Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast - Chapter 62 - Moonset 2

Outside Gourd Valley, in the dense forest.

As soon as Ander saw Tianxiang, who was only revealing his eyes, he felt suspicious and said, “Could he be the person Manager Yue wanted me to meet? Aside from his clear eyes, there’s nothing particularly special about him.”

Youni happily uncovered her face towel and cheerfully said, “This is Ander, sent by Manager Yue.” She then added, “Tianxiang, I’ve completed the task you assigned. Is there any reward?”

Youni’s enchanting smile had not faded since she laid eyes on Tianxiang. Ander, suddenly captivated by Youni’s stunning beauty, felt as if he had lost his soul for a moment, his mouth agape wider than a lion’s.

Tianxiang chuckled, “A reward! Yes! What do you want?”

Youni tilted her head and pouted her cherry-like lips, seriously pondering her reward. This added another layer of youthful charm, leaving Ander utterly mesmerized, almost unable to snap back to reality.

Suddenly, a cough brought Ander back to his senses. Completely embarrassed and blushing, he hadn’t expected that Youni could be so radiant and vibrant, possessing an indescribable aura-so approachable like a neighbor girl yet so graceful and mysterious like a celestial goddess. It was hard to believe that, at over twenty, he was infatuated with this girl who was only in her teens, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt himself slipping away into daydreams again.

With a sharp thud, Tianxiang lightly patted Ander on the shoulder, startling him like a frightened rabbit. Ander immediately lunged to the right, and with a loud crash, he collided headfirst with a large tree. For a moment, he felt dizzy, overwhelmed by visions of Youni’s smiling face, reaching out to touch her but finding he couldn’t grasp even a single one.

Youni, who had been lost in thought, couldn’t help but chuckle at Ander’s predicament. Tianxiang said, “Youni, enough! Put your face towel back on!” He turned to Ander and asked, “Are you alright?”

Hearing Tianxiang’s voice, Ander quickly regained his composure. Seeing Youni covering her face again, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss, but he still mustered up his spirits and replied, “Yeah!”

Tianxiang took a closer look at Ander, dismissing his earlier daze. The first impression he got was that Ander was sharp, capable, and upright. So he introduced himself, saying, “My name is Tianxiang!” He then got straight to the point and asked, “Who is in charge of Yingyue Business House in the City of Exile? How many people are there?”

Ander still had some doubts about Tianxiang’s identity. Just as he hesitated to reveal what he knew, Tianxiang took the jade token Youni handed him and passed it to Ander, saying, “Yue Yuanyan.”

Ander was taken aback and respectfully returned the jade token with both hands, saying, “Young Master, the person in charge is Manager Yue. We originally had over three hundred personnel in the City of Exile. A few days ago, Ah Gang and Aimon led a group to deliver some goods, so we now have about three hundred fifty people.”

Tianxiang murmured, “Ah Gang is here too! It seems like everything has already been determined by fate!” Then he added, “Just call me Master Xiang. Now, tell me about the situation in the City of Exile!”

Ander asked, “What aspects are you interested in?”

Tianxiang replied, “Let’s start with the major factions inside the City of Exile! Just say whatever comes to mind; if I have any questions, I’ll ask.”

After organizing his thoughts, Ander began, “The highest organization in the City of Exile is called the Xingtian Crime Bureau, which is managed by ten people known as the Xingtian Ten Laws. They are the mad swordsman Si Zhou, the tiger orc Bao Ge, the divine envoy priest You Xu, the Water and Fire Mage Tariq, the Xingtian Fox Zhang Mi, the Taoist deity Gang leader Qing Tianxing, the Red Forest Alliance leader Hong Yesen, the gang leader Ye Xing, the Biren Alliance leader Bing Qing, and the South Blade mercenary group’s Dao Wuhen. The first five act independently, while the latter five control the various economic lifelines of the City of Exile, each having around two thousand subordinates. This time, I’ve found out that there are three factions secretly operating within the city: the Taoist Deity Gang, the Red Forest Alliance, and the Gang.”

Tianxiang appeared intrigued by the Xingtian Crime Bureau and then said, “Tell me more about the Xingtian Crime Bureau.”

Ander said, “The Xingtian Crime Bureau was founded over a hundred years ago by Leiwen with the intention of managing that group of outlaws, preventing them from randomly killing others and further developing the City of Exile. Over the years, in addition to its original function, the Xingtian Crime Bureau has also established various policies regarding the City of Exile. To formulate and implement these decisions, there are unwritten rules: the first five positions are held by individuals, while the other five are leaders of gangs or regional powers. To become a member of the Xingtian Ten Laws, one must possess exceptional skills, such as magic, martial arts, and wisdom, and most importantly, gain the approval of over half of the other nine members. Additionally, it is required that the previous member of the Xingtian Ten Laws voluntarily step down and pass on the role to their successor.

