Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast

As soon as they woke up, the first thing they asked was, “Xuan’er, are they alright?”

Liu Feng quickly recounted what had just happened, and Yingdie joyfully exclaimed, “That’s great! They have been saved!”

Feng Xuewu, however, lowered her head in thought, pondering the meaning behind Liu Feng’s account of the unusual phenomenon. Suddenly, she felt someone tapping her shoulder. Turning to look, she saw it was Atta.

Atta had awakened the deep-in-thought Feng Xuewu and said, “Stop worrying about it. We’ll understand the reality of the situation once we’ve rested and regained our strength. We’ve just gone through a battle, and with Xuan’er’s unexpected incident, everyone is exhausted.”

Liu Feng echoed, “At least for now, the situation shouldn’t pose a threat to Xuan’er and the others! The dragon’s roar was meant to reassure us! So we must gather our strength and be cautious as we go down to search for them; the dangers ahead won’t be any lighter than the battle we just fought!” They all then found a suitable place to rest and recuperate before descending into the valley to look for Yue Lianxuan and the others.

What a remarkable little snake! Perhaps having spent so much time with Tianxiang, Xiaojin had picked up his habit of careful consideration. Fortunately, Xiaojin’s single dragon roar had prevented the people on the mountaintop from acting blindly out of worry, which could have led to unnecessary accidents. The star of this entire event, however, was currently peacefully sleeping in Dixiang’s arms, with a relieved smile on its face, completely unaware that the perfect performance just witnessed was all due to it!

Seeing her mentor’s creation-starfire scorching the plains-broken so decisively, Aimon couldn’t help but cheer for Youni and asked, “What’s your name? How could you possibly break starfire scorching the plains?”

Feeling no fighting spirit from Aimon, Youni smiled and replied, “I am Youni, the dark elf!”

Upon hearing that Youni was a dark elf, Aimon suddenly exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, you’re actually a dark elf!” Then, she muttered to herself, “Hmm! No, wait! Everyone says dark elves represent misfortune and evil, but you don’t seem that way!” Although she said this, there was no hint of disdain or hatred in her tone. As if recalling something, Aimon asked in surprise, “Have you made a contract with Tianxiang?”

While Aimon shared the common view of people, her actions were quite different. This gradually gave Youni a favorable impression of her straightforward and cheerful personality. Nodding, Youni replied, “I willingly made a contract with Tianxiang!”

Aimon exclaimed again, “No wonder Aunt Yan recognizes him as an adopted son! That’s not something just anyone can accomplish; even I would have to think about it carefully!”

Just as Youni was about to respond, Tianxiang and Ah Gang leisurely stepped out of the forest. As soon as they appeared, Ah Gang said, “I will definitely take care of what you asked me to do on time!”

Tianxiang urged, “Let’s go quickly! We can’t afford to waste any time!”

Ah Gang turned to Aimon and said, “Let’s get moving! There’s still a lot to do!” Without waiting for Aimon’s approval, he grabbed her hand and left.

Once the two had departed, Tianxiang remarked, “We should go too! The next three days are going to be quite exciting.”

With only three short days left until the time they had agreed to meet, everything seemed calm on the surface, but beneath it all, turmoil was brewing.

The dynamics of the three major factions were under close surveillance by the Eye of Yingyue, and everything seemed to be coming into view. The first to establish contact with the Second-in-Command was the Taoist Deity Gang.

Old Lan and Old Fei were secretly communicating with the Red Forest Alliance.

Meanwhile, the activities of the Gang were unclear; it was said that a group led by Wu Lin, who was skilled with dual greatswords, intended to execute a black-on-black operation to take control.

It seemed that all three factions were aware of each other’s existence, which was indeed puzzling. Who stirred this murky water? What were their intentions? Could there be some hidden conspiracy at play?

Gourd Valley lived up to its name, with the steep northern mountains and the gentle southern slopes pinching together to create a gourd-like shape. The open passages on the east and west sides allowed just enough space for four horses to walk side by side, referred to as the Twin Narrow Pass.

The moonlight was absent, replaced only by faint starlight and a gentle evening breeze. It was a tranquil and pleasant night, yet beneath the surface lurked a tempestuous scene of blood and betrayal. The chaotic sound of galloping hooves shattered the silence, and at the eastern narrow pass, the Second-in-Command led Ming Ge and a group of his companions, marching triumphantly towards the center of the valley.

