After I Died My Dao Companion Drowns in Endless Regret Chapter 71

After Phoenix Lord led her subordinate demons back to the Dustless Sea, Luo Lingfeng also concealed her spiritual energy and quietly returned to Cloud City.
In the main hall of the Su family, Patriarch Su Lanyin had already received the news of Su Lancheng’s death. While shocked, he desperately wished he could investigate personally. However, considering the clan disciples within the city, he suppressed his grief, anger, and shock. He attempted to trace the cause of Su Lancheng’s death using the life token enshrined in the Ancestral Hall, but found only emptiness.
Who had made the move? Was it Luo Lingfeng? How could she possibly contend with two Cavern Heaven realm cultivators alone? Or was the demise of the two Cavern Heaven realm cultivators in the Dustless Sea a trap? If Lancheng had fallen, what about Yue Qingtan? How was he? If he returned, could he reveal the truth? Su Lanyin’s thoughts swirled. Before he could organize his thoughts, he saw a Su family disciple hurrying in, bowing, “True Monarch, the Yue family has arrived.”
Su Lanyin’s expression changed slightly, an ominous premonition instantly surfacing. He said in a deep voice, “Quickly invite them in.” Not long after, a Nascent Soul elder from the Yue family was led into the hall. The elder’s face was pale, his eyes filled with confusion and distress. He didn’t even bother to hide his emotions, bowing to Su Lanyin, “Our True Monarch he, he—”
“He’s dead?” Su Lanyin finished his sentence.
The Yue family elder knelt, crying out in pain, “Yes. Please, True Monarch Su, enlighten me!” He was Yue Qingtan’s confidant and knew why Yue Qingtan had left Cloud City. His thoughts were the same as those of the other True Monarchs. Therefore, when he discovered the anomaly with the life token enshrined in the Ancestral Hall, it struck him like lightning. He was shocked and terrified.
Su Lanyin’s face turned cold and green. In such a short period, both Su Lancheng and Yue Qingtan had their Cavern Heaven Dharma Manifestations destroyed, their spirits and forms obliterated. This was not something an ordinary person could achieve. They hadn’t even had a chance to escape! Who was it?! Su Lanyin calmed himself, his voice hoarse as he ordered, “Do not spread this matter outside for now.” Although he said this, those who had cultivated to the Cavern Heaven realm could discern some clues from the scattered spiritual energy. He could only temporarily stabilize the hearts of the disciples in Cloud City.
The Yue family elder’s heart sank to the bottom; his faint hope was dashed. Thinking of the current state of the Chu and Wu families, the path ahead was shrouded in darkness. He didn’t say anything more, silently stood up, bowed to Su Lanyin, and then left the hall with hurried footsteps.
In the Northern Continent.
With Yun Yong’s departure, the situation became murky once more. The Dragon Lord, holding a Dao artifact, intended to replace Yan Danwo as the master of the Great Wall. Suddenly, he heard Yan Danwo say that the Northern Continent’s defense line had a true controller. Several names flashed through his mind, but he dismissed them one by one. Finally, he coldly guessed, “Is that person the Cloud Sovereign?” As soon as he spoke, Wen Xianren’s eyelids twitched, and he also turned his gaze to Yan Danwo.
“No,” Yan Danwo said calmly and indifferently. She parted her thin lips and uttered two words, “Gold Spirit.”
The Dragon Lord knitted his brows, flicked his sleeve, and snorted, “Never heard of it.”
“It’s natural that you all don’t know,” Yan Danwo’s lips curved into a faint smile. She said leisurely, “Perhaps in other words, the Gold Spirit is the Great Wall itself.”
The Dragon Lord exchanged a look with Wen Xianren. He asked uncertainly, “Has the Great Wall already transformed into a true artifact?” This impenetrable defense line of the Northern Continent was built thousands of years ago to resist the invasion of the primordial demons of the Northern Continent, consuming countless manpower and resources. It could itself be considered a magic artifact.
