Fateful Encounter with the Spirit Beast

After Tianxiang left, the summoned dark element found itself drifting aimlessly, unable to locate the one who had called it forth. Soon, they scattered one by one. A strange dark mist suddenly enveloped the entire camp, only to quickly dissipate again, leaving Old Lan and Old Fei helplessly watching as fierce flames raged in the mist, ruthlessly consuming everything in their path. In an instant, large sections of the camp were charred, and the pitiful cries of their subordinates, covered in soot and dirt, echoed endlessly, making both men feel increasingly frustrated. Suddenly, one of the subordinates stepped forward and said, “After checking, over thirty brothers have perished at the hands of our own and in the flames; more than thirty others have suffered varying degrees of injuries. Additionally, Fourth-in-command, Doctor Tianxiang, and over thirty brothers’ fates are unknown.”

Old Lan waved his hand, signaling his subordinate to step back, and asked, “What exactly happened here?”

Old Fei gritted his teeth and replied, “The incident occurred quite suddenly! This dark mist appeared without warning, thick and urgent. In the blink of an eye, we were engulfed in the mist and could see nothing. Suddenly, I heard someone shouting that enemies were launching a sneak attack, but I didn’t notice anything unusual. Just then, a flurry of weapon sounds erupted from the camp, followed by a puzzling volley of fire arrows, which scattered everywhere, targeting only the tents and other flammable materials, showing no intention of harming our brothers. It seemed the goal was merely to create chaos in the camp. I initially wanted to direct our brothers to stay calm and respond, but a magic arrow engulfed in blue flames suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my commands, and all I could do was urge our brothers to escape as I helplessly watched the fierce flames spread!”

After hearing this, Old Lan immediately asked, “Was there anyone suspicious who entered the camp during that time, or did anyone from Yingzhai go outside?”

After carefully recalling, Old Fei responded, “I didn’t notice anything suspicious. Yingzhai had been with Tianxiang inside the tent. Most of Yingzhai’s men, after coming to find him, stayed inside the tent and didn’t come out again.”

Old Lan couldn’t help but ponder about the dark mist, the fire attack, and Yingzhai’s disappearance. The coincidence of these events raised suspicions in his mind-could there be some connection? If everything had been premeditated, then the meticulousness of the strategist and the precision of the plan could only be described as terrifying. However, Old Lan couldn’t imagine that Tianxiang could simultaneously cast two completely different types of magic, light and dark. His thoughts spiraled into a dead end, and he remained unable to fathom the origins of the dark mist.

Just as Old Lan was lost in thought, a burst of joyful laughter and the thundering sound of hooves broke the silence of the forest. The remaining thieves with combat abilities immediately took up their swords, standing alert. Seeing the rising clouds of dust, the two old men exchanged glances, knowing in their hearts that the Second-in-Command had arrived.

Leading the way, the visibly pleased Second-in-Command rode in, and upon witnessing the dreadful scene, he quickly called out, “What’s going on? Is your loot about to be burned to ashes? Why aren’t you rushing to put out the fire?” His followers erupted in mocking laughter behind him.

Old Lan and Old Fei sharply noticed that, besides the Second-in-Command, there was another group dressed in green from the Taoist Deity Gang, mingling among the Second-in-Command’s men. Among them was an elder whose stature and demeanor were unremarkable, but whose crafty and sinister gaze was unforgettable. A shared recognition crossed the minds of Old Lan and Old Fei: the Second Leader of the Taoist Deity Gang, Ming Yu. It seemed the Second-in-Command truly intended to take them down.

Approaching Old Lan and Old Fei, the Second-in-Command noticed their grim expressions and smugly said, “Alright, let’s cut the nonsense. I don’t want to play with a drowning dog. Just hand over the treasure map, and maybe I’ll spare you a miserable life.”

Old Lan suddenly chuckled. “Can you really make that decision? You don’t even realize you’re bringing the wolf into the house, am I right? Ming Yu!” Although he was responding to the Second-in-Command, Old Lan’s gaze remained fixed on the elder.

Seeing that Old Lan treated him with such disregard, the Second-in-Command flew into a rage. “Don’t talk nonsense; Ming Yu is here to assist me at Ming Ge’s request!”

“Really?” The question came simultaneously from two people, Old Lan and surprisingly, Ming Yu. As soon as Ming Yu spoke, chaos erupted. All the men in green immediately attacked the nearby thieves, while Ming Yu shouted, “Wind Blade!”

