After I Died My Dao Companion Drowns in Endless Regret Chapter 83

Within Wu Shi Sect.
Daoist Wan Ling sat expressionlessly in the hall. To his left stood a blue-robed Daoist with deep, profound eyes; this was Wen Baixian. Some time had passed since Luo Lingfeng’s Heavenly Tribulation and the theft of his ascension talisman. Yet, Daoist Wan Ling still couldn’t swallow his anger. With his cultivation suppressed to the “Cavern Heaven Realm,” he felt a helplessness akin to a dragon trapped in shallow waters. If his cultivation hadn’t been restricted, how could he have failed to kill a mere Cavern Heaven stage Daoist? It only invited ridicule from his juniors.
“The array restrictions outside the Southern Continent’s spiritual vein have been lifted, so why wasn’t the ritual successfully established?” Daoist Wan Ling frowned. If these four great spiritual veins were not destroyed, the Fu Li Immortal Realm would find it difficult to return to the Divine Realm, and their shackles would continue. As long as one place could be damaged, the burden they carried would be significantly reduced. “If we can’t even control the Southern Continent, let alone other places,” Daoist Wan Ling said, casting a deep glance at Wen Baixian.
Wen Baixian, a pure product of the Luoshui Divine Palace, had caused the faint dissent within the palace to completely vanish upon his arrival. Most disciples were willing to be driven by them to cultivate the supreme arts of the Shang Qing Divine Realm. Unfortunately, those with talent in this generation had died in Youluo Mountain. Those remaining were limited by their aptitude, and their progress was truly slow. Although severing the “Severed-Self” was useful during breakthroughs, it couldn’t force growth.
Wen Baixian said indifferently, “There is a bloodthorn growing in Sunset Burial Mounds, attached to the Chaos Tree. It has already engulfed the entire Sunset Burial Mounds and is spreading outwards. Some disciples are clearing the bloodthorn branches.”
Daoist Wan Ling’s brow furrowed, and for a moment, he was speechless. He had tried to clear the troublesome bloodthorn, but it grew back extremely quickly, endlessly. After being severed, it would regrow in no time. As for its roots, they were firmly entangled with the Chaos Tree, hidden in intersecting spaces, making it impossible to discern which was the “main” one. He lacked the patience to meticulously untangle the bloodthorn from the Chaos Tree and had to give up. After thinking for a while, he complained again, “What about the Great Wall? Are those five people only capable of this much?” Although Wu Shi Sect and Luoshui Divine Palace outnumbered those from Buzhou, he had inquired and discovered that many Cavern Heaven stage cultivators from the Fu Li Immortal Realm had died at Luo Lingfeng’s hands, as if killing a Cavern Heaven cultivator was as easy as slicing vegetables. Daoist Wan Ling couldn’t help but doubt the capabilities of Fu Li Immortal Realm cultivators, hence he didn’t act rashly. However, if those five formidable beings crossed the border and arrived at Wu Shi Sect, they would achieve overwhelming victory.
“Who knows,” Wen Baixian replied noncommittally. His thoughts turned, and he added, “Actually, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to fight.”
“How so?” Daoist Wan Ling put on an expression of eager attention.
Wen Baixian smiled. “Luoshui Divine Palace and the Dragon Lord each hold a Dao artifact, and Buzhou, Cloud City, and the Great Wall also possess them. It seems as though they have the advantage, but in reality, to prevent people from the Divine Realm from crossing the Heavenly Gate again, the Sect Leader of Buzhou, Ji Changkong, took the True Nature Sword to guard the Extreme Heaven and cannot disengage. As for the Northern Continent, Yan Danwo needs the Great Wall to intercept demons, so she is also unable to move. Seeing Daoist Wan Ling’s expression change, Wen Baixian calmly said, “The Dao artifact of Cloud City, ‘Heaven and Earth United in Chaos,’ reduces everything to chaos. The Dao artifact of our Luoshui Divine Palace is called ‘Heavenly Decree Dao Scripture,’ which can restrain ‘Heaven and Earth United in Chaos’ with the words of the Heavenly Decree. Isn’t it our side that holds the advantage?”
“Yes,” Daoist Wan Ling frowned and pondered for a moment, then hesitantly said, “But if we continue to wait, it doesn’t really disadvantage us.”
Wen Baixian said, “I heard that Buzhou and even Cloud City have opened their treasure pavilions and are fully supporting their disciples’ progress. What if someone among them achieves the Cavern Heaven stage during this waiting period? Did you intend to use the ascension talismans to send them away? But the ascension talismans that you and I brought down total only five. Excluding those we use for ourselves, the remainder are not enough to distribute to the Dragon Lord and the others. It’s just that those people are unaware of this at the moment. Oh, right, you lost one.”