Yan Danwo chuckled softly, “Does the Dragon Lord think that after thousands of years of steadfast defense, the Great Wall could only grow into a true artifact?”
As these words fell, the Dragon Lord’s expression changed drastically. The Great Wall was built to resist demons. After it sprouted a true spirit and grew into a Dao artifact, it would naturally steadfastly defend the Northern Continent’s border and not allow the primordial demons to cross. If this were the case, even if his disciples from the Dustless Sea occupied several important checkpoints, it would be useless. His agreement with that side would be impossible. Yan Danwo had never mentioned such a matter, and even Wen Xianren of Xiaohan Mountain was filled with shock! Cloud City, no, it should be Yan Danwo, had concealed this very well!
Yan Danwo took in the Dragon Lord’s ever-changing expression and added, “The truth of what’s happening in the Northern Continent is still unclear. If the Dragon Lord wishes to discuss matters with them, you can intervene personally. As for allowing those primordial demons to enter our Immortal Sect’s territory, it’s absolutely impossible. Even if the Dragon Lord were to apprehend me today, it would be of no avail.”
With the matter put this way, the Dragon Lord no longer wished to make a move. However, it was also impossible for him to abandon his plan. While he was secretly pondering a way to break through, he suddenly heard Yan Danwo’s voice again.
“Something has changed in Cloud City, and True Monarch Yun has returned. Regarding the Dustless Sea, does the Dragon Lord not plan to intervene?”
The Dragon Lord’s expression was cold, his vertical pupils rippling with icy light. He said coldly, “The calamity has already occurred, and my return would be of no avail. As for the remnants, they will be dealt with by disciples of the sect. It would be better to resolve the major affairs of the Fu Li Immortal Realm first. The traitor will pay the price, but not today.” Although the Dustless Sea was important, it was insignificant compared to his own future Dao path. When Daoist Wan Ling returned, they would discuss future matters together. After a moment of thought, the Dragon Lord added, “Let’s not mention those five Divine Lords for now, but the evil cultivators in the Corridor of Sins are our great enemies. Since the Dustless Sea is part of the Immortal Sect, it should contribute to the eradication of these evil cultivators.”
Yan Danwo glanced at the Dragon Lord. The Dustless Sea region did not border the Northern Continent, so it had been at ease for thousands of years. Anyone else could have said this, but for the Dragon Lord to say it was truly the height of shamelessness. However, Yan Danwo would not expose or obstruct the Dragon Lord on such a minor matter. She clasped her hands in a salute and said indifferently, “Esteemed True Monarchs, please help yourselves.” With that, she clasped her hands again and transformed into a streak of spiritual light, darting away. With her departure, only the Dragon Lord, Wen Xianren, and the Nascent Soul avatars of the other two Cavern Heaven realms from the Luoshui Divine Palace remained.
Wen Xianren’s eyelids twitched, and a nameless unease welled up in his heart, “Is the situation in the Dustless Sea really being left unattended?”
The Dragon Lord sneered, “What does True Monarch Wen think this Lord should do?” He had no intention of dwelling on this topic and added, “Your sister is still at the Great Wall. Is True Monarch Wen not in a hurry?”
Upon hearing this, Wen Xianren suddenly remembered the original purpose of his coming to the border. The chaos in Youluo Mountain and the consecutive deaths of several peers in the Cavern Heaven realm had made him feel a sense of foreboding, and he had almost forgotten the important matters! He turned to the two Nascent Soul avatars and said, “Esteemed Daoist brothers, please return to the Luoshui Divine Palace first.” Even if Wen Xianren hadn’t mentioned it, Tang Wentian and Jiang Huangyu didn’t want to stay here any longer. After a bow, they each withdrew.
The Dragon Lord waited until everyone had left before coldly contacting Xiang Jun, intending to instruct him to do a few things. To his surprise, there was no response from the other end. The Dragon Lord amplified his senses, and a guess suddenly arose in his heart. Perhaps Xiang Jun had already died on the way back from Youluo Mountain! No matter how estranged their father-son relationship, Xiang Jun was his descendant! He was very likely the successor to the Dragon Palace of the Dustless Sea in the future! The Dragon Lord’s composure could no longer be maintained. He threw his head back and let out a painful, sharp howl.