Suddenly, a fierce wind arose, and a large amount of the wind element condensed into five thin, transparent blades, heading straight for the Second-in-Command’s back. The whistling sound of the wind was like a soul-snatching siren, utterly terrifying. The blades mercilessly cut through any thieves in their path, slashing bodies in two with a spray of blood that stained the once invisible wind blades. Now, they looked like five brilliant, demonic meteors with crimson tails, aiming directly at the Second-in-Command’s back.

From the first scream, the Second-in-Command knew he had been betrayed by Ming Ge. Before he could draw his weapon, the blood-red blades of wind had reached him. Without a second thought, he and his horse leaped into the air, but it was too late. Four of the blades pierced the horse, killing it instantly, while the fifth blade gashed a deep, bone-exposing wound on the Second-in-Command’s thigh. However, this unexpected move bought him a moment to draw his weapon, the Thunder Hammer, to brace for the next wave of attacks.

Seeing how the situation unfolded, Old Lan schemed. After a quick voice transmission to Old Fei, he chuckled darkly before Ming Yu could attack again, “Second-in-Command, I told you about inviting wolves into the house, but you wouldn’t listen. Look at the state you’re in now.” Then, turning respectfully to Ming Yu, he said, “Ming Yu, I have a rather presumptuous request. I hope we can handle them ourselves, and in exchange, I will offer you the complete treasure map for our lives.”

After delivering Old Lan’s message, Old Fei immediately chimed in, “Brothers, let’s go! It’s time to take down a drowning dog!” With a fierce glint in his eyes, Old Lan strode toward the Second-in-Command, while Ming Yu watched with a smile, amused by this chaotic spectacle of dog-eat-dog.

With someone stepping into the fray, the members of the Taoist Deity Gang were more than willing to let others handle the situation. Although the ambush was successful, the age-old wisdom of inflicting damage on oneself while trying to take down the enemy held true. Therefore, they preferred to avoid fighting if possible.

The Second-in-Command, furious and desperate, pointed at the fierce Old Lan and shouted, “You! You!!”

Suddenly, chaos erupted as Old Fei and his group charged into the crowd of Taoist Deity Gang members like thunder on a clear day. The Second-in-Command’s followers were momentarily stunned, standing frozen in place, unsure of what to do.

Old Lan, filled with rage and determination, lunged at Ming Yu, unleashing the Fire Killing Palm-its red glow radiating intense heat and hot winds that made Ming Yu wary. Fortunately, he always maintained a degree of caution towards others. This mindset had allowed him to survive for years in this treacherous world, filled with deceit and hidden threats. As Old Lan charged, Ming Yu immediately cast the gale technique, quickly increasing the distance between himself and Old Lan to evade the fiery attack. With a deafening explosion, hot sand and debris flew everywhere, while Old Lan stood tall, unphased.

Ming Yu’s momentary panic was quickly replaced by his usual composure as he asked, “Old Lan, what do you mean by this?”

Old Lan laughed heartily. “Surely you understand the saying, ‘When the lips perish, the teeth feel cold!’ Sometimes, enemies can become friends when survival is at stake.” As soon as Old Lan finished speaking, the Second-in-Command’s followers seemed to have an epiphany, and they charged into the crowd of Taoist Deity Gang members, eager to retaliate against the recent ambush.

Instead of getting angry, Ming Yu smiled and said, “Well! You really are something; even I was fooled. But do you think this will save your life?”

Old Lan, filled with ambition, replied, “In the end, everyone must meet their death. But with you accompanying me in the grave, I won’t be lonely underground.”

In contrast to Ming Yu and Old Lan-two cunning old foxes-who each had their own plans and were cautious of one another, neither was willing to make the first move. They were both waiting for the imminent arrival of backup. However, on the other side, the battle had taken a noticeable turn. Old Fei, like a tiger among sheep, unleashed his Heart-Shattering Palm, which glowed with a faint blue hue. Anyone struck by it would surely suffer broken bones and a shattered heart, their faces turning purple as they met their demise. His palms were like the most fearsome weapons in the world, causing the Taoist Deity Gang members to flee, while the thieves took the opportunity to strike them down mercilessly.

Seeing the situation turning against his side, Ming Yu appeared calm on the surface but was inwardly distressed. Just as he was about to speak, sharp whistles echoed urgently through the woods, each one louder than the last, piercing and jarring. Upon hearing them, Ming Yu exclaimed, “It’s the Black Gang’s lookout!”

…

After entering the mountain cave, Dixiang and Yue Lianxuan found themselves in an ordinary yet extraordinarily sacred space. Upon closer inspection, it was hard to believe-the cave was coated with a thick layer of light element, resembling pure white marble, imparting a natural softness and a sense of peace. Compared to the rugged exterior of the cave, this inner sanctum exuded a true understanding of light and the wonders of life.

