white hair was tied back with a red silk ribbon only near the end. She cupped her hands towards everyone in the hall and then walked gracefully to sit behind the bronze table. A faint smile graced her face. She leaned to the side, supporting her chin with her left hand, with a hint of nonchalance.
Wen Xianren and Yun Yong were both stunned by her attire. Three years ago, she had always dressed like this. But since Cloud Sovereign’s demise, her temperament had drastically changed, and even her clothes were the color of burning fire, the ashes of burnt embers, appearing alluring and strange. However, at this moment, it seemed as if she had traveled through the river of time to find her past place, regaining some of the demeanor of the Luoshui Divine Maiden.
True Monarch Yuan Fu actually disliked such social engagements. He swept his gaze around and, seeing that everyone had arrived, got straight to the point, saying, “Even if Buzhou hadn’t sent invitations today, I believe all of you fellow Daoists would have come to Buzhou to seek clarification. Let’s dispense with the pleasantries. If any of you have questions, feel free to ask.”
Upon hearing this, Wen Xianren said gravely, “Then I shall ask. Our three families’ elders saw their disciples’ life plaques shatter and wished to go to the secret realm to provide aid. Why did Buzhou block them?”
True Monarch Yuan Fu cast a glance at Shi Wufang.
Shi Wufang bowed to Wen Xianren and said gently, “The secret realm has undergone changes. We of Buzhou are cleansing irregularities, and it is not convenient for outsiders to interfere.”
Yun Yong let out a cold laugh, “However, I am unaware of what changes would necessitate the use of Buzhou’s Dao artifact. After all, the appearance of Dao artifacts in the Fu Li Immortal Realm was three thousand years ago.” Before Buzhou could respond, his tone became more intense and aggressive, saying, “In the secret realm from thousands of years ago, besides treasures and elixirs, there must have been inheritances. But for some reason, not a single disciple of my Cloud City managed to retrieve a Daoist text or jade slip. Is there truly none, or did Buzhou confiscate them?” At this point, he scanned the surroundings and asked, “May I ask the two fellow Daoists from Luoshui Divine Palace and Dustless Sea if any of your disciples retrieved Daoist texts?”
The treasures from thousands of years ago were important, but far less so than Daoist texts and secret records. Treasures were used to refine magic artifacts, and elixirs could save lives. Only a few people could use them. However, Daoist texts were different; they were the most crucial foundation of a sect. All families in Cloud City desired to become stronger.
Wen Xianren shook his head, saying, “No.”
The Dragon Lord sighed even more, “You are still worried about Daoist texts, but all the cultivators from my Dustless Sea who went to the secret realm were annihilated. Not a single one managed to get out.” His gaze swept over everyone and then he said nonchalantly, “Regarding this matter, should I ask Buzhou, or all of you?”
Yun Yong said dismissively, “There’s constant fighting in the secret realm. Isn’t it normal for some people to die?” He added, “My Cloud City also suffered considerable losses.” He learned from his disciples that Buzhou and Luo Lingfeng had killed demon cultivators. He secretly felt it was well done and didn’t want to dwell on this meaningless topic. He emphasized his point, saying, “If no one retrieved Daoist texts, is it because there are none, or because Buzhou doesn’t want anyone to know?” The spiritual energy around him surged, and shifting clouds appeared behind him, exerting a powerful aura forward. However, before it could reach the head seat, he heard a sword’s cry. The sword energy was formless, directly shattering the swirling clouds.
True Monarch Yuan Fu’s eyelids twitched, but he did not answer.
If not for the presence of Cavern Heaven cultivators, Shi Wufang would have been in charge of everything.
Shi Wufang naturally understood her Martial Uncle’s intentions. She bowed to the Dragon Lord and said solemnly, “We did not intend to engage in conflict, but for some reason, the fellow Daoists from Dustless Sea were filled with vital energy and exuded an evil aura, as if they had lost control.”
“Evil aura?” The Dragon Lord smiled playfully. He looked directly at Shi Wufang and said slowly, “Anyone who kills can use this as an excuse.”
“The entrance to the secret realm was guarded by disciples of Buzhou Peak. Not a single cultivator from the Corridor of Sins entered. If there was no reason, how could there be an evil aura?” Wen Xianren added.
Luo Lingfeng had been listening quietly. Now, she suddenly raised her eyebrows and said with a smile, “What if it was an ancient ruin of evil cultivators?”