“What is this?” A chuckle reached his ears.
The Dragon Lord’s howl abruptly stopped. He turned his head, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the Daoist riding a crane. The Dragon Lord suppressed the melancholy on his face, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, “Senior Wan Ling.” He paused and then asked, “The Cavern Heaven cultivator from Buzhou—”
Daoist Wan Ling said slowly, “That junior cultivates ‘Heaven and Earth Neighboring.’ If he wishes to leave, how could it be so easy to intercept him?” He gazed intently at the Dragon Lord and asked again, “How are things progressing on your end?”
The Dragon Lord did not meet Daoist Wan Ling’s gaze, exhaled a breath, and said, “Things have changed.” Then, he recounted everything he knew.
Northern Continent Outpost, Great Wall.
A swift light streaked from beyond the heavens, accompanied by the rustling of water. After a few breaths, a figure leaped out, who was none other than the exquisitely beautiful Jiang Jiuxiao. She landed on the ground, grabbed a disciple, and pointed towards a certain pavilion, saying softly, “Has that person not come out from inside yet?”
The disciple shook his head, “No.” He hesitated for a moment, then added, “The disciples from Buzhou have arrived at the outpost. I heard that the Cloud Sovereign is also here.”
The “person” Jiang Jiuxiao was referring to was Luo Lingfeng.
After Luo Lingfeng arrived in the city, she did nothing else besides going to the Lichen Prison to infuriate Wen Danhua to the point of spitting blood. She was uncharacteristically in seclusion in a pavilion. With her presence, Jiang Jiuxiao was filled with unease, wishing she could send away this “great Buddha” immediately, but she didn’t dare to speak up. She maintained her usual demeanor and went out to kill demons and patrol the border. It was only after receiving a letter of instruction from Xiang Jun that she quietly departed alone.
Recalling the scene of her meeting with Xiang Jun a few days prior, she couldn’t help but sigh. The dignified Dragon Prince of the Dustless Sea, the elegant Young Master Xiang, had become a pathetic dog. Only a few shrimp soldiers and crab generals remained by his side, and they were all severely injured. Upon inquiry, she learned that most of the elite troops had been annihilated by the Buzhou swordsmen. At this point, revenge was out of the question. He could barely protect himself and only thought of finding a way to survive. And the closest “way out” was her, who had gathered a part of her forces at the Great Wall.
“There is great chaos in the Dustless Sea. Phoenix Lord has betrayed the demon race and colluded with Luo Lingfeng to kill my two Cavern Heaven realm cultivators. I cannot go back. And here, I am being pursued by Buzhou disciples. I don’t know where I can hide. Jiang Jiuxiao, quickly find me a safe place to hide. When my father’s schemes succeed, I will propose to you, and in the future, you will enjoy endless benefits.” Thus spoke the pathetic Young Master Xiang.
Jiang Jiuxiao couldn’t help but laugh.
Why had she cooperated with Xiang Jun back then? Was it because she fancied this useless man, Xiang Jun? What she had always wanted was power—only by occupying a high position could one obtain sufficient resources for cultivation and find opportunities to break through. Facing Young Master Xiang’s accusatory gaze, what had she said? That’s right, she said, “I know where it’s safest, but are you willing to go?” Without waiting for Young Master Xiang to react, Jiang Jiuxiao made her move without mercy.
No wonder Luo Lingfeng didn’t come out during those days. It turned out she had personally gone to the Dustless Sea for a sneak attack. Had her cultivation reached the point where she could easily kill Cavern Heaven realm cultivators? If so, where would the Dustless Sea find its winning chance? Jiang Jiuxiao had always been a sensible person since childhood, and this time was no exception.
