Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Li Wenjia coughed, his robe stained with blood. "Shan Rong, even if you don't kill my disciple and me today, I won't keep your secret. In fact, I will seek retribution for this humiliation in the future."

Shan Rong sneered. "That's as it should be."

With his disciple's help, Li Wenjia left the cave. Yaoguang hesitated but then followed, saying, "I have some medicine here that can help heal injuries, though its effect might be minimal. It's better than nothing..."

"Get lost!" Lin Qin's voice echoed, furious.

"Ai! Shan Rong?" When Yaoguang returned to the cave, he saw Shan Rong collapse on the ground again and rushed over to check on him.

"Give me the medicine," Shan Rong panted. "The demonic cult planted a Ten Thousand Feelings Bug in me, and I was hit by my master's Soul Shackling Sword. Not only did my cultivation plummet and my true energy become chaotic, but my head is splitting... What kind of magical treasure is this? Why do I feel much better in front of this pendant?"

"I'm not sure," Yaoguang said, taking out the medicine from his personal space. "I think I mixed these myself. They're just common hemostatic pills and spirit-replenishing pills. Take them, we need to leave quickly."

Long Jianlu spoke up. "Duan Yaoguang, do you remember why you're here?"

Yaoguang whispered, "Let's talk later."

Assuming Yaoguang was addressing him, Shan Rong nodded and leaned against a large boulder, beginning to regulate his breath.

Long Jianlu, however, was evidently angered. "Very well, then. Go live your life with this pretty boy!"

After that, Long Jianlu fell silent.

"Hey, Long Jianlu, I wasn't talking to you, could you hear me?" Yaoguang whispered as he stepped aside, but Long Jianlu remained unresponsive.

After a brief moment, Shan Rong struggled to his feet.

"We need to leave this place quickly, or more people will come looking for us," Yaoguang said. "You're now wanted by major sects – it's very dangerous. Can you move?"

"I don't even know your name yet," Shan Rong said. "Are you a disciple of this sect? No, wait, I've been expelled."

Shan Rong let out another weary sigh.

"Yes," Yaoguang recalled Long Jianlu's hint when they first entered and stepped up to the platform, examining the central altar. He explained, "My name is Duan Yaoguang, an unregistered disciple of the Sky Sword Sect."

"Yaoguang? That's a nice name, corresponding to the seventh star in the Big Dipper, the position of Phecda. You should only be at the Qi Refinement stage, right?" Shan Rong asked skeptically. "How did you find this place?"

"It was truly an unintended discovery," Yaoguang said. "I was actually on a treasure hunt. Since I'm here, let me take a look... There is indeed a mechanism here. How do we open it?"

Silence enveloped them, and Yaoguang repeated more urgently, "How do I open it?!"

"I'll give it a try?" Shan Rong offered. "There's actually a mechanism here?"

Long Jianlu's voice boomed with anger, "Rotate the central avian-shaped bronze piece three times!"

Yaoguang jumped in surprise and activated the mechanism. Immediately, the sound of rushing water echoed from beneath the stone platform. Apparently, it was a device powered by river water. The walls of the cavern receded, revealing a hidden passage.

"Let's go," Yaoguang said to Shan Rong.

"I can manage on my own," Shan Rong regained some composure and followed Yaoguang into the tunnel without asking where they were headed.

Inside the passage, Yaoguang found a lever and closed the mechanism door behind them.

"Are you alright?" Yaoguang asked Shan Rong. "Should I address you as senior apprentice brother?"

Shan Rong replied, "I have been expelled from the sect. You may call me by my birth name. Yaoguang, why did you trust me?"

Yaoguang couldn't possibly admit that he was the one who created this scenario… otherwise, Shan Rong might very well stab him on the spot. He had to come up with a plausible excuse, "This doesn't make any sense. How could you possibly do such a thing?"

"How would you know what kind of person I am?" Shan Rong asked.

"I've seen you from afar in the sect," Yaoguang began to fabricate a story, "I know you're not capable of this. You must have been falsely accused. Besides, you didn't kill me, and you let Li Wenjia go, didn't you?"

Shan Rong remained silent.

"Well," Long Jianlu couldn't help but interject, "Now I see. As soon as you laid eyes on this pretty boy, you lost all reason. Be honest, did you already have feelings for him when you were in the sect?"

