Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast

The City of Exile, nestled deep in the mountains, is an independent city located at the unclaimed border area of Saint Kai, Haifis, and the Kitan Kingdom; a haven for crime, favored by those fleeing persecution from any nation.

Initially, it served as a hideout for fugitives seeking refuge from law enforcement. However, a chance gathering of criminals, including some with intelligence and insight, led to extensive discussions and debates, sparking the beginning of a major rebellion.

They established a base, harboring criminals and leveraging the city’s strategic location at the intersection of three kingdoms. Taking advantage of the ongoing mutual blame and ineffective pursuits by the three kingdoms, they gradually built up their scale. Over a hundred years later, Leiwen, transformed from an unknown youth to the most wanted criminal across nations, known for his bloody exploits, arrived here. Through force and cunning, he subdued all the criminals in the area. Exploiting the tense wartime conditions among the nations, he repeatedly intercepted supplies and funds, expanding his power significantly. He deftly framed other nations for these actions until the three kingdoms realized the threat and attempted to unite against the city. However, due to mutual distrust and hidden agendas, their efforts failed, leaving the criminals’ paradise, the City of Exile, proudly standing amidst the turmoil of the three kingdoms.

Leiwen’s foresight led him to implement a series of development plans: opening trade routes, establishing city-states, formulating laws, and setting up administrative institutions to encourage productivity-even allowing for the development of special industries. Initially, the criminals remained wary of potential pursuits by the nations, but Leiwen’s words reassured them: “Rather than waiting for death, let’s create opportunities where the nations need us, allowing us to survive securely on the Xuannan Continent.” This statement transformed the once obscure and primitive wasteland into a thriving commercial metropolis regarded by nations as a valuable asset, albeit one they dared not publicly acknowledge.

Perhaps out of envy or efforts to suppress, various unfavorable rumors about the City of Exile have spread far and wide, filling the residents of various countries with fear, suspicion, disdain, and trepidation.

But is the City of Exile truly as rumored by these nations? A cloud of mysteries shrouds it, and unless you are part of it, the truth will remain elusive. The people here are far more genuine than the greedy and arrogant aristocrats in the palaces of the nations. While fights and disputes are common in the streets and taverns, when it comes to deadly duels, the city’s strict rules apply. Regardless of one’s status, everyone must engage in mortal combat according to these rules.

Of course, where there are people, there are needs; and where there are needs, there are transactions and naturally, business opportunities.

There is an old saying: “There are those who engage in life-risking ventures, but none in losing deals.” Given that the residents here are mostly criminals, many live with a “take each day as it comes” attitude, indulging themselves even if it means spending extravagantly.

The unique security regulations of the City of Exile, combined with the appeal of vast profits and temporary safety, have drawn many merchants to conduct business here. Additionally, victims of aristocratic persecution and those disillusioned by the hypocrisy of elites and gentry have chosen to settle here. Through merchants and word of mouth, the reputation of the City of Exile, once a mysterious place of debauchery, has evolved into a prime location for the exchange of cultural features and specialty goods. Consequently, acceptance of the City of Exile’s existence has grown, with even nations discreetly utilizing certain business organizations to trade here, driven by the immense economic needs for future war preparations.

Why is the City of Exile a place where people feel secure to visit?

The reasons are evident, highlighting Leiwen’s exceptional wisdom and foresight over a century ago. After unifying the criminals, he established the Xingtian Crime Bureau, strictly prohibiting internal killings within the city. Initially, every criminal, fearless and self-important, dismissed this rule with a laugh. However, under Leiwen’s decisive and forceful enforcement, and after a few criminals were executed as a warning, people began to adhere to the regulation. Nonetheless, enemies harboring deep grudges would still occasionally encounter each other, giving rise to another rule: the Arena of Life and Death, the only place in the City of Exile where bodies could be seen.

After Leiwen’s death, the Xingtian Crime Bureau he founded was preserved by future generations, becoming the city’s highest decision-making body.

Reentering society after leaving the village, Tianxiang found himself in the dense, enigmatic forest, mirroring the vast unknown and mysterious future. He pondered his capabilities and planned his future.

Now unable to wield physical power and relying solely on magic, coupled with his expertise in medical skills, light element magic, and recently learned soul magic from Yesace, Tianxiang resolved to use these abilities to travel the Continent.