While both the human and the beast were immersed in this serene atmosphere, a sudden flutter of feelings stirred deep within Yue Lianxuan. It felt as if a long-lost bond-a connection thicker than blood-was beckoning her, urging her to hurry forth. In that moment, she recalled the purpose of their visit. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind and once again sensed that urgent yet warm connection, thinking to herself, “Sorry to have kept you waiting, my friend!”

Suddenly, a white jade platform materialized before Yue Lianxuan, and at its center lay a snow-white necklace that continuously radiated light elements. Although Yue Lianxuan had her eyes closed, the sensations in her heart allowed her to perceive everything around her as if she were witnessing it firsthand.

The necklace began to rise slowly into the air, and at the same moment, Yue Lianxuan found herself kneeling on the ground. As she clasped her hands together, her knees touching the floor, the necklace began to emit a soft whirring sound, its silver radiance bursting forth, filling the cave with a pure, sacred aura. In an instant, the silver light converged, and the necklace vanished, leaving only the echoing hum and the lingering holy fragrance drifting through the cave.

At that moment, Yue Lianxuan began to act. Her previously clasped hands gradually lifted, palms facing upward. In the very spot where the necklace had disappeared, a sacred and pure light column suddenly appeared, enveloping her completely. The light column began to glow, and Yue Lianxuan’s form gradually faded into the radiance. The silver beams emitted from the column refracted throughout the cave, making the entire space appear more vibrant and brilliant.

As the silver light raced chaotically around the cave, some of it shot into Dixiang, who was lost in a reverie of wonderful sensations. The incoming silver rays triggered a resonance with the light element within Dixiang himself. It was as if the light elements within him erupted like a volcano, and suddenly, he, too, was infused with a brilliant silver glow. His expression shifted from blissful to solemn, and gradually, he also vanished into another light column.

Neither Yue Lianxuan nor Dixiang felt the passage of time within the light column. They had no idea how long it had been until the column suddenly vanished, returning their senses to the reality around them. They both felt invigorated and brimming with magic, as the light elements within them had not only increased in quantity but also significantly enhanced in quality.

Yue Lianxuan gazed at her once empty hands, now holding a staff with an orange shaft and a crescent-shaped, snow-white head. Clad in a pristine, holy priestess robe, she appeared enchanting and graceful, resembling a pure and beautiful lily that one could only admire from a distance, too reverent to touch. As she gently caressed the orange shaft of the staff, she felt the lively light elements dancing atop the head, joyfully whispering in her ears like a playful child. A deep sense of connection washed over her, as if this staff and robe had been created especially for her; it was as if she had come into this world for them. From now on, her fate would be intertwined with these items, sharing in both fortune and adversity.

While Yue Lianxuan was absorbed in the staff and priestess robe, Dixiang also discovered a significant enhancement in his abilities. He became more attuned to the light elements, which dramatically shortened the time required for him to cast magic. Additionally, he found that the quantity of light elements he could harness within himself had greatly increased. Remarkably, this unforeseen twist of fate had allowed his magic to cross a threshold, elevating his healing technique to the intermediate level. Besides the increased power of Holy Light Ball and Holy Light Flame, he now possessed the light tiger claw and the holy light shield-both offensive and defensive Magic and Martial Arts Techniques.

The light tiger claw could be considered Dixiang’s unique technique. This was due to the training he had received from Tianxiang, which had given him a solid foundation in martial arts. Coupled with this newfound opportunity, he had gained greater access to light elements and an understanding of the deeper meanings of light, allowing him to create the light tiger claw himself. (As for the power of the light tiger claw, further details will be revealed in later sections.)

Yue Lianxuan held the recently named staff, the Staff of Bright Life, in her hands. Memories of the light angel Jie Yali’s earlier words echoed in her mind. She understood that, like Feng Xuewu, she bore an unknown mission: to stop the demon race from wreaking havoc in the human realm. As a devout follower of the Goddess of Life, she felt a deep obligation to devote herself without reservation, but she questioned whether she truly had the strength to do so.

Suddenly, Tianxiang’s face surfaced in her mind, prompting her to wonder, What would Brother Xiang think of this? Could I really bear to leave him? These unsettling thoughts lingered until the sound of Xuan’er calling her name broke through, snapping her back to reality. She exchanged smiles with Dixiang, who had also awakened from the same calling. With a gentle wave of the Staff of Bright Life, they left the magical cave that had seemed so unreal.