What makes the Xingtian Crime Bureau most unique is that Leiwen established, from the very beginning, a policy of addressing issues rather than individuals, and a system of open discussions without holding back when the doors are closed. Anyone who violates this policy is immediately expelled from the Xingtian Crime Bureau, which fosters a strong sense of unity among the ten members. However, when they operate separately, the development of each gang is not restricted by this rule, as they must consider their own power and economic sources. Disputes among the gangs frequently arise, but as long as these disputes do not affect the survival and operation of the City of Exile, no one intervenes. This can be considered one of the unique characteristics of the City of Exile, which explains why three organizations are involved in the Hurricane Band of Thieves incident; it’s really not surprising at all.”

Tianxiang, who had a slight understanding of the situation, said, “Tell me about the financial resources of the five major factions and the key figures in each gang!”

Ander immediately replied, “The Taoist Deity Gang primarily generates income through brothels. The young and vigorous leader, Qing Tianxing, masters the gale sword technique and is one of the top five experts in the City of Exile. He is generous and hospitable, with connections to officials from various countries to some extent. The second leader, Ming Yu, is meticulous, shrewd, and thorough, overseeing the operations of the gang; he is a mastermind type of person. The third leader, the Deity of Great Strength Dian Zun, is naturally immensely strong and is responsible for leading all the subordinates and managing the gang’s affairs.”

The Red Forest Alliance was founded by Hong Yesen, and within just five years, it gained control over all the casinos and pawnshops in the City of Exile. After unanimous approval from the other nine members, it was admitted to the Xingtian Ten Laws, making it the last faction to join. The most significant figures in the alliance are Hong Yesen’s two wives. One is Lian Bixin, known as the Flower of the City of Exile, who possesses a delicate beauty that captivates all who see her, but her strategic mind is equally formidable and often catches others off guard. The other is Mei Linda, the only daughter of the former pawnshop owner in the city. Over half of the Red Forest Alliance’s economic income comes from this marriage, which is said to have been orchestrated by Lian Bixin. However, behind the scenes, the two women fiercely compete for Hong Yesen’s affection.

The gang leader, Ye Xing, is arguably the most mysterious figure in the city. Neither his age, gender, nor preferences are known. His entry into the Xingtian Ten Laws was also highly dramatic. The former gang leader, Ye Qu, directly announced to the Xingtian Crime Bureau that he was passing on his position and influence to his adopted son, Ye Xing. After that, Ye Qu seemed to vanish from existence, leading to rumors that he had been murdered. Yet Ye Xing has never stepped forward to clarify the situation, and the rumors have never ceased.

The primary source of income for the gang comes from selling stolen goods and black-market dealings, which means that most thieves in the city are affiliated with the gang. The management of gang affairs is handled by the well-rounded deputy gang leaders, Wen Han and Wu Lin. Originally low-key and anonymous, the two were promoted to the position of deputy gang leaders after Ye Xing took over, leading to a series of bold reforms that significantly boosted the gang’s power and visibility. They are now known as the “Twin Stars of the Gang.”

The Biren Alliance controls over eighty percent of the hotels in the City of Exile. The charming alliance leader, Bing Qing, is renowned for her social skills and eloquence. Since assuming the leadership of the Biren Alliance, no one has ever seen her confront issues directly; she typically resolves various disputes through her excellent public relations. She personally handles all affairs within the alliance, without relying on others, and can be regarded as the most powerful woman in the city. Her most capable assistant is her daughter, Bing Zhijing, who is also a mysterious figure. She usually operates behind the scenes, with only a select few having glimpsed her true capabilities. It is rumored that she possesses a beautiful face, bright eyes, pearly teeth, a small cherry-like mouth, a voice like a melodious oriole, and skin as translucent as snow-an absolute beauty.

The South Blade Mercenary Group is one of the most formidable organizations in the City of Exile, with each member skilled in battle. They are particularly known for the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders, who primarily focus on bodyguard services and cargo transport, operating across the entire Xuannan Continent. The captain, Dao Wuhen, is a master of the Demon Slayer Sword Technique and has never suffered a defeat. A popular topic of discussion is how the captain led the Blood Blade Thirteen Riders to recover a consignment of lost goods by infiltrating the Ice Loulan Alliance and eliminating over a hundred members of the Black Eagle Band of Thieves that were hiding in the alliance. This triumph not only resolved a crisis for the South Blade Mercenary Group but also opened up new business opportunities for them.