Yaoguang: "…"

"Do you believe in fate?" Shan Rong walked alongside Yaoguang through the cave, asking slowly.

Yaoguang truly couldn't answer that.

"If there is such a thing as fate, then the deity who decides our destinies must enjoy torturing me," Shan Rong sighed. "During these days of being hunted, I've thought a lot. Why is it like this? Why me?"

Long Jianlu chimed in, reflecting on the question, "Yes, I've often wondered too, why it had to be me."

The one responsible for all this, the so-called "Heavenly Father," didn't dare utter a single word.

"Aha!" Yaoguang exclaimed. "Found it!"

At the end of the tunnel was a spacious chamber, and in its center stood another door. This time, the lock was incredibly intricate, adorned with runes.

Yaoguang continued, "How do we open this door?"

"This is an abandoned hermit's cave," Shan Rong observed for a moment before asking, "How did you discover this place?"

Yaoguang turned to look. Under the pendant's glow, color returned to Shan Rong's cheeks, revealing his delicate features, bright eyes, and disheveled yet handsome appearance. His gentle facial contours and soft lips were obscured only slightly by the dirty Sky Sword Sect Immortal Sword robe he wore, yet they couldn't conceal his ethereal charm like that of a jade-like celestial being.

"I found it in some ancient texts," Yaoguang replied.

Shan Rong asked, "So what are you looking for?"

Yaoguang said, "I'm not entirely sure, but there must be a few magical treasures that could... enhance one's cultivation, right? To be honest, I just want to make some money."

It was the first time Shan Rong had heard a cultivator openly mention "making money." He almost didn't realize if Yaoguang was speaking metaphorically or not.

"Are you being serious?"

"Yes, indeed," Yaoguang replied with unwavering confidence.

"Could you perhaps take a break over there?" Yaoguang pondered for a moment before suggesting, "I need to figure out how to open this door."

Shan Rong offered, "Although my main focus isn't on formations and immortal talismans, I do have some knowledge. Do you really not need my assistance?"

"Rest first," Yaoguang advised. "I'll call for you if I can't figure it out."

Shan Rong relented and took a seat nearby.

In a hushed tone, Yaoguang asked, "How do we open the door?"

Long Jianlu responded, "Now you remember me?

Yaoguang said, "Do you have a problem with me? I've been following your instructions, haven't I? Apart from saving someone in the middle..."

"Saving someone?" Long Jianlu scoffed. "From the looks of it, you were about to stick to that pretty boy!"

Yaoguang should have known better, he regretted it most when Long Jianlu discovered his interest in men in Wind Continent City. Now, the Devil was practically seething with jealousy.

"He was originally an expert at the Nascent Soul stage," Yaoguang whispered. "Even though his cultivation was stripped, he can still wield a sword. It's perfect for him to help me reach Longguang Mountain, otherwise, who knows when I would make it to the Northern Sea."

Long Jianlu didn't reply. Yaoguang continued, "It's normal to appreciate handsome men, isn't it? What's wrong with admiring beauty? I'm not hindering your business, can't I take a few more glances at someone good-looking? You can't see me anyway, so why suppress my natural desires?"

Long Jianlu retorted, "You fickle thing... I knew you had ulterior motives."

But perhaps his last words had some effect, as Long Jianlu's anger subsided slightly. He instructed, "Place your hands on the positions of Azure Dragon and White Tiger, infuse your magic power, and switch the Black Tortoise on top."

Yaoguang followed the instructions, and Long Jianlu asked, "Did your parents name you after the Star of Breaking Army?"

"It's not that 'yao'," Yaoguang replied softly. "I've never asked them. So what's next?"

"Where do your mortal parents live?" Long Jianlu continued. "Transfer the four runes on Vermilion Bird to Black Tortoise."

Yaoguang: "I forgot. And then?"

Long Jianlu: "..."

Yaoguang, seeking convenience, never bothered to ponder the NPC's background.

Long Jianlu continued, "Infuse your mana into the central array and let it radiate in all directions."

Yaoguang followed the instructions, and with a thunderous boom, the grand doors opened. Countless runes flickered like a coded message, while Long Jianlu directed him to light them up in a specific sequence. The halls resonated with the sound of chimes, harmonious and ethereal.

Upon the entrance, they found themselves in a secluded utopia with fresh air – a hidden abode with a completely transparent ceiling. The mountainside was rendered invisible by magic, and the morning sun illuminated a landscape lush with vegetation. In the center stood a small house constructed of ebony.

