Chapter 74
At the moment when the skeletal figure collapsed, the surrounding barrier vanished.
The wound on Yu Wuxia’s heart, originally pierced by Tian Dao’s tail, ruptured again, spilling countless fresh blood. Yet he seemed unaware, trembling as he approached “Great Eternal Immortal,” his arms shaking, bending down to cradle the vague mass of flesh and blood in his embrace.
“Master.”
After embracing “Great Eternal Immortal,” Yu Wuxia’s emotional response was unusually calm and silent. Hunching over, his eyes hollow and lifeless, he stared blankly at the bundle in his arms, the pain penetrating so deep that only numbness remained.
Tears silently welled up in the corners of his eyes, mingling with the fresh blood of Great Eternal Immortal.
Silan stood up from the ground, silently observing the scene before him.
At this moment, Haowei broke through the first layer of formations and arrived. He glanced at Silan, furrowing his brow as he asked, “Are you alright?”
The death of Great Eternal Immortal dealt a massive blow to Yu Wuxia. His qi and blood were in disarray, his cultivation greatly diminished, causing the barriers and formations he had set up to tremble and weaken.
Quze also emerged from the barrier, hastily asking Silan, “Your Excellency, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Silan shook his head, looking towards Haowei, lowering his voice. “How did you create such a vivid illusion? The person in this illusion seemed unbelievably real.”
Originally, he had discussed strategies with Haowei, estimating that Yu Wuxia would continue to use him to activate the formation. Thus, he quietly traced Haowei’s aura when Yu Wuxia took him away, using it to search for Great Eternal Immortal’s whereabouts.
He had planned to find Great Eternal Immortal and persuade him to intervene and stop Yu Wuxia from bringing about destruction. If he couldn’t find him, he would resort to illusions to deceive Yu Wuxia.
However, Silan had not expected the illusion to be so remarkably lifelike.
Haowei fell silent for a moment, his lips tightly pressed together as he slowly spoke, “Silan, after finding Great Eternal Immortal, he said even he couldn’t convince Yu Wuxia to stop.”
“So?” Silan asked, puzzled.
“So Great Eternal Immortal decided to let things return to dust, using the cruelest methods to force Yu Wuxia to relent.”
Silan turned incredulously, his gaze falling on the skeletal remains and indistinct flesh in Yu Wuxia’s arms. His eyes inexplicably reddened, intense emotions churning within him.
He staggered a step, his breath slightly quickened. “So, that was the real Great Eternal Immortal?”
“Yes.”
The Great Eternal Immortal also said that ordinary illusions couldn’t deceive Yu Wuxia.
In the past, female demons from the demon realm had deliberately taken on the appearance of The Great Eternal Immortal to get close to Yu Wuxia. Yet with just a glance, Yu Wuxia saw through them all.
Therefore, unable to use illusions, Great Eternal Immortal had to come in person to sever this master-disciple bond.
Silan was momentarily speechless. He had never expected that the method to break the formation in the end would lead to Great Eternal Immortal sacrificing himself, body and soul.
With the collapse of the formations, the floating scriptures and prayer beads in midair all disappeared, gradually replaced by the real world.
They seemed to have wandered in another world for a long time, only to open their eyes and find themselves still at Linglong Mountain.
After the formations dissipated, Song Chengsong and the three others also appeared in the cave. They immediately walked towards Silan, silent and wide-eyed, all staring at Yu Wuxia, covered in blood.
Yu Wuxia held the bones and flesh in his arms, wrapped in a kasaya darkened by blood. His face was now devoid of color, as pale as paper, his head half-lowered, his black eyelashes concealing his expression.
Step by step, walking without knowing where to go.
Si Lan reached out as if wanting to say something to him, but Hao Wei stopped him. Hao Wei shook his head at him, and so Si Lan said nothing, only watching Yu Wuxia disappear into the dense forest.
In the next moment, a sudden sound of bells and drums echoed from the sky, as if coming from the Thirty-Three Heavens. The bell sounds pierced through the clouds, crossed over the mountains, causing myriad creatures of the Six Realms to scream and howl.
“Whose funeral bell tolls?”
“For Yu Wuxia.”
Even though Yu Wuxia had long fallen into the demonic path, when he passed away, the bells of the nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine ding in the Thirty-Three Heavens still rang for him.
When he ascended, the bells welcomed him into the Thirty-Three Heavens.
When he passed away, the bells escorted him into the cycle of reincarnation.
Such treatment, perhaps not even the Immortal of the Good Ending could enjoy.
Si Lan gazed into the depths of the forest and murmured, “Is Yu Wuxia exchanging his life to resurrect the physical body of the Immortal Jiāhéng?”