Wen Xianren exclaimed in shock, “How is that possible?”
“If not, why would Buzhou use a Dao artifact? Fellow Daoist Shi, don’t you agree?” Luo Lingfeng looked at Shi Wufang and chuckled softly.
Shi Wufang followed Luo Lingfeng’s words and nodded, saying, “Indeed, it is related to evil cultivators.” Having already decided not to reveal the matter of the five Divine Lords, Shi Wufang directly skipped that part and only spoke of the Daoist texts. She said, “The secret realm does contain Daoist texts and jade slips, and they are now all at Buzhou Peak. However, these Daoist texts are all evil techniques and should not be disseminated into the Fu Li Immortal Realm for cultivators to practice.”
Yun Yong’s eyes flickered. He said, “Words are not proof. We also need to see the Daoist texts to know if you are deceiving us.” His goal was simple: to see the Daoist texts obtained from the secret realm.
Shi Wufang had long anticipated they would say this. She immediately took out four jade slips from her sleeve and handed them to the four Cavern Heaven True Monarchs. They contained half of the “Severing All Selves” technique. With the cultivation of Cavern Heaven True Monarchs, they could discern the problems with just a glance. Silence fell upon the hall. After a while, Yun Yong was the first to discard the jade slip, saying coldly, “This single jade slip proves nothing. To be precise, even if what Buzhou says is true, that the texts record evil techniques, then where is the most suitable place to keep evil techniques? Or should they be completely destroyed?”
“There’s no need to destroy them. I believe the treasure vaults of the various sects also contain some cultivation techniques of evil cultivators. After all, ‘know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.'” Wen Xianren said with a smile, paused for a moment, and then abruptly changed the topic, “However, Fellow Daoist Yun is right. Where should these techniques be kept? Although the secret realm is within Buzhou, it is ownerless. Using this as a reason to claim ownership of the secret realm’s gains is probably not justifiable.”
The Dragon Lord echoed with a smile, “Indeed.” His expression remained calm, but in his heart, he was secretly contemplating. He had already learned from other sources that the secret realm was related to the five Divine Lords, and even involved matters of the Shang Qing Divine Realm. However, Buzhou remained silent. Was it because they were unaware, or were they deliberately concealing it? What were their intentions? “Why don’t we take turns managing the Daoist texts for fifty years each?” the Dragon Lord suggested.
Yun Yong smiled, “Then who should hold them first?” Fifty years was enough time to transcribe a copy of the Daoist text. By the time it was due, they could claim it was lost or destroyed by accident, so in essence, the first family to hold it would gain the advantage. “Among the four sects, Cloud City has always taken the lead. Let’s start with Cloud City. What do you all think?”
Cloud City was powerful, but after the demise of several Cavern Heavens three years ago, their strength had been considerably weakened. Wen Xianren sneered inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged. He said, “It’s not impossible, but—” He deliberately elongated his tone. Seeing Yun Yong’s sharp gaze fall upon his face, he slowly smiled and continued, “Since Cloud Sovereign is not present, after returning to Cloud City, which family will be in charge of the Daoist texts? Have you all decided?”
Yun Yong’s brows suddenly furrowed. His expression became somber as he thought of unpleasant things. At that time, it was Yun Dan who instigated the plot, and the Yun family took the lead in persuading the other families’ Cavern Heavens. In the end, due to misjudging Luo Lingfeng’s strength, they suffered heavy losses. Moreover, afterward, those families demanded compensation. Although the Yun family had accumulated wealth over thousands of years, this still weakened their vitality. Most importantly was the Su family. They were the only one among the five families of Cloud City with two Cavern Heavens presiding, but due to the incompetence of their younger descendants, they remained inactive. If they wanted to argue over this matter, the Yun family might not be able to defeat them.
His peripheral vision fell upon Luo Lingfeng, who wore a smiling expression. Yun Yong’s eye twitched. He said, “Although Cloud Sovereign is no longer here, True Monarch Luo is still present. She can act on behalf of our Cloud City in managing various affairs.” After Wei Yunshu’s death, the new Cloud Sovereign should have taken the throne long ago, but the Dao artifact was in the hands of that madwoman, and none of the five families could convince each other. Even Yun Dansu who was favored before was pushed aside, leading to this stalemate.
Wen Xianren did not voice any further objections. Luo Lingfeng hated Luo Hengjun to the bone, but her attitude towards the other three families was somewhat ambiguous. Regardless, it was better than the items falling into the hands of complete outsiders.