When Daoist Wan Ling heard Wen Baixian say this, a look of embarrassment immediately appeared on his face.
Wen Baixian further incited, “We have already transcended this world in the past. We can no longer absorb the Purple Qi of Jun Tian needed for cultivation advancement. The longer we stay, the greater the gap with our peers in the Upper Realm will become. We were not originally from the orthodox Shang Qing Divine Realm, and without establishing merit, we cannot receive the blessings of ‘Creation’s Sentient Spirit.’ It will be difficult to catch up in the future.”
These words undoubtedly struck a chord with Daoist Wan Ling. He wanted the generous rewards after completing the mission, but he also didn’t want to fall behind his peers due to excessive delays. He frowned in thought and suddenly had a flash of inspiration. “No,” he shook his head and, before Wen Baixian could ask, said, “Luoshui Divine Palace originally had four families jointly controlling the Dao artifact, but now that Luoshui Divine Palace has been destroyed, can the Dao artifact still be activated?”
Wen Baixian narrowed his eyes and said confidently, “Naturally.”
Daoist Wan Ling glanced at Wen Baixian sideways, “You can’t possibly be asking that person to return to control it, can you?”
Wen Baixian said, “There are three direct descendants of the Luo family in the mortal world. In the past, when Xianren went to the border of the Northern Continent, he not only brought back Wen Danhua but also brought that junior Luo Yuanshu.” The Dragon Lord intended for Jiang Jiuxiao to come. Based on cultivation, Jiang Jiuxiao was indeed stronger, but Xiaohan Mountain did not want demonic bloodlines to infiltrate. Wen Baixian took it upon himself to have Wen Danhua and Luo Yuanshu resolve their past grievances.
Daoist Wan Ling gave a sound of acknowledgment and slowly said, “This matter can be done.”
Within Xiaohan Mountain.
Layered tents fluttered in the wind, with wisps of smoke rising, faintly revealing two figures.
A woman with her hair in a high bun had a harsh expression and a cold, sharp gaze, hiding a deep-seated hatred. When she heard the劝言 of the person opposite her, she flicked her sleeve, knocking over the decorations on the table, causing a crisp sound of breaking. “Wen Qing, you’ve come to persuade me too?” The woman was Wen Danhua. At this moment, she looked at the woman with a faint expression not far away and gritted her teeth. “Wen Xianren brought Luo Yuanshu out and raised him well, without any regard for Kun’er’s death. How can I let this go?! My son was so innocent. As an uncle, not only did he not avenge him, but he treated the enemy as an honored guest. He’s utterly pathetic!”
A soft sigh was quickly drowned out by the sounds of breaking. Wen Qing watched Wen Danhua and said unhurriedly, “These are troubled times. For the sake of Xiaohan Mountain’s millennia-old foundation, True Monarch had to act this way. Every one of the four sect has a Dao artifact. Although our Luoshui Divine Palace has one, an artifact that cannot be controlled is no different from not having one. The matters in the secret realm were also unexpected.”
“What unexpected events?!” Wen Danhua raised her voice. “Clearly, they were ostracizing my son! Otherwise, how would Luo Yuanshu have had the opportunity to harm him?”
Wen Danhua did not mention Luo Yuankun’s indiscriminate killing of disciples. Wen Qing, seeing her hysterical state, a dark gleam flashed in her eyes. She looked up at Wen Danhua and earnestly said, “At this point, True Monarch certainly cannot tolerate your willfulness. It is likely that extreme measures will be taken in the end. The situation is tense, and it is feared that war will break out with Buzhou soon. When the Cavern Heaven cultivators enter the fray, the momentum will be earth-shattering.”
“He dares!” Wen Danhua shouted with feigned bravado. Her complexion was truly unpleasant. Her eyes flickered uncertainly, and her thoughts began to stir. If Luo Lingfeng wasn’t lying in the Lichen Prison of the Northern Continent, then the “Heavenly Mandate Talisman” had been taken by her, and the Dao artifact could not be driven under any circumstances. She had never mentioned this to Wen Xianren, fearing that once he knew the truth, he would no longer tolerate her and might even try to silence her.
Wen Qing advised again, “There are no other choices. It’s better to exchange the technique for activating the Dao artifact for some benefits while True Monarch still has patience. For the sake of your sibling relationship, True Monarch will surely treat you generously.”