Upon exiting the cave, they saw that Feng Xuewu and the others had already arrived, their faces expressing both joy and concern. As soon as they spotted Yue Lianxuan and Dixiang, the heavy weight on their hearts was finally lifted. Noticing Yue Lianxuan’s attire and the staff in her hand made it clear to everyone that she had experienced something extraordinary.

In front of all their watchful eyes, Yue Lianxuan suddenly radiated a shimmering white light, which enveloped her body. As the light faded, her original attire and staff had vanished, replaced by a half-moon-shaped, snow-white necklace that now hung around her neck.

Amidst the gasps of surprise from the group, Feng Xuewu was the first to speak. “Xuan’er, what’s happening?”

Yue Lianxuan replied calmly, “Like you, I have also been chosen by Xina’s necklace. Mine is the Light Necklace. What you saw a moment ago was the Staff of Bright Life and the Robe of Bright Life.” Just as the others began to congratulate Yue Lianxuan, Feng Xuewu noticed a hint of hesitation and helplessness in her eyes.

Feng Xuewu wrapped her arms around Yue Lianxuan’s shoulders and said with concern, “I understand what you’re worried about. But as for the future, no one can predict how things will unfold. You must believe in yourself and also trust Brother Xiang. There’s no need to fret unnecessarily.”

Yue Lianxuan looked at Feng Xuewu’s determined gaze and couldn’t help but think that Feng Xuewu must have contemplated this matter as well. Since the future was beyond anyone’s control, why worry about it? No matter what happened, she believed that Brother Xiang would find a perfect solution. With this thought, the weight in her heart lifted, and a gentle, sweet smile spread across her face.

Seeing this, Liu Feng teased, “Xuan’er, your smile could charm anyone! Even I’m almost enchanted by you!” He then shifted tones and said, “No, I can’t take this anymore! Boss Xiang, please grant me immunity against beautiful women!” He struck a mock pose similar to Tianxiang’s aloof demeanor, causing the three girls to burst into laughter. Yue Lianxuan, particularly shy, turned a deeper shade of red, making her look even more charming.

As the laughter began to settle, Atta said, “Alright, the deadline for our outdoor cultivation training is nearly up, and we need to head back to Saint Kai Academy! If Xuan’er has no objections, let’s set off! But we still need to watch out for the people from the Flower Moon Alliance along the way.” With laughter still lingering in the air, the group embarked on their journey home.

In the midst of their travels, a series of whistles echoed, crashing into the battlefield like the rolling waves of the sea, drowning out everyone’s hearing. At that moment, the people on the battlefield didn’t anticipate that the stalemate would be broken by the infamous gang known for its black-on-black tactics.

Suddenly, black-clad figures, like soulless specters, appeared on the eastern, southern, and western fronts, leaving only the northern flank untouched. However, this side resembled a deadly trap. No one knew what the gang had planned in that direction, while the black-clad figures in the east, south, and west all held bows and arrows. Though they weren’t aiming directly at everyone, Old Lan, Old Fei, and Ming Yu realized that the trajectories of their arrows formed a perfect crossfire grid. Unless one could fend off wave after wave of arrows, next year on this day would surely be their doomsday.

Although Ming Yu was well-acquainted with the gang’s notorious black-on-black tactics, he couldn’t shake a strange feeling in his heart. The gang members were unnervingly calm; he sensed no signs of emotional fluctuation among them. Just then, a sharp whistle pierced the air, rising high into the sky. Simultaneously, the arrows in the hands of the black-clad figures were released, only to be instantly replaced with new ones, as if they were a well-trained army.

Amidst the barrage of arrows, Old Lan’s Fire Killing Palm and Old Fei’s Heart-Shattering Palm burst forth with a mix of red and blue lights, creating an impenetrable barrier around them. Meanwhile, Ming Yu had already grasped his trusty weapon, the Heavenly Hook, tight in his hands at the moment the black-clad figures appeared. As he moved, the dual hooks danced like flowing mercury, evading every potential threat.

Unfortunately, their subordinates didn’t share that same fortune. While some managed to evade the incoming arrows, hidden bolts from the sides and behind acted like death itself. Those who were lucky enough to survive watched in terror as their comrades bled profusely from arrow wounds, the sound of their anguished cries shattering the group’s once fierce resolve and evoking a deep fear of death.

Before another whistle could signal an attack, Old Lan quickly relayed to Ming Yu, “We can’t give them another opportunity. We should each choose a direction and break through.”

“I’ll head east!” Ming Yu replied.

“Good! I’ll take the west!” Old Lan confirmed.