Meanwhile, at the western narrow pass, Old Lan stood alone, leading his subordinates to the meeting. Coincidentally, both sides had only brought their most trusted members, leaving behind those they could not control or fully trust, including the Dawu Tribe members, at the temporary camp. Tianxiang and Xuanyuan Yingzhai had also been placed under Old Lan’s watch at the camp. Although Xuanyuan Yingzhai was eager to join the gathering, he could not counter the authority of the two elders, and Old Fei remained at the camp to monitor their movements.

As a result, Xuanyuan Yingzhai fumed in frustration, but he calmed a bit when he heard Tianxiang say, “The real battle should start after the negotiations. The battlefield is within each faction’s camp.”

Back at Gourd Valley, both sides had arrived at the center. The Second-in-Command spoke first, saying, “Old Lan, it’s been a long time! I didn’t expect you to look as strong as ever!”

With a merchant’s professional smile, Old Lan replied cheerfully, “Thanks to you, I’ve managed to get through these days without any illnesses. I heard you’ve obtained the treasure map from the Third-in-Command. Congratulations!”

The Second-in-Command boasted, “It wasn’t too hard to get!”

Just as he was about to continue, Ming Ge, aware that Old Lan was fishing for information about the treasure map’s origins, interjected, “We’re here today to discuss how to handle the treasure map with you, Old Lan,” attempting to shift the focus of the conversation.

Old Lan retorted, “Ming Ge, I’m speaking with your master. It seems you have no place to interrupt. Just who is in charge here?”

Ming Ge smiled and replied, “Who doesn’t know that the Second-in-Command is magnanimous enough to accept the brothers’ advice and is a wise leader? You might as well abandon such clumsy attempts at sowing discord! We currently hold two-thirds of the treasure map; what we need is a complete map. We kindly ask you to draw your line here!”

The Second-in-Command, feeling flattered by Ming Ge’s praise, quickly chimed in, “Ming Ge speaks for me. We want the treasure map in your possession. Whether you want a one-on-one duel or a group battle, it’s up to you!”

Old Lan smiled slyly, “Don’t think I’m unaware of the support you have from the Taoist Deity Gang. However, that doesn’t guarantee your victory. The one who holds the complete treasure map in the end will be the true winner.”

Ming Ge also smiled, “You have the Red Forest Alliance backing you, but aren’t you colluding with Hong Yesen? In that case, let’s see who can outsmart the other!”

Old Lan replied, “Starting tonight, only one of us can possess the complete treasure map.” With that, he led his subordinates away, clearly displeased.

The Second-in-Command exclaimed with delight, “Ming Ge, you really are something! With just a few words, you’ve managed to send him off! What should we do now?”

Ming Ge respectfully responded, “It was your commanding presence that made Old Lan hesitate.” After a brief pause, he continued, “Now it’s a race to see who can act faster; we can strike when they’re least prepared!”

Excited, the Second-in-Command exclaimed, “Then let’s get moving!”

Ming Ge wore a clever smile as he said, “Second-in-Command, I’ve already made arrangements! According to our intelligence, Wilson, the top general sent by Hong Yesen, is leading over two hundred subordinates to assist them, but he won’t arrive for another day. Meanwhile, our support from the Taoist Deity Gang has already been ambushed near the two elders’ camp, ready to make a striking entrance! As you exit the western narrow pass, you can lead half of your subordinates quickly to the camp and launch a surprise attack, pinching them from the front and back, leaving them unable to respond to both sides. I’ll take the other half and lie in wait along Wilson’s path to ambush him, delaying his arrival until you can join me for a combined effort to repel the Red Forest Alliance. By then, the treasure map will securely be in your hands!”

The Second-in-Command said, “What a brilliant scheme! Let’s act quickly!” With that, he spurred his horse forward, looking triumphant as if the treasure map were already within his grasp. However, as Ming Ge watched the Second-in-Command ride away, his expression turned sinister and cruel. What exactly were Ming Ge’s true intentions?

Inside the camp tent.

Xuanyuan Yingzhai (hereafter referred to as Yingzhai) was busily gathering personnel, earnestly instructing his trusted aides on various matters. After a while, he noticed that Tianxiang was sitting leisurely in a chair, casually flipping through a medical book. Unbeknownst to Yingzhai, Tianxiang had already filtered through the intelligence sent by Yingyue over the past few days multiple times, checking to see if he had missed anything.

Yingzhai felt as if he had overturned a shelf of spice jars, his emotions a mix of admiration, frustration, and a hint of anxiety. While he was as restless as an ant in a hot pot, Tianxiang remained untroubled, seemingly unaffected by the impending situation. Eventually, Yingzhai could no longer contain himself and spoke up, “Tianxiang! Are you really this calm, or are you just trying to ease my anxiety?”

