Chapter 109: Close Companion II

Chapter 109: Close Companion II

Shen Yuan felt uneasy by Jiang Yue's words, leading him to question their sincerity. Reluctantly, he returned to the inn.

First, he checked on Wang Pan, relieved to see him still peacefully asleep in bed.

Then, he gathered more information about Jiang Yue from the local townsfolk at the inn.

Aside from the private affairs of the Jiang family, which were unknown to outsiders, everything else matched what Jiang Yue had said. They all sang her praises, describing her as a compassionate person with a heart of a bodhisattva, a reincarnated divine physician, kind and gentle. They mentioned that she offered free medical treatment to the poor, exaggerating her goodness in every way possible.

Shen Yuan was at a loss for words, could only remark that Jiang Yue carried herself with a maturity beyond her years, remaining calm and unruffled in any situation, much like a still ancient well.

"A girl who knows when to feign innocence is somewhat more endearing..." Shen Yuan sighed alone by the banks of the Scarlet Water River.

Having said that, he squatted down, rolled up his sleeves, and reached into the Scarlet Water River.

On a bright and serene day, with the sky a deep azure, the Scarlet Water was crystal clear. Gazing at its rippling surface, one could discern the essence of heaven and earth. He washed his hands leisurely in this realm, creating ripples that fragmented the skies and the land.

In an instant, a brilliant blue flash erupted, momentarily blinding my vision.

Shen Yuan shook the water from his hands and stood up, only to notice that the blue speck was still on his robe, swaying rhythmically with the ripples.

Suddenly, a "plop!" echoed, indicating something had fallen into the water. Drawing on his years of sneaking around Peng Lai Island to catch and grill fish, Shen Yuan deduced that the loud splash must have come from a plump fish!

He quickly looked over and, as expected, there was a large, fat catfish lurking beneath the surface.

"Straight waters hold no fish," he mused. Just then, a scarlet heron emerged from the Scarlet Water River. "If the herons feed on black fish, this one must have had a lucky escape to grow so fat. A rare sight indeed."

Shen Yuan casually lifted his robe to wipe his wet hands. "The fish in the Scarlet Water River must not taste good."

After drying his hands, he prepared to search for Chi Zi'e.

However, upon turning around, his gaze fell upon something remarkable!

"Lantian Jade!!" He squinted to confirm that it was indeed the precious stone. "It's genuine Lantian Jade! If I were to gift it to He Mengfang for his father's treatment, he'd be overjoyed!"

The water shimmered as the heron dipped its head into the river, diving beneath the surface. After a while, it surfaced near a pavilion nestled against the mountain, overlooking the river - the YunTai Pavilion. Despite the rippling water below, the pavilion itself remained glistening in the light.

The heron skimmed over the water and flew straight into the YunTai Pavilion.

"Where is my tripod? The golden tripod?" Scarlet Water was frantically searching through his chambers. "First they steal my tripod, then my fan. I must toss that thief into the medicinal cauldron for some 'training'!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a violent tremor shook the entire Cloud Pavilion, creaking as if it were on the verge of collapsing.

Already enraged, someone had the audacity to add fuel to the fire!

Scarlet Water's face fell as he swept Red Robe out of the pavilion.

Upon emerging from the Scarlet Water River, they found it eerily dried up.

"Haha, got it. He'll be ecstatic now."

Amidst the shock, laughter echoed from behind. Zǐ'è's toe sharply tapped the ground, and his body shot into the air like an arrow from a bow in the blink of an eye.

Shen Yuan felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, as if the sky had turned gloomy. Looking up, he saw a dark silhouette blocking the sun. Just as he was puzzled, the figure angrily questioned him, "Abomination! Where is the river? The Scarlet Water River's waters come from the melting snow on Jade Mountain, flowing eastward from the mountain and westward into the East Sea, spanning across the mortal world. It's the source of the Ghost Realm's Yupo River, the Netherworld's River of Forgetfulness, and all the water sources in the world. Do you know the consequences of the Scarlet Water River drying up?!"

Shen Yuan carefully placed the Lantian Jade into his robe. With a sullen tone, he replied, "Which eye did you use to see that the river is gone?"

"I'm not blind!"

"I'm not blind either."

"Certainly not blind, you're just wilfully speaking falsehoods with open eyes!"

With a roll of his eyes, Shen Yuan dismissed the person and turned to look for Yi Shujun.

Noticing that Shen Yuan was about to leave, Chi Zi'e hastily unleashed a burst of fierce wind from his sleeve, aiming directly at Shen Yuan's calf.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Shen Yuan deftly tapped his toes and executed an aerial flip. In mid-air, he swiftly unfolded his feather fan with one hand and reached out to parry, sending the blast of fierce wind ricocheting back. Thereafter, he landed as lightly as a swan feather.