However, there were still matters unresolved. He needed to reunite the Dawu Tribe members scattered by the Hurricane Band of Thieves and bring them back to Shanatu Village; arrange a meeting with Old Rick; and reconnect with Xiao Xue and the others. Yet, in his current bizarre state, neither fully human nor ghostly, how could he face Xiao Xue and the others? He couldn’t imagine their reactions-sorrow, disdain, ridicule, or indifference? Sigh! Troubled thoughts led Tianxiang to slap his own face, the sting dispelling his musings and the forest’s chill snapping him back to reality. Suddenly, a phrase surfaced in his mind: people’s troubles aren’t in the events themselves, but in their perspectives on them. Wasn’t this exactly his situation? As if making up his mind, Tianxiang’s eyes, though barely visible, revealed a faint but determined smile. He set his sights on the direction of the City of Exile and strode forward with his head held high.

In the cool autumn air, amidst the desolate scenery, Feng Xuewu and Yue Lianxuan sat quietly on the slightly yellowed grass, adding a touch of warmth and beauty to the autumn landscape.

Since Tianxiang’s departure, Feng Xuewu had hidden her inner passion deep within, maintaining a consistently cool demeanor and speaking little, much to the helplessness of her father, Duke Dark. The title of “cool beauty” spread quickly at Saint Kai Academy. Perhaps by divine arrangement, Feng Xuewu only let down her guard, revealing a rare girlish pride, when she was with Yue Lianxuan.

As for Yue Lianxuan, perhaps motivated by a desire to cheer up Feng Xuewu or driven by her innate business acumen, she had made significant personal strides. No longer frowning, her beaming face radiated warmth and friendliness, endearing her to everyone. Coupled with her role as a priest class member, she had become widely recognized as a gentle angel. Yet only Feng Xuewu understood her inner loneliness, stemming from thoughts of him-Tianxiang.

While the two chatted idly, Feng Xuewu suddenly fell silent as a voice from behind called out, “Xiao Xue, Xiao Xuan, there you are!”

Without turning around, Feng Xuewu replied, “Hello, Sixth Prince, Seventh Prince.” Yue Lianxuan echoed her greeting.

Two tall and slender young men approached them, both with faces like polished jade and as handsome as legends, yet each possessing distinctly different outward auras.

The Sixth Prince, named Sheng Dike, always wears a warm smile, speaks with utmost politeness, and behaves with gentle decorum. Beneath his endless gentleness, however, lies a talented practitioner of both magic and martial arts. Since entering Saint Kai Academy over three years ago, he has consistently ranked among the top three in the annual magic and martial arts competition. Even his teachers are unaware of the full extent of his potential. His academic and martial prowess have captivated countless young women across the Kingdom of Saint Kai, making him the dream lover of the nation’s young women. Unfortunately, he remains single, providing endless hope to many girls who fantasize about being his true love.

The Seventh Prince, named Sheng Yatian, has a frivolous and impatient demeanor, epitomizing the typical dandy. He exploits his status as the Seventh Prince and his slick speaking skills to deceive numerous naive girls. Whenever his misdeeds come to light, he uses his mother, the Queen Dowager’s power to suppress the scandals. Although his mother disapproves, faced with the pleas of her only son, she reluctantly covers up for him time and again. Knowing his incorrigible nature, she had no choice but to send him to Saint Kai Academy, hoping that Sheng Dike could influence him towards a better path. However, faced with the unbeatable and more eloquent Sheng Dike, Sheng Yatian resorts to duplicity, appearing reformed outwardly while his true actions remain hidden.

When Sheng Yatian approached the two ladies, he said eagerly, “Ladies, I’ve been looking for you for a long time.”

Yue Lianxuan responded with a smile, “Seventh Prince, may I ask why you are looking for us?” She emphasized the word ‘commoners’ a bit louder to subtly remind him of their differing social statuses.

Sheng Yatian, feigning ignorance, replied with a laugh, “Why so formal? Just call me Yatian! I saw you sitting here and thought to come over for a chat. Also, I have something I’d like to discuss with you.”

Yue Lianxuan felt a wave of disgust but kept her smile intact as she said, “Seventh Prince, don’t forget that icy experience from last time.”