Tianxiang slowly closed the medical book and placed it into his dimensional space. He walked over to the table and looked at the map sketched out during the busy days. He said, “To say I’m not nervous would be a lie. After all, what we’re facing is not just a tiger that devours its prey without a trace, but also a snake lurking in the shadows, ready to bite at any moment. Yet, it’s precisely in times like this that we must remain calm. What you say, or even just your judgment, can determine the lives of hundreds!”

After hearing Tianxiang’s words, although Yingzhai still struggled to control his tension, hatred, and an inexplicable fear of the unknown battle ahead, he forced himself to push those thoughts aside. The word ‘calm’ kept flashing in his mind. After a moment, Yingzhai gradually regained his usual shrewd and mature demeanor and asked coolly, “What is the current situation?”

Tianxiang gave Yingzhai an approving glance as he looked at the map and said, “According to our calculations, after sending out the third treasure map, the negotiations between the two sides should have already broken down. The intelligence I’ve received indicates that the Taoist Deity Gang has already set out, while the Red Forest Alliance has been delayed for some reason and left a day late. This day is likely a key moment for both sides to determine their fates. The uncertain factors now are the Gang, the Biren Alliance, and the South Blade mercenary group.”

Yingzhai replied in confusion, “Biren Alliance? South Blade mercenary group? I haven’t heard anything about these two forces getting involved.”

Tianxiang said, “Just because I haven’t heard of them doesn’t mean they won’t join this game. Moreover, their involvement would complicate the situation even more. Since their attention is focused entirely on the treasure map, it will work to our advantage as we remain hidden in the shadows.” After a pause, he asked, “If you were Ming Ge, what would you do?”

Yingzhai murmured, “If I were Ming Ge? If I were Ming Ge…” After organizing his thoughts, he continued, “I would split our forces into two groups. One would follow Old Lan to the camp, attacking the Taoist Deity Gang from behind; the other would intercept the Red Forest Alliance.”

Tianxiang replied, “You guessed it! Do you think the cunning Old Lan would be unaware of this?”

Upon hearing Tianxiang’s implication, Yingzhai was taken aback and exclaimed, “Are you saying Old Lan is turning the tables on them?”

Tianxiang nodded and said, “We know the Red Forest Alliance left a day late, and I believe Ming Ge and Old Lan are also aware of that. So, this little trick can only fool someone like the Second-in-Command, who is more muscle than brains. I suspect Ming Ge has an understanding with some force in the city, and Old Lan intends to use the Second-in-Command to eliminate us.”

Yingzhai suddenly realized the implication and gasped, “Using someone else’s weapon to kill!”

Ignoring Yingzhai’s surprise, Tianxiang looked at the map and slowly pointed to the mountainous area to the north. “This mountain is part of the northern range of Gourd Valley. If you cross the northern mountains and travel west for several days, you will reach the Kingdom of Haifis. With the Dawu Tribe’s skills in surviving in the forests, they should have no problem navigating those areas. Once here, you can take time to think about your future, and the Dawu Tribe can reunite with their people.”

Yingzhai understood that Tianxiang was indicating the only escape route on this battlefield. He quickly asked, “What about you?”

Tianxiang smiled and said, “I have my own way out; you don’t need to worry about me!” Then he turned back to the matter at hand. “Have you given all your instructions? We can’t afford any mistakes, and time is of the essence!”

Seeing Tianxiang’s confidence, Yingzhai reassured himself that Tianxiang would be fine. He replied, “I’ve already ordered them to prepare weapons and dry food, prioritizing lightweight gear. I also made sure to stock flammable materials in my tent!”

Suddenly, Youni appeared in the tent, breathing heavily. “Ah Gang and the others are ready, and Old Lan is almost here!”

Tianxiang urged, “Yingzhai, it’s time to move! Head to the Second-in-Command’s camp. Remember, don’t linger in battle; your top priority is to rescue the Dawu Tribe members safely. Secondary to that is taking control of the Second-in-Command’s camp!”

Both Tianxiang and Youni’s expressions turned serious as they closed their eyes and recited a silent incantation. Suddenly, an extraordinary sight unfolded-dense clouds of black mist erupted from the ground where they stood, surging forth like an unstoppable spring. The mist quickly spread outward, engulfing the entire camp like a massive flood, re-creating the shadow mist barrier left by Yesace.