If Wen Xianren knew the Dao artifact couldn’t be used, would he still treat her generously? How unsightly would Wen Xianren’s expression be then? Wen Danhua’s thoughts raced, and her body trembled, a hint of inexplicable excitement appearing on her face. “That’s right, you’re right. I should exchange for some benefits.” Wen Danhua touched her forehead, narrowed her eyes, and said sharply, “But I am truly unwilling to let that little beast live!”
“When he has no more use value, it won’t be too late to deal with him,” Wen Qing smiled, then added, “His previous act of fleeing to the Northern Continent has already displeased the Tang family of Guangyuan Marsh. No one will protect him then.” Seeing Wen Danhua waver slightly, Wen Qing gently persuaded her. Wen Danhua had grown up with Wen Qing and had long regarded her as her confidante. Her trust reached its peak when Wen Qing helped her escape Xiaohan Mountain last time. Her emotions calmed down, and she turned to Wen Qing, smiling, “What should I ask Wen Xianren for? I remember there’s a list. I need to get the sect competition materials from Wen Xianren to feel at peace.”
Wen Xianren, who learned that Wen Danhua had relented, finally breathed a sigh of relief. A message had come from Wu Shi Sect stating that they would confront Buzhou soon. If Wen Danhua refused to reveal the Dao arts, then he would not be blamed for disregarding their sibling affection and resorting to extraordinary measures. He was truly tired of his sister, who had been doted on by the old man and was spoiled and willful since childhood. Guangyuan Marsh and Yunmeng Marsh posed no problems. Xiaohan Mountain would also obtain the Dao arts. The remaining issue was Luo Yuanshu. After thinking about it, he sent a large quantity of provisions and treasures to Luo Yuanshu’s residence to aid his cultivation.
In Luo Yuanshu’s cave abode.
Night-shining pearls were embedded in the walls, illuminating the surroundings.
He sat on a meditation cushion and circulated his spiritual energy for a great cycle, then slowly finished his practice. He raised his hand to touch his scarred face, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. The year spent in Xiaohan Mountain had yielded him far more resources than his time in Luoshui Divine Palace. He knew Wen Xianren and the others had ulterior motives, but so what? The cultivation resources had been consumed, and his cultivation was ultimately his own. His only desire was to become stronger.
The voice of a servant boy outside reminded him that Xiaohan Mountain had sent another batch of resources.
Luo Yuanshu chuckled silently, his eyes filled with smugness.
“Jiang Jiuxiao, if you had chosen to return to Luoshui Divine Palace and received the support of the three families, you might have had a chance to advance to the Cavern Heaven stage, right? Unfortunately, this opportunity is no longer yours.”
Luo Yuanshu thought to himself.
Before returning to Luoshui Divine Palace, he had met Jiang Jiuxiao.
Jiang Jiuxiao had gathered the Luoshui Divine Palace disciples remaining in the Northern Continent and seemed to be truly immersed in the righteous role of blocking demons.
He had intended to provoke Jiang Jiuxiao’s jealousy, but Jiang Jiuxiao had only faintly said “Congratulations” in a casual tone, laced with a hint of disdain. How long had it been since she began intercepting demons in the Northern Continent? Had she forgotten her past actions and now considered herself a righteous figure with chivalrous valor? This was utterly absurd! Resentment suddenly appeared on Luo Yuanshu’s face. If he had been given more time, could he also cultivate to the Cavern Heaven stage? At that time, would he still need to fear the fickle Luo Lingfeng?
With a thunderous boom.
Rolling thunder echoed on Buzhou Mountain, and flashing lightning coursed through the layers of strange, dark clouds, tearing the sky apart.
An anomaly suddenly appeared in the Golden Hall, but the magic inscriptions carved into the bricks, stones, and wood remained unresponsive, as if nothing unusual had happened. Disciples still in Buzhou Mountain looked blankly in the direction of the lightning, but remembering their elders’ instructions, they did not approach the Golden Hall. However, Wei Yunshu, Shi Wufang, and Xie Zhichao were the first to rush towards where the lightning had struck, their expressions grave.
Wei Yunshu said, “It’s just a fluctuation of spiritual energy, no other anomalies.” She turned to Shi Wufang and added, “I’ll go in and take a look.”
Shi Wufang grabbed Wei Yunshu’s arm and shook her head. “I’ll go,” she said slowly, then transformed into a streak of light and shot towards the hall shrouded in lightning. The sound of thunder penetrated the layers of formations and the hanging curtains, leaving only a faint, muffled sound, as if the heavens had merely exhaled.
The curtains were drawn aside.