After hearing Ander’s account, Tianxiang began to understand the power dynamics in the City of Exile. Suddenly, he asked, “Does our Yingyue have an intelligence network in the City of Exile?”

Youni quickly interjected, “I know about that; it’s called the Eye of Yingyue!”

Tianxiang nodded, then fell into deep thought, his mind beginning to formulate various scenarios.

Ander feigned calmness and quietly asked Youni, “How does Tianxiang have a jade token from the Three Great Families of the Yue?”

Youni replied, “He is the adopted son of the Three Great Families.”

Ander exclaimed, “I see! No wonder he stands out so much!”

Moments after Youni’s explanation, Tianxiang, who had appeared calm and composed, suddenly emitted a chilling aura. The face towel lifted to reveal a confident, wise, and cold smile, and his gaze sharpened, resembling a proud eagle circling high above, fixating on its prey. Ander, in the midst of their conversation, sensed the icy energy emanating from Tianxiang and couldn’t help but tremble, unable to stop himself. The sight of Tianxiang’s terrifying eyes felt like two sharp blades piercing straight into his heart, provoking an instinctive urge to flee from this person.

Unfazed, Youni asked, “Tianxiang! Have you come up with a plan?”

Tianxiang replied, “Mm!” At that moment, the cold aura dissipated as he turned to Ander and said, “Please ask Ah Gang to come find me tonight.”

In that brief instant, Ander personally witnessed Tianxiang’s formidable and fierce nature. The sheer chill in Tianxiang’s presence made him feel as if he were trapped in a blizzard, shivering uncontrollably.

Ander could hardly imagine what kind of person Tianxiang truly was, or if he was simply a genius. The ability to harness energy to inflict harm was a skill usually attained by innate masters, yet it manifested in the mere teenager that was Tianxiang. How could Ander not be astonished? If Master Xiang were as combative as Ander felt, what kind of nightmarish hell would it be if he ever took a life?

Ander truly dared not think any further.

But Ander had truly misunderstood; why did he have such an impression?

This was because ever since Tianxiang’s meridians had been severely damaged, he could no longer practice martial arts and could only focus on cultivating his mental power. As a result, his mental power advanced rapidly, significantly expanding his awareness within the Six Spiritual Senses. This greatly enhanced Tianxiang’s subtle control over the elements and improved the frequency and control of his mental fluctuations, making the use of the Spirit Technique more refined and agile. The principle of ultimate connection applies universally; whether it’s martial arts or magic, at their limits, the underlying logic can indeed connect.

Having cultivated the Spirit Technique to its limits, Tianxiang found that he could manifest his emotional fluctuations into tangible physical forces, much like martial arts. In other words, Tianxiang could now use his mental power to attack enemies, inflicting actual physical harm rather than being limited to psychological effects.

Filled with admiration and surprise, Ander quickly replied, “That won’t be a problem. Manager Yue wants to know your thoughts on the upcoming situation.”

Tianxiang replied casually, “Mutual struggle, diversionary tactics.”

Ander, puzzled, asked, “Just those two phrases?”

Tianxiang affirmed, “Yes, I believe Manager Yue will understand.”

Ander said, “Alright, I got it. I’ll report to Manager Yue!”

After Ander left, Youni suddenly inquired, “Why did you emit such a domineering and intense aura?”

Tianxiang responded gently, “I just wanted Manager Yue to know my strength and to intimidate Ander a bit. This way, they won’t dare to disrespect me because of my age and will follow my directives. To lead others, you must first win their hearts! When hearts align, great achievements follow!”

After hearing this, Youni murmured repeatedly, “To lead others, you must first win their hearts; when hearts align, great achievements follow!”

On the battlefield of the mountain path.

The black-clad person’s attacks didn’t relent due to Po Wu’s uncertain fate; instead, they became even more ferocious, charging forward like hungry tigers pouncing on sheep. Liu Feng, along with the three of them and the tiger, fought with every ounce of strength, vowing to protect their position. However, their earlier battle against the skeleton warriors had drained much of their energy, leaving them feeling somewhat overwhelmed. After engaging with the enemy, Liu Feng and the others discovered that they were also facing the undead monsters, who felt no pain and suffered no injury. Each time blades and claws slashed through their bodies, the black-clad figures bled a foul-smelling black liquid. Prolonged exposure to the stench even induced a sense of dizziness.

The relentless, death-defying assaults of the black-clad persons gradually expanded the battlefield, but strangely, they did not attack the female figures lying on the ground, Feng Xuewu and Yue Lianxuan. Instead, they focused on dealing with Liu Feng and his companions, leaving them with no time to contemplate why this was happening.