He said, "I see that you didn't deal the fatal blow and have a sense of proportion. I'll let you off this time. I won't pursue this further. You'd better hurry back."

Crimson Child agilely evaded the attack, saying, "Don't turn down a friendly toast only to drink the penalty later!"

Shen Yuan gasped, clicked his fan shut, and pointed at the man. "That remark should be directed at you. Do you know the value of giving things time to settle? I said the river could return, and it could."

"Bastard, you stole my fan!" Chi Zi'e fixated his gaze on the feather fan in Shen Yuan's hand.

"I don't know you, nor do I know where you live. How could I possibly steal your fan?"

"Where did you get that feather fan?!"

"A young lady gave it to me."

Recalling the morning at Yuewei Hall, just as Shen Yuan was about to leave, Jiang Yue had asked him to wait, saying she had something to give him.

The moment Shen Yuan took the fan, he felt a sense of familiarity, as if it resembled the Wind-Thunder Fan - Lingchi - in Wang Island Lord's possession.

They were virtually identical!

But the Wind-Thunder Fan couldn't possibly be in Jiang Yue's hands. It was likely an imitation crafted for amusement in the mortal world.

Without much thought, Shen Yuan had accepted it.

"Which young lady? What's her name?!" Chi Zi'e pressed further.

Fearful that the person might cause trouble for Jiang Yue, Shen Yuan hastily admitted, "I stole it, I stole it, alright?"

"I knew it," Chi Zi'e harrumphed. "Where's my cauldron? Return everything you've stolen from me."

Enough is as good as a feast! - Shen Yuan cursed inwardly.

He truly had no intention of engaging the man further, turning to leave immediately.

After just a couple of steps, a sudden gale from beyond the heavens swept in, casting a gloom over the surroundings.

Rumble! - A thunderous explosion echoed from within the clouds, akin to a copper gong crashing to the ground.

In the blink of an eye, the winds howled and thunder roared, with dark clouds looming overhead. Lightning flickered incessantly amidst the clouds.

Shen Yuan's face turned deathly pale, beads of sweat trickling down his forehead. "What relation is this person to Island Master Wang? How does he know the Island Master's lightning-summoning technique?!"

As he spoke, a blinding white light descended from above.

Shen Yuan instinctively raised his hand to shield his eyes. Before he could fully lift his arm, a searing pain ripped through his chest, followed by a metallic tang in his nose. Lowering his gaze, he saw a crimson, razor-sharp claw protruding from his heart, clutching his very own organ.

"Ahhhhhh!!! ——"

Wang Pan abruptly snapped open his eyes, his chest heaving violently. His entire body was drenched in sweat, as if he had just been pulled out of water.

"A nightmare?..." He gazed at the wooden beams of the inn, panting heavily.

With a lingering headache from his intoxication, he closed his eyes and shook his head as if to dispel the pain and the haunting nightmare from his mind.

"Bang!" A loud crash echoed.

"Who's there?!" Wang Pan grew alert.

"I, I... It's, it's thundering outside. I'm afraid it might rain soon... I, I came to check if your window is, is closed..." A hesitant, unfamiliar voice spoke up.

"Thank you," Wang Pan replied with gratitude.

"Well, t-then I'll be off..." The voice chuckled softly before fading away.

Wang Pan's brow furrowed, wondering what could have been so amusing.

He tried to sit up but quickly realized something was amiss—he found himself bound tightly, in an awkward position that he couldn't quite describe, resembling a turtle flipped on its back.

A flush stained Wang Pan's cheeks as he growled, "Shen Yuan!"

With his spiritual energy fully replenished, he burst outwards, causing the ropes to shatter into pieces.

He stood up and tidied his disheveled clothes. As he did so, he felt around his chest and waist, only to realize that his Qiankun Pouch and Spirit Binding Rope were gone.

"I don't know what to do with you!" Wang Pan slammed his fist on the table, toppling wine cups from the previous night, which eventually rolled to the ground and shattered.

"He Mengfang, something has happened in the Five Islands of the East China Sea. We're already overwhelmed. You'll have to wait and be cautious," He Mengfang whispered to Wang Pan.

"Shen Yuan is missing."

"Oh," He Mengfang replied calmly. "He often disappears without a trace on Peng Lai Island. He's an adult now; he'll come back in a few days."

Wang Pan still couldn't shake off the nightmare.

He Mengfang continued, "Perhaps he's 'talking intimately' with Jiang Yue right now..."

Yes, Shen Yuan might be romantically involved with Jiang Yue – the thought alone caused an inexplicable pain in Wang Pan's heart.