A blurred crimson, like spilled fiery paint, was the first thing that met the eye.
Shi Wufang averted her gaze after a glance and raised her hand in a salute. “True Monarch Luo.”
Luo Lingfeng sat on the couch with her legs crossed, her snow-white jade-like fingers stroking the layered folds. She let out a lazy hum as a response. After a long while, she slowly asked, “Why isn’t Wei Yunshu here?”
Shi Wufang lowered her eyelids. “Fellow Daoist Bo is busy with other matters.”
Luo Lingfeng glanced at Shi Wufang and stood up, flicking her sleeve. The jade ornaments hanging from her waist collided, producing a melodious sound. She walked to the window as if strolling and reached out to push the window, which was unmoving due to the magical inscriptions. She lowered her eyes and hummed, “I smell her aura.” Her voice softened, sounding like a complaint. “She just doesn’t want to see me.”
Luo Lingfeng’s demeanor at this moment was completely different from before, and Shi Wufang was somewhat perplexed. Could it be because the “Sacred Heart” had returned to her body? She speculated inwardly, but did not answer Luo Lingfeng’s question. Instead, she asked, “True Monarch Luo, creating such a commotion, is there something specific you need?”
“It’s my turn to ask you,” Luo Lingfeng turned to look at Shi Wufang, her dark eyes clear and bright. “Did you bring me back just to confine me in this hall? If I don’t make some noise, when will you remember me?”
Shi Wufang was momentarily silenced.
Luo Lingfeng frowned, impatience flashing in her eyes. She got straight to the point and asked, “What are your plans? The disciples of Wu Shi Sect are burrowing tunnels everywhere, setting up rituals to damage the immortal realm’s spiritual veins. Are you planning to remain in a stalemate with them?”
Shi Wufang looked up and carefully examined Luo Lingfeng. Perhaps having just emerged from a nightmare, she exuded a fragile, wind-battered aura, as if she were brittle glass. She did not reveal her plans but asked, “What are True Monarch Luo’s high opinions?”
“Storm their gates.” Four simple words, yet they carried a chilling killing intent. Luo Lingfeng stood there, suddenly transforming into a solitary, sharp, and formidable sword. “For thousands of years, my Fu Li Immortal Realm has not practiced the path of severing the ‘Severed-Self,’ so the demons in the Northern Continent have remained in a static state. However, now that severing the ‘Severed-Self’ is widely practiced in the immortal realm, the severed ‘Severed-Self’ flow to the Northern Continent. With this shift in balance, prolonging the situation is of no benefit to us.”
“How could someone as decisive as Sang Buwei have descendants as hesitant you?”
Shi Wufang was somewhat displeased with Luo Lingfeng directly calling their ancestor by name. She frowned, not noticing the fleeting hint of sarcasm in Luo Lingfeng’s eyes. She said gently, “If we had absolute certainty, our Buzhou would naturally be willing to storm their gates. However, the True Nature Sword and the Great Wall are currently tied up, and we do not possess any Dao artifacts to counter them.” She paused and then frankly admitted, “In terms of numbers, we are also slightly at a disadvantage.”
“So you intend to enlist the aid of the Phoenix Mountain’s Phoenix Lord and leverage the power of Cloud City.” Luo Lingfeng smiled and said with a hearty laugh, “I can establish a magical contract with you, but—”
Seeing the turn in Luo Lingfeng’s words, Shi Wufang actually felt a sense of relief. If she were too easy to deal with, she would feel unaccustomed. Staring intently at Luo Lingfeng, a sharp glint appeared in her eyes, and she pressed, “But what?”
Luo Lingfeng blinked. “Let Wei Yunshu return to my side.”
Shi Wufang was not at all surprised that Luo Lingfeng would make such a demand. Without hesitation, she refused, “This cannot be a condition for negotiation.” She looked at Luo Lingfeng and softened her tone. “If True Monarch truly repents, then she should apologize. Forcing the issue will only lead to further estrangement.”
Luo Lingfeng said, “Does apologizing help?”
Shi Wufang: “…” That arrogance and domineering nature were practically etched into her bones. Even with her good temper, hearing this made her want to point at Luo Lingfeng’s nose and scold her. “There may not be a shore to return to, but if you continue to err, you will only drown. True Monarch Luo, I have said all I can.”
Luo Lingfeng pressed her chest. A dense pain spread through her limbs and bones. She touched her forehead and said, “Why can’t she forgive me?”
Shi Wufang frowned. That affair was known only to the two of them. She was an outsider and could not make any decisions.
The alliance did not materialize, and they parted on unhappy terms.