“Yes, after Yu Wuxia fell into the demonic path, he should have learned some dark arts.”
For a moment, Si Lan didn’t know what else to say.
Between these master and disciple, entangled for thousands of years—owing each other, loving and resenting each other, and in the end, even death was like this: I die for you, you live for me.
With this continuing, how could dust return to dust and earth to earth?
Golden Immortal light burst out from the forest, startling flocks of mountain birds into flight. Strangely, these birds circled around the golden light, unwilling to leave. Occasionally, sounds of wild beasts emanated from within, low growls like that of a tiger.
After the golden light in the forest dispersed, a thin, black-striped yellow fur tiger slowly emerged from deep within the woods.
This tiger…
Si Lan parted his lips and met the tiger’s eyes, memories flooding back to the illusionary phase, recalling the scene when he first encountered the tiger in the woods.
Immortal Jiāhéng had originally attained Immortalhood standing on the tiger; the tiger was his true form. Now, he had lost flesh and bones, passed away and vanished, though revived by Yu Wuxia’s sacrifice, his cultivation was nearly eighty percent diminished, only able to take the form of a tiger.
The tiger slowly walked up to everyone, and from its mouth, it spat out a grayish-brown object resembling a stone, which upon closer inspection, revealed to be a relic.
It must be the relic left behind on Yu Wuxia’s body after his death.
Si Lan and Hao Wei glanced at each other, and then Si Lan clasped his hands together respectfully, saying, “Immortal Jiāhéng, we owe the successful breaking of the Five-Point Nine-Heaven Array to your efforts. Now that Yu Wuxia has passed away, we need not handle this relic anymore; we entrust it to you, Immortal.”
The tiger nodded, picked up the relic, and walked away.
Hao Wei watched where the tiger disappeared and said, “That relic will regain human form in a few years. In this lifetime, this master and disciple pair can cultivate together without such tragic ends.”
Si Lan pondered for a moment and said thoughtfully, “Shouldn’t I remind Immortal Jiāhéng not to cultivate the Buddhist path in the future?” Otherwise, he and Yu Wuxia would never be able to be together.
Hao Wei twitched his mouth slightly, seemingly helpless. “No need. The golden light emitted from the forest earlier was Immortal Jiāhéng dispersing his own Immortal Qi. Those birds in the forest were chasing after the light to devour the Immortal Qi.”
Immortal Jiāhéng could easily have chosen not to disperse his Immortal Qi, but he still did so. Perhaps it was to completely start anew with Yu Wuxia.
So whether Immortal Jiāhéng had a hint of emotion, it’s hard to say.
Si Lan had thought that after parting ways with Yu Wuxia, they might never meet again, but he didn’t expect to see Yu Wuxia, who had already taken on human form, and the tiger again ten years later.
Yu Wuxia retained memories from before.
Si Lan didn’t know what conflict had occurred between Yu Wuxia and the tiger. In the fields, the tiger ran ahead, and Yu Wuxia chased after him.
At that moment, Si Lan was flying in mid-air, faintly hearing Yu Wuxia’s threatening voice directed at the tiger.
“If you ignore me when I speak, then I’ll say something, and then kiss you until you talk.”
“… ” Si Lan.
Wasn’t this the method he had originally taught Yu Wuxia to pursue Immortal Jiāhéng? Back then, Yu Wuxia had been mocking and laughing cynically, but secretly, he had actually put it into practice.
Si Lan couldn’t help but feel speechless and amused. Seeing how determined Yu Wuxia was in “pursuing” someone, he figured he must still have a chance. He should have trusted him from the beginning, listened to a few more of his ideas; otherwise, by now, he would have already caught the tiger.
—
Linglong Mountain, the Five-Point Nine-Heaven Array had dissipated.
The Six Realms still appeared calm, as if nothing had happened, and naturally, they had no idea how much effort had been put into breaking the array.
Si Lan couldn’t resist teasing, “Hey, it seems no one knows I’m a world-saving hero.”
Hao Wei smiled, “Do you need us to give you a banner?”
“A banner is not substantial enough. How about you guys from the Heavenly Realm give me your most precious treasures?” Si Lan grinned broadly.
Hao Wei’s lips twitched, lowering his voice so only they could hear, “The Heavenly Realm’s greatest treasure is me.”
Si Lan gave him a sidelong glance, his eyes implying, “How shameless can you get?” He used to think Hao Wei was just arrogant, but after getting to know him better, he realized he was also quite narcissistic and thick-skinned.
Si Lan hmphed softly, saying nothing, squinting at the sky.