Lost in thought, he wandered down Xunwu Street and unintentionally found himself in front of Yuewei Hall.

After several inquiries to Jiang Yue, he was unexpectedly delighted.

Shen Yuan went to find Yi Shujun. This was identical to his dream; did it imply that there was some unspoken connection between him and Shen Yuan?

But this small joy couldn't erase the chilling memory of the nightmare's final scene.

Wang Pan raced to Yi Shujun's Cloud Platform Pavilion, the evening thunderstorm having somewhat cooled the scorching summer heat, yet he was still drenched in sweat from running against the gentle breeze.

"NOOOO!!! — AHHH!!!" Shen Yuan's cries echoed throughout the Cloud Platform Pavilion.

Wang Pan's heart felt pierced by thorns as he heard this. Clenching his teeth, he slammed open the pavilion gates with a resounding "BAM!" and charged inside.

"Cough, cough, cough...!" A thick smoke laced with the pungent smell of alcohol assaulted his senses, warm and suffocating.

Pushing through the haze, he struggled forward.

To his astonishment, Shen Yuan and Yi Shujun were in the midst of a raucous drinking game, laughing and joking together.

"Five champions! Six-six-six, seven wonders, eight horses!! You lost again!" Chizi E picked up the wine jug, took the bowl from Shen Yuan's face, filled it to the brim, and placed it before him. "DRINK!!"

Shen Yuan burped, waving his hand. "No more... No more... I can't drink anymore..."

Chi Zi'e shook his shoulder persuasively. "Come on, don't be like that. It's rare to meet someone who can match my drinking skills. I haven't had enough yet, how can you stop now?"

"Woah—your stomach is like a bottomless pit? I can't... Can't... Drink anymore..." With that, Shen Yuan slammed onto the table with a thud.

Wang Pan was both exasperated and helpless, feeling a mix of emotions.

"Teacher."

Chi Zi'e looked in response. His vision was already blurred from the alcohol. "You are?" Squinting, he saw a long white object swaying back and forth like water plants. "Chu Yun?! Why are you calling me teacher? I have no money to lend you! ... That one thousand taels of gold drained my Cloud Platform Pavilion dry..."

Wang Pan sighed softly. "Student, Wang Pan."

"Oh, Little Pan."

Wang Pan approached Shen Yuan, noticing his flushed cheeks from intoxication.

The Peng Lai Island black school uniform had been replaced with a bright red robe, loosely draped over his body.

He gently patted Shen Yuan's shoulder and asked casually, "Where's the Spirit Binding Rope?"

"Hmm?" Shen Yuan cracked open one eye, rolled his eyeballs around, then closed them again. He mumbled, "Don't even think about tying me up again."

Wang Pan couldn't help but chuckle. He hadn't expected Shen Yuan, in his current state, to hand over the Spirit Binding Rope anyway. He had just wanted to tease him and observe his reaction.

"Why is this kid wearing the Peng Lai Island school uniform?" Chi Zi'e asked.

"Classmate," replied Wang Pan.

Chi Zi'e sipped his wine and said, "This lad has a strong air of hostility. At first, I thought he was some kind of malevolent spirit or demon."

Wang Pan noticed Chi Zi'e's remark and asked, "Why didn't the student perceive any hostility in him?"

Chi Zi'e shifted his position, propping his elbow on the table and supporting his head with his hand. He continued, "Your cultivation level isn't high enough to see it clearly. Indeed, it wouldn't be noticeable. But this boy has exceptionally clear and bright eyes, not a trace of malevolence. Normally, the hostility of a demonic creature is an integral part of its being, radiating from within. Yet, his hostility seems odd, like it's an external force attached to him, only superficially present."

He quickly added, "But I'm not entirely sure. His moves are peculiar, and his agility is unpredictable. That 'Water from the Yellow River Descends from Heaven' technique truly left me astounded."

...

The wind stirred the ink-black clouds in the sky, tearing them apart as lightning flickered within, while thunder rumbled fruitlessly beneath the thick layers. The originally fierce sound became muted.

Shen Yuan lifted his gaze, witnessing an enormous tornado-like cloud enveloping the entirety of Xun Wu. Chizi E remained steadfast at the heart of the storm like a mountain.

"Hey!" Amidst the howling winds, Chizi E's voice still reached Shen Yuan's ears with clarity, "Hand back the fan and the cauldron quickly if you want to spare your life!"

Upon hearing the mention of thunder, Shen Yuan's legs trembled - he had just been struck by lightning on Ang Liu's beach not long ago. He replied, "You want this fan, right? Here, take it. It's fake anyway."