As Sheng Yatian was about to reply, he suddenly shivered, realizing that the temperature around him had dropped significantly. Recalling his previous experience, he fell silent. Sheng Dike noticed this and stepped forward gracefully, using his jade-like hand to draw a circle and redirect the water element enveloping Sheng Yatian onto himself, dispersing it with his internal strength. Feng Xuewu let out a disdainful hum and said, “What would you like to discuss, Sixth Prince?” Clearly, she did not wish to engage further with Sheng Yatian.

Facing the icy demeanor of Feng Xuewu, Sheng Dike gave a helpless smile and began, “Xiao…” but was met with a glare from Feng Xuewu, prompting him to quickly correct himself, “Feng Xuewu, Yue Lianxuan, regarding the upcoming outdoor cultivation training, I’d like to invite you to join our team.”

The outdoor cultivation training and magic and martial arts competition are two key projects at Saint Kai Academy for developing talent. The outdoor cultivation training involves students forming their own teams to venture out and practice in the real world for three months. There are no specific requirements for the training itself, but it mandates that each team include senior students leading their juniors, with a minimum of four members per group.

After three months, students must document their activities during the training, which will serve as a reference for future evaluations. This method aims to help students understand the differences between the outside world and what they learn from textbooks, as well as instill the importance of teamwork. To avoid backlash from enforced group formations, teams are self-organized by the students, often resulting in many enduring stories and friendships.

The magic and martial arts competition is divided into three categories: the magic group, martial arts group, and magic martial group. It’s an individual martial skills competition held annually, with the top three in each group receiving recognition. These achievements significantly enhance the prospects for students aspiring to join the military.

Yue Lianxuan said regretfully, “Sixth Prince, I’m sorry, we’ve already formed a team, so we’ll have to decline your kind offer!”

The Seventh Prince couldn’t help but exclaim, “Who dares to steal a woman from me? I will definitely… whoa… so cold!” Seeing that his lower half had turned into an ice block, those terrifying memories replayed in his mind. Yet, he couldn’t swallow the humiliation of being rejected right to his face, and his anger flared up, turning his face red and creating a bizarre sight! Yue Lianxuan internally chuckled at the spectacle, thinking it resembled an image of ice and fire in harmony.

Sheng Dike lightly flicked his right hand, sending a small fireball, no larger than a thumb, towards Sheng Yatian’s lower half. Instantly, the ice vanished, leaving only water stains on Sheng Yatian’s pants and an expression of utter embarrassment on his face.

Feng Xuewu let out a surprised sound and said, “A fire elf?”

Sheng Dike responded, “Sharp eyes! You’re quite impressive yourself, reaching the level of mental focus already.”

Mental focus is a critical transitional phase in learning magic. Initially, casting magic typically requires reciting incantations using specific tones and words to resonate with surrounding elements, which then follow the spell to form various attack or defense shapes.

With mental focus, once one’s mental power reaches a certain level and they become very familiar with a specific element’s magic, they can cast magic without verbally stating the incantations. It requires only a quick mental review of the incantation, allowing them to cast the spell naturally.

No wonder Sheng Dike was astonished. Even the Kingdom of Saint Kai’s chief Archmagus and dean of Saint Kai Academy, Tukmor, only reached the level of mental focus in his early thirties. Yet here was Feng Xuewu, who hadn’t even reached the age of adulthood, already achieving this level, which would astonish anyone witnessing it.

Sheng Dike misunderstood. Even with Feng Xuewu’s exceptional talents, it was impossible for her to have such capabilities, especially since she trained in both martial and magical arts. Why did she develop this ability? It was all thanks to people like the Seventh Prince, who were incredibly annoying. Fed up with even speaking to them, Feng Xuewu gradually practiced casting incantations silently. After a period of self-training and even longer real-life experiments, she finally mastered this miraculous magic skill. However, its speed and power were still much slower than mental focus; otherwise, the Seventh Prince would have turned into an ice statue the moment he opened his mouth!

Seeing Sheng Dike harbor this misunderstanding, Feng Xuewu offered no explanation but instead said, “If the princes have no further business, we will be taking our leave!” Without waiting for a response or regarding the princes’ expressions, she turned and left. Yue Lianxuan apologized to them, saying, “I’m sorry!” and hurriedly followed Feng Xuewu.

Upon seeing Feng Xuewu leave his sight, Sheng Yatian roared furiously, “Feng Xuewu, Yue Lianxuan, you dare to disregard me and embarrass me, you wretches!”