Shi Wufang frowned upon hearing this. She did not think Luo Lingfeng was a suitable candidate.
“Inappropriate,” the Dragon Lord repeatedly shook his head. “The relationship between True Monarch Luo and Luoshui Divine Palace and Cloud City is ambiguous. Who knows if your two families will collude in secret? I, Dustless Sea, suffered such a great loss in the secret realm. I think these Daoist texts can be temporarily kept by this Lord.”
The four families convened, but the other three had never considered entrusting their items to Dustless Sea. As soon as the Dragon Lord’s words fell, Yun Yong said coldly, “Your disciples were incapable and died in the secret realm. Can this be used as an excuse to seize the Daoist texts? Dragon Lord, have you been sleeping for too long?”
“Seize?” The Dragon Lord did not get angry, showing an expression of surprise and innocence. “Fellow Daoist Yun, your words are somewhat excessive. When the time comes, my Dustless Sea will hand over the Daoist texts and will not let them be lost in the vast sea.”
“This kind of dispute will not yield results,” Luo Lingfeng’s eyes shifted, and she smiled, saying, “Why not have a sword duel? The winner can keep the Daoist texts. What do you all think?” As her words fell, the hall fell silent. In the past, if cultivators in the Fu Li Immortal Realm had disputes, they ultimately settled them through their own abilities. Luo Lingfeng’s suggestion was one that no family had a reason to refuse.
True Monarch Yuan Fu’s eyes suddenly erupted with streaks of bright light. He clapped his hands and laughed, “What True Monarch Luo said is indeed correct.” He found the back-and-forth arguments tiresome and preferred a direct confrontation. He looked at the people behind the bronze table and said, “Since everyone is here, our avatars can go to the Extreme Heaven for a sparring match. What do you say?” After reaching the Cavern Heaven realm, peers rarely fought. They spent their days meditating in their cave mansions. He was already quite weary. At this moment, hearing Luo Lingfeng’s invitation to a sword duel, his expression became eager.
However, none of the people present wanted to duel with True Monarch Yuan Fu.
Yun Yong glanced at True Monarch Yuan Fu expressionlessly and said faintly, “Fellow Daoist is joking.” When avatars fought, it consumed the essence of their true bodies. Which Cavern Heaven would be willing to participate? Perhaps Luo Lingfeng would. Yun Yong’s thoughts stirred, but upon meeting Luo Lingfeng’s half-smiling expression, he immediately dismissed the idea.
Shi Wufang rubbed her forehead, looking at True Monarch Yuan Fu disapprovingly, and whispered, “Martial Uncle.”
True Monarch Yuan Fu then showed an expression of “boredom.”
Shi Wufang said, “If everyone agrees, then let the sword duel decide the victor. However, the specifics still need to be discussed.”
“Indeed,” Luo Lingfeng smiled and then said leisurely, “However, now that we’ve initiated a sword duel, is it too boring to have only our four sects compete? Speaking of which, it’s been many years since the Fu Li Immortal Realm has seen such a grand spectacle of sect duels. Why not take this opportunity to send out invitations and invite cultivators from all major and minor sects? Firstly, to see their skills and prepare for future confrontations with the Corridor of Sins; secondly, it would be a lively occasion. What do you all think?”
A hint of color flashed in the Dragon Lord’s eyes. He laughed heartily, “This matter is excellent!” A four-sect sword duel was merely their internal affair, but if they involved all the cultivators of the immortal realm, there would be many opportunities for manipulation.
Yun Yong had no strong opinions on this matter and remained silent.
Wen Xianren pondered for a moment and then shook his head, saying, “Inappropriate.” He paused for a moment and then solemnly explained, “The reason the Fu Li Immortal Realm has not seen sword duels for a long time is related to the dynamics with the Corridor of Sins. Many elite cultivators are currently fighting on the front lines. If they were to return due to a sword duel, wouldn’t the Northern Continent’s defense line be greatly weakened, giving the Corridor of Sins an opportunity?”
Yun Yong nodded, “That makes sense.” He finally remembered the unruly individuals in the Northern Continent.
“This matter is simple,” Luo Lingfeng smiled slightly. “Why don’t we simply move the location of the sword duel to the Northern Continent?”
Wen Xianren frowned, growing increasingly displeased with Luo Lingfeng’s suggestion, “This is initiating conflict between the immortal sects and the Northern Continent.”