With that said, he snapped open the feather fan, imbuing it with spiritual energy to propel it through the storm towards Chizi E.

After a moment, the fan was filled with energy, and he threw it towards Chizi E.

The swirling air currents around them carried the fan, becoming more and more turbulent as it cut through the wind.

Chizi E frowned, and suddenly, two flames ignited in his eyes.

Alarmed, he swiftly formed a crackling lightning bolt in his palm and flicked it towards the fan.

Struck by the lightning, the fan immediately changed direction, diving straight towards Shen Yuan.

Strangely, after the feather fan was directed at Shen Yuan, it no longer displayed its previous ferocity. Instead, it resembled a gentle swan feather as it softly returned to Shen Yuan's hand.

Aghast, Chi Zuo'e exclaimed, "You scoundrel! What kind of demonic technique are you using to control my Thunderflame Fan?!"

"Aha?" Shen Yuan scratched the back of his neck and sarcastically replied, "I've only heard of Lord Wang's Wind and Thunder Fan that slices through flesh, but I've never heard of any Thunderflame Fan…"

His words implied, 'Is your Thunderflame Fan an imitation?'

Chi Zuo'e's gaze turned icy cold. He gently placed his hand on his waist.

From afar, Shen Yuan saw Chi Zuo'e undoing his belt and hastily covered his eyes, chanting, "Do not see what is improper, do not see what is improper…"

Realizing something was amiss, he quickly corrected himself, "We're fighting here, why should I care about propriety?!" With that said, he lowered his hand.

However, just as he uncovered his eyes, a crimson whip lashed towards him. Swiftly reacting, Shen Yuan raised his arm and firmly grasped the leather whip.

Intent on pulling the attacker down, he hadn't exerted any force before being dragged forward, ending up flat on his back. Consequently, he released the whip.

Chi Zuo'e watched from a distance, utterly astonished.

The Qing whip was studded with countless steel spikes; wouldn't this grab tear the flesh apart? Didn't that person feel pain?

He wanted to confirm the man's condition – was he truly devoid of sensation? If so, wouldn't he have gained an experimental "guinea pig"?

Fixing his gaze on the ground, he noticed a glimmering golden object: "My Golden Cauldron! Well then, you did indeed steal something and still refuse to admit it." With these words, a sharp gleam flashed in his eyes.

The Qing whip was like a crimson chain snake, sensing its prey as it swiftly slithered out of his hand, darting towards Shen Yuan.

In the blink of an eye, the whip coiled around Shen Yuan's waist. Chi Zuo'e tugged hard on the handle, and the Qing whip dragged Shen Yuan into his sight.

On Shen Yuan's side, he had just barely managed to pull himself up and reached out to reclaim an item. Before he could discern what it was, his vision blurred, and his body shot forward, with his organs and soul trailing behind.

As his vision cleared, he saw Chi Zuo'e's face.

His lips were red, his teeth white, his skin as smooth as porcelain, his eyes deep like pools of black lacquer. The red clothing accentuated his complexion, making him appear as if he were flushed, exuding an alluring and tempting charm.

He couldn't help but inquire, "Are you a demon? Why are you so... refined?..."

"Refined" was a word Shen Yuan had deliberated over for a long time.

After all, one mustn't lose their fighting spirit. With such a captivating opponent, the aim was to bewitch them first and gain the upper hand. Whoever fell under the spell first would undoubtedly lose.

Thus, Shen Yuan covertly gathered his strength in his hidden hand.

Scarlet Water was caught off guard by Shen Yuan's question, "What kind of monster am I? I am..."

Before he could finish his sentence, his body tightened, and he found it difficult to breathe.

"Binding Spirit Rope!" He looked down and couldn't help but exclaim, "So that's your plan! You've been scheming for a long time, knowing that Lord Yi Shujun was once a merfolk before ascending! You dare to bind me with the Binding Spirit Rope!"

Lord Yi Shujun, Scarlet Water!

Little did Shen Yuan expect that this unreasonable man before him was none other than Scarlet Water, the Water Lord of Scarlet Water. If he had a falling out with him, getting hold of his tears would be no easy feat.

Shen Yuan's eyes widened in surprise.

Scarlet Water's anger made the veins on his forehead bulge.

"Rumble!" Another thunderous boom echoed through the sky.

A thunderclap sent a basin of water cascading down, targeting precisely the airspace above the Scarlet Water River.

As a result, the two figures hovering over the river were drenched from head to toe.

After a long while, a red heron emerged from the water's surface.

Scarlet Child spat out a mouthful of river water and asked, "What kind of technique was that?"

Shen Yuan also spat out a mouthful of water and, improvising a name, replied, "The waters of the Yellow River flow down from heaven..."

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