Pulling herself out of her memories, Jiang Jiuxiao tidied her hair and collar, walking with light steps towards the pavilion with the tightly shut door. Before she could knock, she heard a creak, and the tightly shut door opened towards her. The furnishings in the pavilion were quite simple: a table, a chair, a screen, and a cushion. A bronze incense burner on the table emitted wisps of smoke, appearing like rising mist on the mountains and rivers depicted on the screen. Behind the screen, Luo Lingfeng’s silhouette was hazy, appearing more like the moon in the water or flowers in a mirror.
Jiang Jiuxiao was somewhat dazed. It was only after a long while that the blurry silhouette became clear in her vision, and she snapped back to reality.
Her white hair was as pure as snow, her red clothes blazed like fire. After the gentle facade of the past was torn apart, only allure and eeriness remained, like a ferocious asura crawling out from the eighteenth level of hell.
Jiang Jiuxiao lowered her gaze, pursed her lips, and said, “Xiang Jun is dead. I have brought back his primordial spirit.”
“What is it, my sister, are you here to claim credit?” Amidst a rustling sound, several melodious chimes were mixed in. Within a few breaths, that figure had already approached. Jiang Jiuxiao lowered her head. The fear she felt towards Luo Lingfeng seemed to be etched into the depths of her soul. In front of her, she dared not even breathe.
Jiang Jiuxiao replied, “The Sword Fighting Assembly is a grand event for the Immortal Sect. Yet, the Dustless Sea laid an ambush in Youluo Mountain. Their intentions are wicked and unforgivable.”
Luo Lingfeng chuckled. She examined Jiang Jiuxiao carefully and said with an unknown meaning, “You have truly inherited the true teachings of the Immortal Sect cultivators.” With that, she flicked her sleeve and walked forward. However, when she reached the doorway, she suddenly turned back, smiling at Jiang Jiuxiao, “If you don’t cut the grass and remove the roots, the spring breeze will blow them back, my sister. You wouldn’t be thinking of finding a way out with Xiang Jun’s primordial spirit to the Dragon Lord in the future, would you?” She smiled charmingly, her eyes darting about, exuding a thousand kinds of charm. But Jiang Jiuxiao felt a chill run down her spine. She would rather Luo Lingfeng glare at her than see her smile.
“I just wanted to bring it back to see how True Monarch intends to deal with it,” Jiang Jiuxiao said meekly.
“What, you killed someone, and now you expect me to obliterate the primordial spirit? Are you trying to push everything onto me?” Luo Lingfeng asked with interest.
Jiang Jiuxiao: “…” The veins on her forehead throbbed, and a surge of anger accumulated in her heart. No matter what she said, it was wrong. She glanced at Luo Lingfeng, who clearly wanted to leave but ended up standing at the doorway with her arms crossed. She took out a jade talisman, cast a spell, and released the primordial spirit within. Before the primordial spirit could beg for mercy, she channeled her spiritual energy and completely annihilated it. She pursed her lips, “Are you satisfied now, True Monarch?”
Luo Lingfeng feigned surprise, raised her eyebrows, and smiled, “Did I ask you to do it?”
Jiang Jiuxiao did not reply. After Luo Lingfeng’s figure disappeared from her sight, she finally relaxed with a sigh of relief. Her gaze swept around the room, her brows furrowed deeply. She left with hurried steps, as if pursued by some monstrous beast. However, as soon as she stepped out of the small pavilion, she saw Luo Yuanshu, dressed in black robes and wearing a straw hat.
“She’s already gone. There’s no need to pledge your loyalty again.” Jiang Jiuxiao didn’t have a good disposition towards this half-brother. The young Luo Yuanshu had bullied her quite a bit.
“You seem very angry,” Luo Yuanshu gazed at Jiang Jiuxiao and said slowly, “Compared to those people, at least you’re still alive, aren’t you?”
Jiang Jiuxiao looked deeply at Luo Yuanshu, her expression blank, “It’s best to save that for later. It’s too early now.” Cavern Heaven True Monarchs were originally the players, but now they had fallen into the chessboard, becoming pieces. Then where should those who had not yet achieved the Cavern Heaven realm position themselves? When would they truly be able to control their own destiny?