Before he could finish, a loud slap was heard, followed by a dizzying blow that left him seeing stars. Just as he was about to curse at the perpetrator, a sudden, overwhelming rage surged toward him. Regaining his composure, he saw an enraged Sheng Dike staring at him, with a fire elf that had reached its Mature Stage and bound by a Heart Imprint Contract with Sheng Dike, sitting on his shoulder and glaring back at Sheng Yatian. Sheng Yatian, intimidated by Sheng Dike’s piercing gaze, dared not speak another word. Sheng Dike, seeing Sheng Yatian subdued, his anger subsided, warned, “Never speak ill of Feng Xuewu again, or else… Come on, Xiao Di, let’s go.”

As Sheng Dike turned to leave, a sinister look of resentment flashed in Sheng Yatian’s eyes, directed either at Sheng Dike or at the departing Feng Xuewu and Yue Lianxuan.

Tianxiang, determined to reach the City of Exile, entered Haina Village, a small community with fewer than two hundred people. Instead of the peace and joy typical of a small village, there was an indescribable eeriness enveloping the entire place.

Each villager wore a look of deep concern, and upon seeing Tianxiang, whose eyes alone were visible, they reacted as if they had seen a ghost. Everyone was visibly terrified, quickly shutting their doors to show their unwelcome attitude. Tianxiang, puzzled but undeterred, was about to leave when the bracelet―formed by the fusion of the soul taiji and the Bell of the Heart, which Tianxiang had renamed the Spiritual Mind Chain―suddenly emitted a faint silver light visible only to him. As if conscious, it directed him towards the west of the village.

Surprised, Tianxiang recalled the soul magic he had learned from Yesace. Ever since then, he felt an indescribable yet inseparable connection with the Spiritual Mind Chain, as if it was destined to aid him; it seemed he was meant to learn soul magic to inherit the Spiritual Mind Chain. Although he had not yet fully explored its functions, the chain always gave him a profound sense of trust, as if thicker than blood.

Pausing briefly in surprise, he hesitated no longer and headed directly west. As Tianxiang moved forward, the silver light from the Spiritual Mind Chain grew more intense, pulsing tighter and looser until he arrived in front of a small house. There, the chain shot out a brilliant beam of silver light towards the back of the house and then ceased any unusual activity.

At the front of the house, Tianxiang smelled a foul stench of decay. With curiosity, he slowly made his way to the back and saw a man holding the lifeless, foul-smelling body of a woman, continually muttering, “Xiaoru! I am sorry! I am sorry!” Behind the man, there seemed to be another figure, emitting a gentle blue Radiance, tenderly looking down at the man on the ground.

The azure figure became aware of Tianxiang’s presence and slowly turned, casting a cold glance filled with a complex mix of emotions-shame, hatred, tenderness, and reluctance. Tianxiang quietly observed her and noticed she bore a striking resemblance to the deceased woman the man was holding. Stirred within, he used soul magic through the Spiritual Mind Chain and suddenly felt transported to another space where only he and the azure figure existed.

With an emotionless gaze, she asked coldly, “Who are you? Did the villagers send you to destroy me?”

Tianxiang shook his head and replied, “I’m just a passerby.”

The figure suddenly shouted sharply, “You’re lying! Then why can you see me, and why does everyone like to lie?” As she spoke, memories of some sorrowful past seemed to surface, and she began to sob uncontrollably.

Unable to provide a response, Tianxiang softly recited a cleansing incantation. Suddenly, a profoundly pure white light enveloped the azure figure, soothing her feelings of resentment and sadness. Tianxiang’s serene and calm eyes met hers, and to her, he appeared like an angel descended from heaven, exuding such saintly compassion and reminiscent of a nurturing mother’s selfless care. Within this peaceful space, the azure figure began to recount her story.

“From a young age, I was a carefree little girl. Everyone in the village treated me well, and I had many playmates. Among them, Xiao Yu, the village chief’s son Yali, and Yali’s sister Yating were the closest to me. As we grew older, I gradually realized they all had feelings for me, and surprisingly, Yating liked Xiao Yu. Yet, Xiao Yu was the only one in my heart. His sincerity and carefree spirit, along with the unrestricted freedom and heartfelt sense of security he gave me, were things Yali could never provide. But out of friendship with the three of them, I never mentioned this to Yali-until one day.”