Just as Liu Feng and his companions fought valiantly, a figure suddenly leaped out from the woods. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was Po Wu, who had recently been reduced to ashes by the ice soul union. He arrived beside the two women, quickly scooping them up, one under each arm, and let out a hearty laugh, saying, “Boys, enjoy my immortal warriors!”

Hearing the laughter, Liu Feng and his companions shouted in exasperation, “Po Wu! Put them down!”

With a triumphant air, Po Wu replied, “These two girls are exquisite-one is as valiant as a plum blossom in winter, while the other is pitifully delicate, like a water lily. They truly deserve my love and care!” After finishing his provocative comment, he burst into a series of sinister chuckles.

As Liu Feng and his companions found themselves unable to withstand the relentless assault of the undead, they stood in despair, awaiting their demise. At that moment, Dixiang, who had already expended considerable spiritual energy, heard that Feng Xuewu and Yue Lianxuan had been captured. He let out a thunderous tiger roar, unleashing the primal ferocity of his spirit beast. With fangs bared and claws ready, he became a ruthless weapon against the enemy. Dixiang darted left and right, tearing through opponents. In no time, covered in the black poisonous blood of his foes, he carved a path of carnage straight toward Po Wu.

Po Wu was taken aback, quickly placing Yue Lianxuan on his back. He took out his staff and frantically waved it, emitting a series of sharp whistles that echoed through the forest. After the sounds spread, he stood still, concentrating intensely as he recited an incantation. Meanwhile, Dixiang, who had been charging toward Po Wu, saw an opportunity to bite down on Po Wu’s head, but at that moment, all the undead warriors that had been attacking Liu Feng and his companions suddenly ceased their assaults. In an instant, they vanished and reappeared right in front of Po Wu, effectively stopping Dixiang’s advance.

Yingdie, taking a moment to catch her breath, exclaimed, “Portal magic!” Liu Feng and Atta didn’t have time to ponder the implications. Ignoring their injuries, they dragged their weapons behind them, making their way toward Po Wu.

Seeing Dixiang and Liu Feng approaching, Po Wu felt a surge of emotion as he desperately wanted to rescue the two women in his grasp. For a moment, the intensity of their presence made him hesitate, contemplating retreat.

As Dixiang and Liu Feng engaged in battle once again with the undead warriors, Po Wu moved swiftly, intending to escape into the trees behind him. Suddenly, a massive figure charged out from the shadows where Po Wu couldn’t see, rushing straight at him. The sound of rushing wind drew Po Wu’s attention, prompting him to instinctively dodge to the right. However, the colossal creature was even quicker; in the blink of an eye, it bit off the arm that was holding Feng Xuewu.

A horrifying scream echoed through the sky, mingled with the joyous exclamations of Liu Feng and the others: “Ye Tong!”

With a thud, Feng Xuewu fell to the ground.

Blood gushed like a fountain, covering Ye Tong’s fierce wolf face, dripping down from his fangs. After releasing the severed arm, Ye Tong began to lick Feng Xuewu’s face, the metallic scent of blood stirring her from her unconsciousness.

Suddenly, Feng Xuewu, who had been unresponsive, felt as though she had returned to the first time she met Tianxiang, cradled tightly in his embrace. She couldn’t help but murmur, “Brother Xiang, is that you? I miss you so much. Why could you bear to leave us like this?”

As she spoke those words, Feng Xuewu began to regain her senses. She suddenly felt something soft and wet licking her face. Opening her eyes, she was met by the sight of Ye Tong, whose eyes sparkled with delight as he proudly howled toward the sky. Lying on the ground, Feng Xuewu supported herself with her elbow and muttered, “So, it was just an illusion!”

At the same time, a pain-stricken Po Wu, disregarding the unconscious Yue Lianxuan behind him, swiftly bandaged his shoulder that had been severed and urgently called upon the demon beast Blood Cloud Leopard through their mental link.

With renewed vigor, Ye Tong joined the fray just in time, using his unexpected ice blades to disrupt the formation of the black-clad persons and rescue Feng Xuewu. This bold maneuver invigorated Liu Feng and the others, who were no longer merely enduring the relentless attacks.

Despite the searing pain that caused him to break out in a cold sweat, Po Wu gritted his teeth from the outside of the battle circle, anxiously watching the unfolding situation. His gaze frequently darted toward the depths of the woods.

On the other side, Feng Xuewu, pale and still disoriented, appeared like a drifting weed, helpless against the winds. She had lost her usual fierce composure, staring weakly at her companions as they fought desperately for their lives.