Shan Rong rose and followed Yaoguang inside.

Bathed in sunlight, the grotto was adorned with dew-kissed flowers. Yaoguang pushed open the door to find ancient bookshelves still standing. However, upon slight touch, the books disintegrated into dust, floating in the dim light of the cottage.

In a corner, there was a stone bed, beside which sat a stone table topped with a branch bearing fresh leaves. Despite the thousand years that had passed in this cave paradise, everything had decayed except for this branch, which radiated vitality, clearly an enchanted artifact. Next to the table was a box containing a ring.

On the wall hung a celestial robe intricately embroidered with enigmatic runes.

Shan Rong commented, "This must have been the dwelling of a celestial being."

"Indeed!" Yaoguang was rummaging through chests, searching for any silver coins.

Long Jianlu & Shan Rong: "What are you doing?"

Yaoguang: "Counting the money."

Long Jianlu & Shan Rong: "..."

Long Jianlu: "The garment is called the Phantom Immortal Robe, and the branch is named Green Twig. You should put them away first. There's also an Amber Ring of Storage for containing items. D-o-n't s-h-i-f-t t-h-r-o-u-g-h t-h-e-m r-a-n-d-o-m-l-y! There won't be any money here!"

"Here it is!" Yaoguang discovered a alchemy furnace buried within the closet. He gave it a light bite, leaving an indentation. "It's pure gold; it could be sold for quite a fortune!"

Within the Suspended Heaven Cave Abode, Long Jianlu was tempted to roar and lift the entire mountain, along with its chains, to toss it into Yong'an City.

"Each of these is a precious treasure," Shan Rong said. "Hold onto them for now. I'll teach you how to use them later."

Satisfied, Yaoguang finished his plunder and prepared to retreat. Long Jianlu needed time to calm down and didn't wish to speak to him for the moment.

"We need to find a way out of here," Shan Rong observed the surroundings and said. "This branch should be an extremely valuable treasure. Hold it in your hand and infuse it with… No, there's no need to give it to me. Since you found it, it belongs to you naturally."

Yaoguang handed over the green branch and said, "I'm only at the Qi Refinement stage."

Shan Rong, however, didn't take it, saying, "I'll teach you a spell now. Perhaps it can help us find another passage."

As he spoke, Shan Rong imparted the incantation and method of channeling energy to Yaoguang. Following the instructions, the branch transformed, sprouting vines that intertwined to form a fifty-centimeter-long wooden short sword!

"Indeed, an artifact from ancient times," Shan Rong remarked, gazing at the nearby cave sky. "Try holding this sword and approaching the trees nearby."

Yaoguang held the sword in his right hand, directing it towards the vegetation within the cave sky. As he did, the plants retreated in its path.

It's so effective! I should have placed more magical artifacts in this world... Yaoguang tried hard to recall the specifics of his creation, realizing that his details were still insufficient.

"There might be an exit by the cliff," Shan Rong coughed, then added.

"Are you alright?"

Shan Rong waved it off, but Yaoguang knew he needed rest. They had to leave soon. As Yaoguang used the vine sword, the chaotic vegetation covering the cliff receded, revealing a cave entrance.

The entrance led underground, and the two of them proceeded along the passageway. Gradually, they heard the sound of water and felt a breeze ahead. As they walked, they discovered an underground river! Only, they had no idea where it led.

"I need to rest for a moment," Shan Rong suddenly said.

Yaoguang hastily asked, "Do you need more medicinal pills?"

Shan Rong waved his hand, found a spot to sit by the underground river, and said, "It'll be over soon. I'm inflicted with a parasitic poison that periodically acts up."

Yaoguang sat down as well. Shan Rong continued, "Your greenwood artifact can transform. Try not to show it off too much to avoid being robbed."

Understanding, Yaoguang flicked his wrist, transforming the vine sword back into a branch. He shortened it and inserted it beside the wooden hairpin in his hair.

Yaoguang furrowed his brows and asked, "Why are you here?" He recalled not having plotted for Shan Rong to hide in an ancient graveyard. Originally, he was supposed to be hunted down by righteous factions and then flee to Yong'an City. As for what would happen next, Yaoguang hadn't decided yet.

"Finally, you thought to ask," Shan Rong said.