“Yali came to me, beaming with joy, and said, ‘Xiaoru, I’ve asked my father to propose marriage to your family.'”

“I realized then that I couldn’t let this go on, and I had to tell Yali, ‘Yali, I’m sorry. I’ve always thought of you like a brother, and so…’ At that point, I couldn’t bear to see the look on Yali’s face. That sentence was like a bolt of lightning, shattering both his heart and our friendship.”

Yali was stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter. “When it comes to family background, martial arts, and magic, I surpass Xiao Yu in every way, yet I’ve lost to him in the most important thing-you! Oh heavens, can you tell me why?” With that, he dashed away, not wanting me to see the tears in his eyes. Yet the drops falling to the ground had already betrayed him.

As I listlessly sought out Xiao Yu to talk about this, I found him sitting motionless in front of his house, staring blankly at the sky with a faint sadness furrowed in his brow. I later learned that Yating had also confessed her feelings to Xiao Yu, but he had rejected her as well. So there we sat, outside Xiao Yu’s house, perhaps mourning the friendship we had nurtured for so many years that had abruptly ended.

For the next few days, we all tried to avoid each other. But one day, Yali suddenly came to me and said, “Xiaoru, I assume you’ve made your choice, but I’m not willing to give up. You’re the only person I’ve ever loved. Can you give me another chance? Let’s meet tonight after dinner on the hill behind the village. I have something I want to say to you alone. If you still choose Xiao Yu after that, I’ll leave willingly.” Thinking that this might be the best way to resolve things, I agreed without hesitation.

Perhaps it was fate. I never imagined Yali would do something so unconscionable. Though he kept saying he loved me and couldn’t live without me, even if he took my body, he could never possess my heart. I couldn’t bear the humiliation. Alone in the desolate mountains, I didn’t know what to do. I screamed until my voice was hoarse, but no one came. I cried until my heart was shattered, yet I couldn’t awaken Yali’s conscience. In the end, I fell into despair, and if I still had any lingering affection, it was probably the vows I shared with Xiao Yu. However, I decided that I must prove my innocence and hatred with my death.

I don’t know how much time passed before I found myself transformed into a vengeful spirit, residing in a cave in the hills behind the village. Isn’t it said that when a person dies, everything ends? Yet, for some reason, my heart couldn’t let go of my family and Xiao Yu.

So, I drifted back to the village and found that the villagers, including my parents, were unjustly accusing Xiao Yu of being my murderer. He remained silent, cradling my lifeless body, his tears falling onto me like sharp blades piercing my heart over and over. My mind was consumed with hatred-hatred for the villagers’ inability to distinguish right from wrong, hatred for the heavens’ unfairness, hatred for my inability to stay with my beloved and for the undeserved blame that had fallen upon him. I was filled with hatred!

Suddenly, from within my Soul Energy, a dense, invisible dark mist began to spread, enveloping Haina Village. An indescribable fear and eeriness settled in the villagers’ hearts, trapping them within the village as if they were blind to the world of light, leaving them to live in perpetual darkness. It wasn’t until Yali could no longer withstand the weight of his conscience and finally confessed to being my murderer before taking his own life, that the dark mist cleared away. Yet, the villagers’ lives were forever altered.

Now, my only concern is Xiao Yu. I wish for him to continue living, but I have no idea how to communicate this to him. If you can, I hope you might help me fulfill my last wish.

After hearing Xiaoru’s story, Tianxiang felt a great sense of injustice for this unfortunate girl. This was indeed a perfect example of “so close, yet so far” in their tragic tale. After pondering for a moment, he spoke, “I can help you with this, and I can even allow you to explain it to him yourself, but you must agree to two conditions.”

Eagerly, Xiaoru replied, “What are they? I will agree to anything!”

Tianxiang said, “There’s no rush. The first thing you need to do is tell me where that cave is. The second thing is that after you’ve explained everything to Xiao Yu and fulfilled your wish, you must let go of your attachment to this world. Remember, all things are destined by the universe, so allow yourself to follow the natural order of existence and dissolution.”

Xiaoru gave Xiao Yu one last longing look, then with a bittersweet yet determined nod, she agreed, putting away her love-stricken gaze.