The shadow mist barrier was one of the gifts Yesace had bestowed upon Tianxiang before falling into slumber. This magic had little effect on highly skilled martial artists but was quite effective for creating illusions and playing tricks on others. Within the shadow mist barrier, the darkness was so thick that one couldn’t see their own hand in front of their face. Neither sunlight nor storm could disperse it; only the caster could retract it, or the dark elements could dissipate on their own to break the magic. Originally intended as a recreational spell for tormenting others and easing the mind, an unintended yet fortuitous twist of fate had turned it into a great asset for Tianxiang.

Seeing the two engulfed by the black mist, Yingzhai quickly left the tent and let out a long whistle followed by four short notes, shouting, “Enemies are attacking! Increase your defenses!” The already alert camp erupted into chaos as soldiers scrambled around. Meanwhile, the thieves trapped in the shadow mist barrier found themselves blinded, panicking as they flailed their weapons to protect themselves. The clanging sounds of their arms added to the illusion that they were under a surprise attack.

Old Fei, realizing the situation was spiraling out of control and that their previous preparations had been disrupted, drew on his Dantian to bellow, “Don’t be afraid; this is an enemy trick! Brothers, stay calm and don’t hurt your own people!”

Suddenly, indistinguishable figures emerged from the surrounding trees, firing flaming arrows that descended like rain from the sky, completely covering the camp-strangely, the arrows seemed to avoid Tianxiang’s tent. Among them, one arrow with blue flames shot through the air like a thunderbolt, aimed directly at Old Fei. Startled, he recognized it as a fire magic arrow, realizing it was the Taoist Deity Gang launching a surprise attack. He cursed them as shamelessly despicable but didn’t have time to ponder why they had chosen to strike early.

Without losing a beat, he swiftly drew his twin crescent blades from his waist. Positioning them in front of his chest, he stepped back with his right foot, gauging the trajectory of the magic arrow. He executed a swift spin, skillfully redirecting the arrow behind him before leaping into the air.

With a thunderous crash, the arrow collided, accompanied by the blue, unquenchable flames and the piercing screams of the wounded, shattering the silence that had lingered for days. Flames erupted throughout the camp. The thieves caught in the black mist were now in complete disarray, running wildly in panic, crying out as they realized the camp was on the verge of being engulfed in flames.

The shadowy figures that had suddenly appeared around the camp vanished into the trees after shooting their first volley of flaming arrows. If it weren’t for the uncontrollable flames consuming the camp as evidence, one might have mistaken them for deathly messengers from the underworld.

Suddenly, the sound of urgent galloping hoofbeats echoed, growing louder and mixed with voices. “What’s going on here?”

Old Fei angrily replied, “That rascal Ming Yu from the Taoist Deity Gang led his men to launch a fire attack, trying to cut off our escape route.”

Old Lan, quick to act, stated, “Gather everyone! We have a tough battle ahead!” He couldn’t help but wonder how the Taoist Deity Gang had timed their attack so perfectly.

After hearing Old Fei’s furious words, Tianxiang immediately stopped casting the shadow mist barrier and calmly said, “Youni, go! Inform the Second-in-Command about the situation here!”

Youni transformed into her elven form, fluttering her wings as she disappeared into the shadow mist barrier, leaving behind a lingering white glow that piqued the imagination. After tossing a small flame onto a pile of grass near the tent, Tianxiang also slipped into the mist, though no one knew where he was headed.

“Brother Xiang, where are you?” thought Feng Xuewu, sorrowfully wishing to be with him, Yingdie, and the others. “Why can’t I see Brother Xiang just one more time? I want to travel across the Xuanwu Continent with him! Aunt Yan and Mother Shu are waiting for me to repay their kindness! But why is everything around me just darkness? Why can’t I hear anything? Why can’t I cry out? What is going on? Where am I? Can someone answer my questions? Am I going to die? Dying might be better; a useless person like me only serves to burden others in this world.”

Poor Yue Lianxuan, having endured fierce battles in succession, was exhausted physically and mentally. Her Six Senses had dulled, leaving her feeling as if she were a fetus nestled in her mother’s womb, unable to perceive anything from the outside world. Her own negative thoughts surged like a storm, threatening to engulf her, much like the final flicker of clarity in a small boat adrift in turbulent waters.