Luo Yuanshu didn’t care about Jiang Jiuxiao’s indifference. He chuckled, turned around, and left without looking back. He didn’t care about allegiances; whoever benefited him, he was willing to follow.
Jiang Jiuxiao paid no mind to Luo Yuanshu. She wasn’t in a hurry for her next move. The priority was to gather as much intelligence as possible, only then could she find a glimmer of hope for survival.
At the Great Wall, cultivators were busy with their respective tasks.
Wei Yunshu arrived at the outpost. Although she wished to help, her puppet body, after a fierce battle, was like damaged magic artifacts, covered in cracks everywhere. Although Wei Yunshu could refine artifacts, her cultivation was far from comparable to Shi Wufang. She could barely maintain the puppet body from collapsing and couldn’t withstand further damage. Helplessly, Wei Yunshu could only sit in her room and cultivate, gradually replenishing the spiritual energy lost in the battle. After cultivating quietly for a period, it was only when a sense of warning arose in her heart that she suddenly returned from her profound state.
As cultivators reached a certain realm, they tended to approach the Dao. The Dao was the profound mystery of all things, so when events unfolded, there would be warnings. That sense was definitely not baseless. However, she couldn’t figure out the reason for its emergence for the moment. With a persistent unease in her heart, Wei Yunshu decided to give up cultivating and went outside.
The heavens and earth were dim, the night descended, with no stars and no moon.
Wei Yunshu stood on the city wall and gazed north. Scattered points of phosphorescent fire floated about, and a decaying aura, even from a great distance, could be sensed. Compared to the Sunset Burial Mounds, the evil aura in the Northern Continent was even more intense. Wei Yunshu greatly disliked this atmosphere, her brows furrowed. She turned and walked down the city wall. At a corner, a hand suddenly reached out from the darkness. Wei Yunshu’s eyelids twitched. She instinctively raised her hand to block, but the other party flipped their wrist, their movement as fast as lightning. In an instant, her wrist was seized. A soft “Shh” entered her ears. Wei Yunshu was momentarily dazed. Darkness swirled before her eyes, and she was pushed forward, her back hitting the cold city wall.
Wei Yunshu’s expression was cold, “Luo Lingfeng.” The deep darkness surged like a tide. The facial features of the person before her were very blurred, but even without looking up at her, she could perfectly outline a clear, unforgettable face. This was their first meeting since their separation at Youluo Mountain. Upon hearing of the changes in the Dustless Sea, she thought Luo Lingfeng would no longer appear in the Northern Continent.
The biting cold wind blew her hair, brushing against her face like feathers. Luo Lingfeng leaned close to Wei Yunshu, almost touching her forehead. However, upon sensing the warm breath, her body stiffened. She took a step back but did not release Wei Yunshu. In the silent night, her light and steady voice clearly reached Wei Yunshu’s ears.
“Come back to Cloud City with me.”
Wei Yunshu was not too surprised by Luo Lingfeng’s persistence. Her voice was like a still pool without ripples, “I’m not going.”
Luo Lingfeng frowned, very displeased with Wei Yunshu’s reaction. An inexplicable flame burned within her body, making her anxious. She flicked her sleeve and cast a shielding formation. Her free left hand embedded a luminous pearl into the city wall. Under the clear moonlight-like brilliance of the pearl, her gaze swept across Wei Yunshu’s face inch by inch.
White hair cascaded down. That familiar face, pale and ethereal, like a solitary, hazy moon hanging on a barren branch in the bitter winter.
The moment the light illuminated the scene, this picture, painted with stern strokes and permeated with cold air, crashed into Wei Yunshu’s eyes. She lowered her eyelids, a trace of sorrow clear and distinct. In the blink of an eye, her emotions were contained, as if she had truly achieved the ultimate state of emotionlessness.