Yaoguang smiled.

Shan Rong explained, "Due to a moment of weakness, I fell prey to the Flower Parasite Gu laid by the leader of the Demon Sect. This Gu controls me and can probe my knowledge."

Yaoguang replied, "So you have to divert your cultivation to resist the Gu."

"Yes," Shan Rong answered, "The pain is excruciating when the Gu activates."

Yaoguang recalled his character background and stated, "There's only one way to lift the curse: by killing her."

"Indeed," Shan Rong replied, a touch of surprise in his eyes. "You seem well-versed in this matter."

"So she's in Yong'an City?" Yaoguang thought. This plot point had actually been justified by the story itself! It seemed quite reasonable!

Shan Rong sighed and said, "Indeed, I've been trailing her. She's not far from here. I must locate her hiding place and eliminate her to fully dispel the influence of the curse."

Yaoguang: "But the closer you get to her, the more susceptible you become to her influence. It's quite challenging."

Shan Rong replied, "There's always a way. We'll do our best when the time comes; what else can we do? Living like this is worse than being dead."

Yaoguang understood! So, while searching for the Flower Gu Master, Shan Rong uncovered the demonic cult's conspiracy beneath Yong'an City... Wait, wasn't it risky to be involved with the protagonist? After all, the hero's journey was fraught with peril, yet he couldn't die. But I'm not the protagonist – I could actually end up dead!

But I'm the author, right? Yaoguang felt anxious and began to doubt if traveling with Shan Rong was a wise decision.

Seeing the complexity in Yaoguang's expression, Shan Rong assumed he was worried about his safety, and a hint of warmth stirred within him.

"We're strangers to each other," Shan Rong said suddenly, "Back then, I was a favored disciple in my sect. My senior brother was arrogant and often looked down on others. Yaoguang, my junior brother, I owe you an apology."

Speaking, Shan Rong actually knelt before Yaoguang, who was startled and asked, "Why such words?" He promptly helped him up.

Shan Rong continued, "It's only when you lose everything in an instant that you realize the worth of a bit of genuine affection amidst adversity."

Surprisingly, Shan Rong's eyes reddened. Ever since he was wrongfully accused and became a fugitive, he had been alone, not even conversing with anyone. Yaoguang was his only friend after his downfall.

"Someday, when you leave this place," Shan Rong said, "you mustn't accompany me anymore. It would only bring unnecessary trouble. Return to your sect as soon as possible, pretending you know nothing. Perhaps you can avoid your sect's punishment."

Yaoguang felt anxious but replied, "I wasn't entirely sincere in the first place... Are you feeling better? Let's go, we can talk as we walk."

Shan Rong stood up and walked ahead. Yaoguang said, "To be honest, I'm heading to the northernmost Changguang Mountain."

Shan Rong asked, "What business do you have there?"

Yaoguang hesitated, "Uh..."

Seeing that Yaoguang didn't want to explain, Shan Rong didn't press further. Instead, he said, "You've come all the way from your sect, aiming for Changguang Mountain?"

"Yes," Yaoguang sincerely admitted. "But with my low cultivation, it would take ages on foot. I need to find someone skilled in sword flight to take me there..."

Suddenly, they saw a glow ahead, and Shan Rong immediately gestured for Yaoguang to hide behind him.

The underground river network was intricate, leading beneath Yong'an City. Beneath the city lay an even older ancient metropolis, predating the great battle between Immortals and Demons. Partially buried by successive floods from the Qingyi and Zheyue rivers, later generations built a new city on top of the original site after the Heavenly Lady sealed the evil deity.

This was the underground ancient city of Yong'an.

"What's that?" Shan Rong asked.

"It's a demonic cult's array," Yaoguang thought, startled. Could it be? No way! Have we entered the main storyline?

Shan Rong glanced at Yaoguang, surprised that he could identify the origin of the array.

"More precisely, just a section of it," Yaoguang told Shan Rong. "Let's not concern ourselves with it for now. Let's change our route and move on."

"How can we ignore it?" Shan Rong countered. "From the start, I had a nagging feeling something wasn't right. Why would the Flower Gu Master hide in Yong'an City? What do they plan to do?"

"It should be... an array used for gathering souls."

Yaoguang designed it himself, so he remembered every detail. Currently, within the underground city of Yong'an, there were blood-drawn array patterns on the ground, interweaving intricately. Once the number of deaths reached a certain threshold, the array would begin absorbing human souls to transport them to the Black Valley, reviving the evil deity.