Luo Lingfeng said dismissively, “Isn’t this bound to happen sooner or later?”
Wen Xianren said calmly, “We are not prepared to confront the Corridor of Sins.”
Luo Lingfeng squinted at Wen Xianren. After the chaos in Luoshui Divine Palace, had his Xiaohan Mountain not yet digested what it had swallowed? Or was he still coveting what did not belong to him? Compared to the Corridor of Sins, the Sacred Heart he was secretly searching for was more important, wasn’t it? She curled her lips, revealing a brilliant smile, “If my uncle is incapable, he should abdicate early. I think my cousin is quite capable. What do you think, uncle?”
Her words were completely impolite, showing no respect for her elder. Wen Xianren was so angered by her words that his face darkened, and just as he was about to erupt in anger, he suddenly heard the sound of a sword’s cry, and he immediately sobered up. This was Buzhou, not a place to vent his anger. He suppressed his anger and reprimanded, “Three thousand years ago, in the battle with the Corridor of Sins, our immortal sect suffered heavy losses. Have you forgotten this lesson?”
Luo Lingfeng stretched and said, “Oh.”
Wen Xianren: “…” Even more angered!
Shi Wufang did not want to see them fighting here, so she quickly tried to mediate, saying, “It is indeed inappropriate to go directly to the Northern Continent. How about we find a location near the Northern Continent? If anything happens, we can still go to provide timely assistance.”
Wen Xianren’s face remained taut, he did not respond.
The Dragon Lord laughed and said, “This is good. Who should be sent for this sword duel?”
Yun Yong said casually, “Only after reaching the Core Formation stage can true abilities be displayed. Let’s have disciples in the Golden Core and Nascent Soul realms decide the victor.”
The Cavern Heaven True Monarchs discussed matters in the hall. It wasn’t until three days later that a clear cry echoed through the heavens, and a dragon soared into the sky. The Dragon Lord was the first to leave, as swift as his arrival. Following him were Wen Xianren and Yun Yong. Luo Lingfeng was the last to leave. She walked alongside Shi Wufang, pretending to casually mention the deaths of the demon cultivators from Dustless Sea.
“The demon cultivators are usually hot-tempered, especially the Dragon Lord. However, he did not show anger when killing the demon cultivators of Luoshui Divine Palace, nor when his disciples, even his own son, were killed in the secret realm. If something is out of the ordinary, it’s bound to be something demonic. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Shi?”
Shi Wufang’s expression became solemn. She nodded slowly and replied, “True Monarch Luo speaks wisely.”
Luo Lingfeng smiled like the spring breeze. The mountain wind blew her sleeves, which unfurled like flowing clouds, outlining a vibrant blue, as if a gently flowing stream.
“This matter is considered concluded. Since that is the case, I will not be staying at Buzhou for long,” Luo Lingfeng’s voice sounded.
Shi Wufang turned and gazed at Luo Lingfeng’s profile. She sensed something unusual from her tone. Her nerves immediately tightened, the gentleness in her eyes receding, replaced by a sharp sword intent.
Luo Lingfeng pretended not to notice Shi Wufang’s vigilance. She suddenly smiled, unrestrained and joyful.
“We will meet again during the sword duel.”
Shi Wufang remained noncommittal, only offering a faint smile. She said, “The avatars of True Monarchs, even if suppressed to the Golden Core stage, are not allowed to participate in the sword duel.”
Luo Lingfeng said, “I just care about the disciples of Cloud City. After all, the agreed-upon location is near the Northern Continent. Who knows if someone might cause trouble?”
Shi Wufang looked at her deeply, saying, “Didn’t you propose this yourself first?”
Luo Lingfeng casually replied, “Precisely because of this, I must protect the disciples. Otherwise, wouldn’t I become a sinner for all eternity?”
Shi Wufang said softly, “I thought True Monarch did not fear becoming a sinner.”
Luo Lingfeng seriously appraised Shi Wufang and then said with a smile, “At certain times, one might feel an impulse towards betterment, and that feeling isn’t too bad.” She didn’t want to dwell on this topic further and said, “I’ve heard of Heavenly Forger before, and now that I’ve seen it, it truly lives up to its reputation. However, Fellow Daoist Shi, do you understand? Fake is fake. It’s impossible to exchange the fake for the genuine.”
Shi Wufang raised her hand in a salute to Luo Lingfeng and said with a faint smile, “I have learned.”