Finally, Po Wu, who had been waiting for a long time, saw the Blood Cloud Leopard charge at him like a gust of wind. The leopard had several long, thin scratch marks on its body. Following right behind it, amidst the golden radiance, were several black skin patches thrown carelessly into the fray, stirring a significant change in the battle scene as soon as they landed.

The self-invented Golden Blade Charm Claws, like piercing rays of sunlight, cut through layers of gloom. Each claw, shimmering like a flash of golden blades, pierced into every black-clad person’s body. The black-clad people, who had initially been unconcerned, suddenly slowed their movements as dark, thick blood began flowing from the seven orifices on their faces. Po Wu, taken aback, exclaimed, “Unbelievable! The snake has actually transformed into a golden pixiu snake! We are losing; this is no place to linger.”

He quickly placed Yue Lianxuan on the back of the Blood Cloud Leopard and mounted it himself, urging the leopard to sprint towards the mountain peak.

Feng Xuewu, who had been monitoring Po Wu’s every move, spotted his intention to retreat. As Yue Lianxuan was placed on the Blood Cloud Leopard, she immediately shouted, “Po Wu is trying to escape!”

Liu Feng and the others couldn’t wait to see the black-clad people rotting away, their bodies riddled with holes and black blood spurting out in a gruesome death. They immediately gave chase. The Blood Cloud Leopard, emitting a faint blood mist as it dashed, resembled a hazy flame shooting forward, followed closely by Xiaojin, looking like a bolt of golden lightning. Next came Dixiang, carrying Feng Xuewu on Ye Tong, and the well-known tracker Yingdie, while Liu Feng and Atta, thanks to the devilish special training in the forest by Tianxiang, were not far behind.

At the cloud-entwined mountain peak, a barren patch of land with no grass, the mountain mist mingled among the valleys, rising slowly, making it impossible to discern the true face of the valley.

Suddenly, a fiery red burst emitted a leopard’s roar, the echoes of which broke the tranquil elegance of the mountain peak but could not penetrate the dense, mystifying fog. As Feng Xuewu and the others arrived, they quickly completed the encirclement. Feng Xuewu, with no hint of emotion, coldly stated, “Let Xuan’er go! I’ll spare your life.” Her intimidating aura, cold and pale face, coupled with the blood-soaked Ye Tong, made her appear like a grim reaper straight from hell.

Po Wu cackled, “Do I need you to spare my life?” With that, he grabbed Yue Lianxuan and threatened to throw her into the valley.

As Liu Feng and the others cried out in shock, “No!”, Feng Xuewu’s calm and indifferent demeanor stood out even more. She asked coolly, “What do you intend to do?”

Po Wu replied, “I don’t intend to do anything! Since the mission has failed, I might as well make you grieve forever!”

With those words, he tossed Yue Lianxuan into the valley.

At the same time, the Blood Cloud Leopard released five small fireballs targeting Feng Xuewu and the others, including Dixiang, then dashed towards another direction atop the mountain peak with all its might.

As the fireballs appeared, Xiaojin, in perfect harmony with Dixiang, struck the fireballs like lightning. Meanwhile, Dixiang hurried toward the falling Yue Lianxuan. Reaching the edge of the mountain peak, he leaped without hesitation, dangerously biting onto the collar of her continuously falling garment, trying desperately to swing her back onto the mountain peak.

Suddenly, with a ripping sound, Yue Lianxuan’s garment could not bear her weight and tore apart. Dixiang, shocked and losing his grip, could no longer swing Yue Lianxuan back up and quickly shielded her with his body. Together, like falling stars, they plunged into the foggy and bottomless valley, their fate unknown. Xiaojin, having deflected the fireballs, immediately turned and without a second word, leaped into the unknown depths of the valley as well.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Four ice blades precisely destroyed the remaining four fireballs. Ignoring Po Wu’s departure, everyone rushed to the edge of the peak. Their eyes, already misty from seeing Yue Lianxuan being thrown down, witnessed the scene of Dixiang catching her collar. The subsequent developments left them in suspense.

Moments later, four heart-rending shouts echoed across the sky, “Xuan’er! Dixiang! Xiaojin!” The cries of “Xuan’er! Dixiang! Xiaojin!” kept reverberating through the valley. But no matter how desperately they called out, their tears, like pearls cut from a string, disappeared into the thick layers of mist along with the two animals.

Unable to withstand the shock, Feng Xuewu and Yingdie, overwhelmed by the stress, fainted on the spot. Had the tragically fated Yue Lianxuan perished just like that? And what of the loyal Dixiang and Xiaojin? All were obscured by the dense, lingering fog, shrouding the mystery.