Just when Yue Lianxuan felt she was close to death, memories of her childhood flashed by in a blur, like a revolving lantern, rapidly passing through the confines of her inner world. Suddenly, she recalled the time after her encounter with Tianxiang in the Peony Garden, where an unknown tune lingered in the air. It was filled with a gentle melancholy, yet conveyed a sense of strength, echoing softly in Yue Lianxuan’s inner world, like a welcome rain after a long drought, injecting unparalleled vitality into her seemingly dead heart.

As the tune wove its way through highs and lows, Yue Lianxuan’s thoughts shifted. “No, I can’t give up! I still have so many dreams yet to fulfill! I want to learn from Brother Xiang how to help people and do my part to save countless lives.” These positive thoughts circulated within her, reigniting her will to live. Suddenly, a soft, pure radiance gently pierced through the darkness of her inner world, accompanied by a voice that sounded like a heavenly melody. “Child, you have finally grown!”

The melodious tone brought an instant feeling of relief and warmth, as though she were lounging in a clear blue sky or wandering through green mountains and flowing waters. Instantly, all of Yue Lianxuan’s negative thoughts vanished. With a voice full of reverence, she replied, “Are you the goddess come to save me? Your voice is so beautiful!”

Upon hearing Yue Lianxuan’s sweet words, the voice chuckled lightly. “I am not a goddess; I am Jie Yali, a light angel in the service of the Goddess of Life, Xina Silan.”

Yue Lianxuan’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “You’re a light angel! Really? I can hardly believe it!”

Jie Yali seemed charmed by the girl’s pure heart and replied with affection, “Of course it’s true!”

Curiosity sparked in Yue Lianxuan’s mind. “How did you come into my inner world?”

Jie Yali responded, “Don’t worry about the how just yet. When you awaken, follow the guidance of the light element to find me, and you will understand.”

Yue Lianxuan beamed with joy. “Really? Will I get to see you?”

Jie Yali sighed gently. “Not in the way you hope. I can only connect with you through spirit, but I have a gift for you. Come closer!” With that, she vanished from Yue Lianxuan’s inner world.

At that moment, Yue Lianxuan suddenly opened her eyes, finding herself looking at Xiaojin and Dixiang, who were filled with concern. She smiled and said, “You saved me! Thank you.” Seeing the joy on the faces of the two creatures filled her heart with emotion and happiness. Remembering Jie Yali’s words, she wanted to muster her strength to rise and find that place, but unfortunately, her body failed her, and with a thud, she collapsed back onto the ground.

Seeing Yue Lianxuan in this state, Dixiang immediately picked her up and placed her on his back. Despite the simplicity of the gesture, Yue Lianxuan still struggled to catch her breath. Suddenly, both she and Dixiang sensed a familiar and comforting light element emanating from the cave. Realizing that Dixiang felt the same way, Yue Lianxuan exclaimed, “Dixiang! That’s the place I need to go to. Can you take me there?” With a deep roar, Dixiang wasted no time and set off toward the cave, with Xiaojin trailing behind.

The cave was a hidden gem, with a discreet entrance and a winding, uneven path. Without the guidance of the light element, an ordinary person would likely struggle to navigate the dark depths of the cave. After what felt like an eternity, the trio finally arrived in another cavern.

The cave had a rounded arch, as if crafted by a skilled artisan who had smoothed away any unnecessary edges. The surrounding white walls shone with a flawless white radiance that sparkled like divine light. The section of the wall directly in front of them was the most infused with light element, instantly capturing the attention of both Yue Lianxuan and Dixiang, drawing the pair toward it almost involuntarily.

Yue Lianxuan and Dixiang reached out simultaneously-one hand and one paw-and as they touched the wall, they noticed that the white surface reacted like ripples in water, oscillating up and down around their touch. To their amazement, their hand and paw passed through the wall without any obstruction.

Seeing this, Yue Lianxuan confidently said, “Dixiang, go inside!”

Without hesitation, Dixiang stepped forward and vanished into the wall, disappearing into the cavern. Meanwhile, Xiaojin had been enchanted by the surrounding walls. However, when he caught sight of Dixiang and Yue Lianxuan passing through the wall, he couldn’t contain his excitement and decided to give it a try. With a flash of golden light, Xiaojin surged forward and boldly charged at the wall. With a loud thud, he collided with it and suddenly saw numerous little golden sparks darting around his head, causing him to feel dizzy.

When he tried to use his small paws to push through, he found that he couldn’t enter the wall at all. Defeated, Xiaojin comforted the little red head atop his body and sulkily sat outside, waiting for Dixiang and Yue Lianxuan to return. What kind of extraordinary adventure awaited them on the other side?