Shan Rong said, "Did you keep that robe you got from the cave? Put it on."

Yaoguang followed the instruction, and Shan Rong warned, "Based on its patterns, this is an enchanted garment that can conceal you from others' sight. Don't speak or use any spells. Just follow closely behind me."

Shan Rong then began to investigate the formation, searching for its focal point. The ancient city's terrain was incredibly complex. When they reached the center of the formation, it seemed as if there was a demonic beast guarding the spot. Shan Rong didn't dare to proceed and only observed from the outside.

"Are you alright?" Yaoguang noticed Shan Rong's instability.

As Shan Rong approached the core of the formation, his breathing grew heavy and rapid. He lifted his head and spoke slowly, "The poison is starting to...act up again..."

"Quickly, let's leave here," Yaoguang whispered.

Supporting Shan Rong, they stumbled out of the massive formation, seeking a way back to Yong'an City. After a while, Yaoguang found a high ground. However, at this point, Shan Rong could barely move, collapsing to the ground.

Yaoguang couldn't abandon him. He half-carried, half-dragged Shan Rong along, approaching another passage. Above it appeared to be a dry well with bright daylight shining through. Yaoguang dared not venture out like that since he was in invisible mode. If he accidentally encountered mortals, the sight of an unconscious Shan Rong floating three feet off the ground would be too bizarre.

He removed his invisibility robe and dressed Shan Rong in it, then led him to the edge of the dry well. With great effort, he pulled Shan Rong up.

"Huff..."

Fortunately, no one was around the dry well. A thought suddenly struck Yaoguang. Could he stuff Shan Rong into his personal spatial ring? The attempt proved unsuccessful; it seemed living beings couldn't be stored inside.

Finally back on solid ground, Yaoguang had spent a whole night tunneling and walking underground. Most shops were yet to open, so he carried Shan Rong back to the Guangfu Inn where he was staying.

"Are you alright?!" The inn servant, about to start the day's business, saw Yaoguang return in a disheveled state, walking in an extremely peculiar manner.

"I'm fine, just twisted my waist a bit," Yaoguang replied. "A good rest will fix it."

He hoisted Shan Rong onto his back. In reality, carrying a tall guy like this for any distance would exhaust him quickly, but in the cultivation world, disciples in the Qi Refinement stage possessed relatively strong physical foundations.

"Sigh, we're finally here." Yaoguang laid Shan Rong on his bed.

Long Jianlu: "Next step is to undress him, right? Should I temporarily leave?"

Yaoguang: "No, no need!"

Long Jianlu: "Where's your money? You're so smitten with this pretty face that you've forgotten all about it?"

"Oh, right." Yaoguang recalled that he needed to exchange the gold alchemy furnace for silver while the pawnshop was open. He closed the door, allowing Shan Rong to rest inside, then hurriedly set off to convert the Golden Alchemy Furnace into silver.

Long Jianlu: "What's wrong with you? This young fellow seems to have more troubles than you. You should find someone else to accompany you to Longguang Mountain."

Yaoguang: "He'll be fine."

Long Jianlu: "Be honest! What's your true intention? Did you leave your sect and descend the mountain just to search for your lover? And then you accidentally stumbled into the One-Stripe Sky...?"

"Can you stop spreading rumors?" Yaoguang said. "I didn't even know him back in my sect. I've never seen his face; I only heard about him."

Long Jianlu was now quite perplexed, as Yaoguang and Shan Rong seemed to have an instant connection.

"Why did you know about the Soul-Devouring Array beneath the ground?" Long Jianlu asked.

"I read it in a book..." Yaoguang's voice softened as he entered the pawnshop, exchanging the pure gold alchemy furnace for two thousand silver taels, making him feel like an overnight millionaire.

"Hahaha—I'm rich!" Yaoguang momentarily changed his mind and no longer rushed to part with the book.

Long Jianlu found Yaoguang's behavior utterly baffling. If he was worried about the fair-skinned Shan Rong, he wouldn't have left him at the inn without a care. Yet, he ran off halfway through their errand to make money.

"Let's enjoy ourselves first." After all the hassle, Yaoguang was exhausted and immediately sought out a bathhouse to soak in, followed by sending his clothes to the laundry.