When Shi Wufang stepped out of the Golden Hall, Xie Zhichao immediately greeted her and examined her from head to toe. Seeing no signs of a fight, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Heaven knew how worried she was. If that person had gone mad, with her senior sister’s temperament, she might have suffered.
“How is she?” Xie Zhichao asked.
Shi Wufang found Xie Zhichao’s actions amusing. She reached out and pushed away Xie Zhichao, who had crowded close to her, and said gently, “She appears normal, but she refuses to ally with us.” She had no intention of hiding anything from the others and repeated the conversation that had taken place in the Golden Hall. Wei Yunshu hadn’t reacted yet, but Xie Zhichao looked indignant. “How can she be like this?! What has Fellow Daoist Bo done to her? What does she mean by this? Does she want to take advantage of the situation? What’s the point of pushing so hard? Don’t talk about love or anything, I think she’s just the most selfish person in the world!”
Xie Zhichao spoke her mind freely, but when she saw Wei Yunshu’s thoughtful expression, her exhilaration turned into nervousness and worry. She took a few steps towards Wei Yunshu and raised her voice emphatically, “If she uses this condition to threaten us today, she will go further tomorrow. Fellow Daoist Bo, if you fall into her hands, you will be skinned and your bones will be drawn sooner or later. There can be no backing down on this matter! She is clearly in the wrong, yet she dares to be so presumptuous, it’s utterly ridiculous! With Fellow Daoist Bo’s conditions, finding a mere Dao companion is so easy.” She was truly afraid that Wei Yunshu would soften her heart, and she rambled on and on. She didn’t restrain herself, and Shi Wufang didn’t interrupt her. What she said was for Wei Yunshu to hear, but the performance was clearly for the person inside.
Wei Yunshu looked at Xie Zhichao, and a warmth bloomed in her heart. She smiled slightly but did not verbally agree. There were indeed many outstanding people in this world, but there was only one Luo Lingfeng. Her situation with Luo Lingfeng was a tangled mess that was difficult to unravel, filled with too many unknowns. Her trust had long been shaken. The return of the Sacred Heart had not brought about the change she desired, which meant her last shred of hope had fallen through.
Xie Zhichao smiled with satisfaction, greeted Shi Wufang, and pulled Wei Yunshu down the mountain.
The lightning above the Golden Hall dissipated, and the ominous, sinister sign of the sky collapsing gradually faded. The heavens and earth returned to peace and tranquility.
Luo Lingfeng hugged her arms, leaning by the window. Her eyebrows drooped, and her thoughts became muddled again, shifting between confusion and clarity. The past and the present intertwined, as if she were floating and sinking in a void, unable to distinguish between reality and illusion. After a long while, a hint of clarity appeared in her eyes. She whispered, “Wei Yunshu.”
Her voice was very, very soft, and inexplicably, tinged with sadness. A faint glow flickered in her eyes, like a brush dipped in cinnabar, sweeping across, all the way to the corner of her eye. Too many inexpressible things flooded her senses like a tide. She raised her hand as if to pierce her chest, but the suddenly flashing runes formed layers of protective barriers, blocking her actions. Her fingertips felt as if they were burned by fireworks, a sharp, dotted pain spreading across her skin, uncontainable.
Luo Lingfeng moved. Her steps were somewhat unsteady, and she bumped into a stool, producing a “bang.”
Her face was somewhat pale. She stared at the floating dust motes in the air for a long time. A blank contract flew out from her sleeve. She pricked her fingertip, coaxing out blood infused with spiritual energy, and quickly inscribed several flamboyant characters on the contract. A moment later, she closed her eyes and abruptly flicked her sleeve. This newly formed contract flew out of the Golden Hall.
At that moment, Shi Wufang had not gone far.
She reached out and caught the contract bearing Luo Lingfeng’s imprint, sighing softly.
Since Luo Lingfeng was unharmed and willing to establish a contract to conspire against Wu Shi Sect, there was no need to confine her in the Golden Hall.
Shi Wufang sent Wei Yunshu a magic talisman, informing her that Luo Lingfeng was about to come out.
The mountain wind was fierce, rustling through the treetops, producing a surging sound like the roar of the tide.
Wei Yunshu’s expression was calm, and she only replied, “I know.”
Everything was developing in the direction they desired. If Luo Lingfeng was willing to provide assistance, then Phoenix Lord of Phoenix Mountain would certainly enter the fray. Before the five primordial demons entered the immortal realm, they were confident of pacifying Wu Shi Sect.
As for her and Luo Lingfeng—
They would arrive together, but not return together.