At this moment, the sky seemed to clear, revealing a deep and vibrant blue, with a ray of sunlight piercing through thick clouds.
Si Lan thought to himself that after so many cycles of reincarnation, he had finally completed his mission this time. Initially, he had been deceived into thinking he was being asked to unify the Six Realms, only to find out it was all about suffering and hardship.
“Are you alright?” Hao Wei still seemed concerned, afraid that the activation of the array might have harmed Si Lan.
Shaking his head, Si Lan replied, “I felt uncomfortable at first, but I’m fine now.”
With that said, Si Lan gathered his two disciples and two protectors, intending to return to the Demon Realm. Just then, a fox demon emerged from the corner.
She had remained silent in the corner at first, but saw everything that needed to be seen. Though she felt shocked in her heart, there was also a hint of long-standing understanding.
However, her expression remained unpleasant.
Si Lan asked her, “What are you planning to do now?” This fox demon might have once fed on human essence in the past, but having been sealed for over three thousand years, she had also atoned for her sins.
He and Haowei had no intention of dealing with her further.
She smiled bitterly and replied, “When I was sealed in Linglong Mountain before, I always thought that once I got out, I would travel the Six Realms and Five Paths. However, now that I am truly free, I find that I have grown accustomed to life in Linglong Mountain. I intend to stay here from now on.”
Si Lan nodded slightly, politely saying “Take care,” and turned to leave. As he did, he heard the fox demon muttering behind him.
“I’ve always known, actually. He doesn’t love Qingniao, nor does he love me. Qingniao, that fool, thought that dying without regret would earn her an immaculate heart forever, but in reality, when she died, he didn’t even spare her a glance. And during my three thousand years of imprisonment here, he never once thought to come and save me, nor did he even bother to visit me.”
So she had long known that Yu Wuxia didn’t love her, but she was unwilling to accept it.
Because only by deceiving herself could she silently endure three thousand years of being sealed. Ironically, the place she now desperately wanted to escape had become the only place she found familiar.
Si Lan sighed deeply, thinking of a phrase: “In this world, what is love that compels one to risk life and death for?”
When Yu Wuxia was deeply mired in the swamp because of the Great Immortal Jiaheng, there were also those who became mired in it for her sake.
But in matters of love, how many could truly find fulfillment?
“Are you all alright?” Si Lan asked Xie Li and the guardians beside him.
Song Chengsong immediately replied, “Lord, we’re fine.”
Xie Li had initially wanted to reach out and hold Si Lan’s hand, but after glancing at Haowei, she timidly withdrew her hand, sniffled softly, and said, “Lord, I… I have something.”
“What’s wrong?” Si Lan bent down, smiling at Xie Li.
“It was too scary… sniff… Lord, I saw so many monsters.” Xie Li spoke with a pout, her eyelashes still wet with tears, looking silly and cute like a small bun.
Si Lan couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
Xie Li was after all the child born of a relationship between the border guardians and the demon Jiuying. How could she be so fragile? It was one thing to fear demons, but even her fellow monsters? Sigh…
Could it be that he had spoiled her?
Like a delicate little bundle.
Thinking of this, Si Lan glanced at Quze. Quze still had a stern face, his eyes as dark as ink, resembling an unyielding demon. It seemed he had also been spoiled by him, rarely smiling or speaking, behaving like someone who believed everyone owed him money.
Si Lan rubbed Xie Li’s head, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid, all those monsters have been taken care of by me.”
Xie Li nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. She leaned against Si Lan’s thigh, rubbing her head against it and discreetly wiping away her tears. Haowei, observing quietly beside them, furrowed his brow slightly but said nothing, not wanting to disturb their deep master-disciple bond.
The group returned in full force to Zhuyun Peak.
Si Lan felt that this battle was the most exhausting one he had fought. If they hadn’t successfully found the Great Immortal Jiaheng, he might have truly died in that formation.
Luckily, Haowei had successfully found the Great Immortal Jiaheng.
I have to say, he had absolute trust in Haowei. Before Haowei appeared, he would contemplate and plan things on his own. Since Haowei appeared, he subconsciously began to consult him first whenever something happened, becoming somewhat lazy.
Upon their return, Haowei insisted on examining Si Lan’s body and spiritual state to ensure everything was fine, then instructed Si Lan to rest in the sleeping chamber.
There was a disturbance in the Heavenly Realm, and Haowei was summoned back. Si Lan was left alone to recuperate in the sleeping chamber.
At night, just as Si Lan was about to sleep, he noticed Xie Li standing at the door with a small pillow, peering at him surreptitiously in the moonlight.