Luo Lingfeng licked her lips, a hint of darkness flashing in her eyes. She said softly, “Aren’t you worried about those people in Cloud City making a move against you? There’s no need to worry. Su Lancheng is dead, and Yue Qingtan is also dead. Only Yun Yong and Su Lanyin remain; they can no longer stir up any significant trouble.”
“What did you say?” Her ears felt as if they had been struck by a giant hammer, buzzing. Wei Yunshu’s thoughts seemed to be pulled away. After a moment, they returned, and she desperately tried to ponder the deeper meaning of Luo Lingfeng’s words. However, Luo Lingfeng did not repeat them. She simply laughed heartily, her eye sockets tinged with a blush, as if enhanced by rouge. Although they were very close, it felt as if insurmountable mountains and rivers separated them.
Wei Yunshu’s brows knitted slightly. She tried to break free from Luo Lingfeng’s restraint.
But how could Luo Lingfeng let her go? A chain emitting a sharp golden light suddenly shot out from her sleeve and landed on Wei Yunshu. Wei Yunshu’s breathing suddenly quickened. She channeled her spiritual energy and struck the chain, using its force to propel herself several feet away. The fluctuation of spiritual energy stirred up waves, instantly shattering the luminous pearl on the wall. Darkness descended once more, and their expressions were momentarily submerged by the surging shadows. The luminous pearl shattered, and faint scattered light flickered on the golden chain. Luo Lingfeng looked at Wei Yunshu leisurely. Her voice was deep and slow, “I let you leave a few times before, but this time, you probably won’t be able to escape.”
“After the bloody battle in Youluo Mountain, how long can this puppet body of yours hold up?”
“What can compare to your own body? Now that the Cavern Heaven cultivators have entered the arena, if you want to compete with them, you must at least have the same level of power. Yunshu—” A soft sigh echoed, lingering and melodious, like the caress of the wind.
Wei Yunshu’s right hand had already grasped one end of the flying chain. She once again used her spiritual energy to make the puppet body crack, her palm already stained red with blood. wisps of primal energy diffused outwards, like fireflies. Without a true body to contain her primal energy, the loss of primal energy after the destruction of her created body was much faster than that of ordinary cultivators. “Luo Lingfeng!” Wei Yunshu’s tone turned cold, faintly mixed with a hint of anger.
Luo Lingfeng glanced at the person not far away and laughed heartily, “You’re angry? Wei Yunshu, you’re actually angry?” She reached out and grabbed one end of the chain. Seeing Wei Yunshu stiffly standing there, resisting the chain, she slowly walked over and coaxed softly, “Yunshu, don’t be angry. Come back with me. I borrowed the Qilin Life-Returning Fruit from Qilin Lord, and with the precious materials from Cloud City, you will surely recover completely.” She was moody and changed her expression rapidly. The demeanor with which she said these words was one that the grown Wei Yunshu had never seen before—gentle.
Wei Yunshu couldn’t help but recall the days of their shared dependence when they were young.
But where was Luo Lingfeng’s sincerity now? Even if she knew about their past, it wouldn’t change anything. Perhaps Luo Lingfeng would even use that treasured past as a weapon to pierce her heart.
Looking at the gradually approaching Luo Lingfeng, countless phantoms from the river of time overlapped. In the end, all that remained in her eyes was the small Luo Lingfeng in the ruined temple, with blood trickling down her face.
“Why are you crying, Yunshu?”
A dense pain spread through Wei Yunshu’s heart. The phantom suddenly shattered. What entered her vision was the person with a lazy smile at the corner of her lips. Her red sleeves hung down and, blown by the wind, fell onto her face, covering half of it. Soft, cool fingertips touched the corner of her eye, and then wiped it away forcefully, as if to erase all unwillingness and indignation.
Wei Yunshu turned her face away, unwilling to look at Luo Lingfeng’s eyes, which were filled with madness.
“What exactly do you want to do?”
Luo Lingfeng tilted her head, blinked, and laughed merrily, “If the obsession doesn’t disappear, then lock the ‘obsession’ by my side.”