Suddenly, Old Lan shouted, “Brothers, this is life or death, follow me!” His words ignited a desperate yearning for survival among the elder’s and the Second-in-Command’s men, who promptly followed behind him and Old Fei without hesitation.

Everything unfolded so swiftly that neither side had time to consider why the black-clad figures were not launching a dense flurry of arrows to eliminate them on the spot. Instead, they left an opening that allowed both parties a chance to break free.

Suddenly, two sharp whistles pierced the air, and all the arrows immediately shot toward the group. Meanwhile, the cunning Ming Yu seized this momentary distraction. After the second whistle, he called out, “Brothers from the Taoist Deity Gang, follow me!”

At that moment, a long whistle, followed by two short ones, echoed through the trees. The black-clad figures in the east quickly dispersed into the forest, avoiding a direct confrontation with the members of the Taoist Deity Gang. Upon seeing the black-clad figures vanish into the trees, Ming Yu thought to himself, “As expected, their goal is still the treasure map. Thankfully, the two elders can act as decoys.”

Continuing to push through the encirclement of the black-clad figures, Ming Yu initially considered turning back to catch them off guard and perhaps capturing one or two of them to prove they were indeed part of the gang. However, the black-clad figures reemerged from the woods after Ming Yu and his group broke free, restoring their previous encirclement. This time, though, their arrows were aimed at the members of the Taoist Deity Gang. Seeing no opportunity to turn the tide, Ming Yu reluctantly led his followers away.

As Ming Yu, Old Lan, and Old Fei each broke through their respective encirclements, the flustered Second-in-Command, lost in the chaos around him, stealthily slipped northward. The black-clad figures appeared to ignore him entirely, allowing him to limp away alone.

Meanwhile, Old Lan and Old Fei led their subordinates boldly toward the west. Suddenly, a deep voice commanded, “Fire! Kill!”

In the ensuing hail of arrows, the black-clad figures seemed to regain their focus and emotions, wielding their double blades like tigers breaking free from captivity. They surged past the two elders, charging into the already weakened group of thieves. After weathering the arrow storm, Old Lan and Old Fei intended to penetrate the ranks of the black-clad figures. However, Old Lan suddenly sensed a powerful wave of murderous intent approaching. His pace faltered slightly, and in the blink of an eye, a tall figure wielding a giant axe leapt down from the trees, using the momentum of the descent to strike directly at Old Lan with overwhelming force, as if to split the heavens. The imposing presence completely enveloped Old Lan. At the same time, when Old Fei attempted to come to Old Lan’s aid, he was met with a sharp cry, and a blinding, fiery red sword aimed straight at his vital points.

Just as the two figures attacked Old Lan and Old Fei, a black-clad person appeared silently in mid-air. With black wings fluttering behind him, he traced arcs of white light through the air as if painting graffiti in the sky. Holding a stringless shadow bow taut in his hands, his cold gaze observed everything below. His expression was devoid of joy or sorrow, a tranquil heart that exuded the calm of one who held mastery over life and death.

Suddenly, as Old Lan forced back the towering figure, the black-clad person saw an opening. He released an arrow, silent as a needle, and swift as lightning, piercing the air directly into Old Lan’s back. Just as Old Lan thought to counterattack against the towering figure, he felt a sharp pain, as if being pricked by a needle. He instinctively summoned his protective Qi to shield his entire body, but the shadow arrow found a gap in his defenses, piercing through the Qi and plunging directly into his heart.

Old Lan stood there frozen as if turned to stone, his eyes wide with disbelief and without a sound. Just like that, he quietly departed from the world, no longer needing to concern himself with the turmoil of life.

If the fiery red sword light represented a setting sun, brief yet dazzling, then Old Fei’s Heart-Shattering Palm was the encroaching darkness, completely enveloping that radiant brilliance. Cold sweat dripped from Old Fei’s brow beneath his black attire, and his heart raced in fear. He couldn’t believe that this treacherous old man was so formidable; if it weren’t for the sharpness of the precious sword, he would have long since perished. Yet a stubborn refusal to yield welled up within him.

Finally, having caught sight of the black-clad figure’s waning strength despite his tenacity, Old Fei seized the opportunity. With a swift movement, he maneuvered the precious sword to the right, causing the small black-clad figure to stumble as his balance was disrupted. Just as Old Fei’s palm was about to strike the black-clad person, a moment of realization broke within the figure: he recalled how proud and arrogant he had once been, the foolishness of being a frog at the bottom of a well. The lesson that “there are always greater forces outside of one’s own world” struck him like a lightning bolt, yet sadly, this realization came far too late.