“…”
“Res… respected… Lord…” Xie Li whispered softly, “I’m still a bit scared.” Normally, when Xie Li was scared, she would go to Quze, but tonight, after being frightened awake by a nightmare, she went to Quze’s room only to find it empty.
So she came to Si Lan.
“Come in.”
“Thank you, Lord.” Xie Li quickly climbed onto the bed with her small pillow, crawled under the blanket, and clung to Si Lan’s arm.
“Lord, Senior Brother has been only focused on cultivation recently and hasn’t paid attention to me.”
“Your Senior Brother is probably preparing for tribulation, so he’s been cultivating in seclusion all this time.” Si Lan calculated the dates; Quze’s tribulation was approaching. If successful, he would ascend like a carp leaping through the dragon’s gate and become a celestial dragon.
“Oh,” Xie Li murmured again, then softly asked, “Will Senior Brother become even stronger after the tribulation?”
“Mm.”
“Um, then when will I be as tall as Senior Brother? Every time he picks me up, it’s like holding a little chick.” Xie Li’s voice grew quieter as she continued, ending with a yawn, nearly falling asleep.
Si Lan glanced sideways at her delicate face and smiled, “Soon, in about two hundred years, you should be able to catch up to him.”
“…” Xie Li.
Si Lan gently patted Xie Li’s shoulder, soothing her to sleep. Before long, Si Lan himself succumbed to drowsiness and closed his eyes to rest.
Curled up, Xie Li buried her head deeper under the blanket.
After dealing with affairs in the Heavenly Realm, Haowei rushed to the Demon Realm to find Si Lan. Seeing that the candles in Si Lan’s sleeping chamber had already gone out, leaving only faint moonlight spilling into the room, Haowei quietly entered with a spell.
His gaze fell upon Si Lan’s face, carrying a subtle and hard-to-detect tenderness. He sat down by the bed, gently stroking Si Lan’s temple with his fingers.
Si Lan reached out and held his hand, not opening his eyes but murmuring, “Haowei…” Even though he was too tired to open his eyes, he already knew who had come.
The familiar scent of each other had long been deeply ingrained in their hearts.
Haowei’s lips curled into a deeper smile, leaning close to Si Lan and whispering softly in his ear, “Hmm, it’s me.”
Si Lan leaned towards him, a sense of relief evident in his eyes and brows.
Haowei’s gaze darkened slightly as he bent down slowly, planting a warm kiss on Si Lan’s forehead, tracing down past his nose and brushing lightly over his lips. Every time they were intimate like this, Haowei could smell that fragrance, teasing his heart.
He cleared his throat and kissed Si Lan’s lips again, unable to resist deepening the kiss.
Si Lan was left dizzy from the kiss, almost breathless. His mind cleared a bit as he opened his eyes, looking at the enlarged face before him, murmuring softly, “Haowei.”
Haowei held Si Lan’s jaw, his eyes deep and sharp in the dim light.
Si Lan felt like prey, locked in by a hawk, about to be devoured. His breath caught slightly, chest rising and falling. Meeting Haowei’s gaze, he closed his eyes as Haowei kissed his left eyelid, his eyelashes fluttering slowly downward.
“Si Lan.”
Haowei lifted his chin, forcing him to look up, lips seemingly seeking Haowei’s own, meeting them eagerly. Haowei’s kiss descended slowly onto Si Lan’s lips.
The two lost themselves in the kiss, immersed in a world filled only with each other’s breath. Since leaving Linglong Mountain, it had been a long time since they had been this intimate, now feeling a sense of rekindled passion.
Haowei’s breath was also slightly erratic, his large hand patting Si Lan’s waist, fingers deftly undoing his inner garment, revealing his fair skin.
His eyes darted around, breath turning hotter. As he moved closer to the bed, he suddenly heard a gasp.
Instantly, he recoiled, flipping open the bedsheet to face a pair of wide eyes staring back at him.
“…” Haowei;
“…” Si Lan.
He had been half asleep earlier and completely forgotten about Xie Li sleeping in the bed.
Now realizing that Xie Li had witnessed their intimate embrace just moments ago, Si Lan blushed deeply.
Haowei’s expression darkened, contemplating how to silence Xie Li.
This little jade pendant spirit was becoming more and more troublesome.
Xie Li timidly pulled the sheet over his head, mumbling, “You… you don’t need to mind me. I… I didn’t see anything, nor… did I hear anything.”
“…” Si Lan.
“…” Haowei.
T/N: Three… more… chapters left (apart from the side stories aha)!!!!
There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~
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If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield
If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’
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What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love
How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep
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