Chapter 160: Solitude

A low, rumbling growl echoed from all directions. Far beyond the Azure Ethereal Vapors, on a vast plain two hundred miles away, more and more bizarre and ferocious beasts of the Southern Wastelands began to gather. The beasts roared and howled at the sky, their voices mingling with the growls of six or seven particularly gigantic and fearsome monsters, towering over the others. These behemoths turned their heads and snarled, their presence causing the other beasts to cower in fear.

The air was thick with mist, and the sky was darkening with ominous clouds. Soon, faint glimmers of light appeared at the edges of the horizon, and a few moments later, the deep rumble of thunder reverberated through the land.

The world, shrouded in gloom, carried the weight of countless eons.

A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating a robust figure. A colossal bird-demon, freshly returned from the city of Heyang, descended from the heavens. In the dim light of the flash, the other beast-demons could see that the giant bird held two people in its claws. The sight sent a chorus of roars and growls rippling through the ranks, the sound so chilling that it made the blood run cold.

The massive wings of the bird-demon flapped and glided through the storm, circling above the throng of beasts. Suddenly, the bird released its grip, and the two figures plummeted like stones. Though they tumbled through the air, there was no frantic struggle, only a stiffness suggesting that these poor souls had met their end under the bird’s powerful talons.

The roars and gnashing of teeth from the ground beasts rose in intensity, and within moments, at least a dozen beasts leaped to catch the falling figures. The rain blurred the vision, and only faint traces of blood were seen before they vanished into the darkness.

The great bird shrieked twice, then circled for a short while longer. It seemed to have spotted something, as it folded its wings and descended towards the dense crowd of beasts. As it neared the ground, it spread its wings again with a mighty rush, creating a strong gust that knocked several nearby beasts to the ground, yelping in dismay.

The bird soared over the heads of the beasts, and as it did, the lesser demons cowered and backed away, showing their respect. When it encountered the other powerful giants, they stared each other down, neither backing down. The bird glided and swooped, sometimes passing over the heads of the demons, sometimes leaping over the treetops, and even once flying beneath a monstrously huge, elephant-like demon.

Amidst the storm, the bird’s silhouette fluttered like a water lily on the surface of the tempest. Finally, it let out another sharp cry and landed.

Deep within the heart of the beast-demons, amidst a sea of dark, strange creatures, a sudden flash of lightning illuminated an oilcloth umbrella. The blue canopy, painted with blooming peach blossoms, swayed gently in the storm.

The great bird landed near the umbrella, revealing that the handle was attached to a wooden stick, extending its length, and it was anchored between two rocks. Under the shelter sat a young man in opulent silk robes, holding a wine flask and cup, drinking alone. Beside him, a somewhat drowsy Taotie, a fearsome beast, lay on the rocks. When the bird landed, Taotie opened its eyes slightly, gave a glance, and then closed them again.

The surrounding beasts growled uneasily as the bird alighted. It let out a couple of croaks, and with a single sweep of its massive wings, flung a dozen or so lesser demons aside. Shouts and roars filled the air, but none dared to challenge the bird. The bird surveyed its surroundings with a haughty air, clearly dismissing the other beasts. Then, turning to the young man, it seemed to adopt a more reverent posture.

“Kraa, kraa, kraak….” The bird called out to the young man under the umbrella, who seemed to understand the avian language and nodded slowly. The bird called a few more times, then remained still, pecking at its feathers. The rain, already drenching, soaked it through, and after a few futile attempts to clean itself, it lifted its head to look at the night sky, then tucked its head under its wing to shield itself from the storm.

The rain grew heavier, and the young man continued to drink, never pausing, save for brief moments of distant, vacant stares, followed by silent sips. No matter how much he drank, his face never showed any sign of intoxication.

Finally, the wine flask was empty, slipping from his hand and landing in the mud. The young man rose slowly, and the surrounding beasts tensed, showing great fear. But in the young man’s eyes, the countless beasts might as well not exist; he paid them no mind. He gazed silently at the horizon, where the dark clouds loomed, and the storm raged.

Taotie let out a low growl and stood up beside him.

The young man, silent, turned and gently patted Taotie’s head. After a long moment, he said, “Do you feel lonely too, Taotie?”

Taotie rumbled, but no one understood its meaning. The young man looked up at the sky, and for a long time, he did not speak again.

*****

On the peak of Breeze Passage at the Azure Ethereal Vapors, the heavy rain continued to fall, as the leaders of the righteous sects gathered in the Jade Purity Hall for a meeting. The voices of debate and discussion rang out. The three highest-ranking masters—Daoxuan, Puhong, and Yun Yilan—sat in the main seats, deeply engaged in conversation, their brows furrowed with worry over the impending disaster of the beast-demons.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside the Jade Purity Hall. Everyone turned to see Xiao Yicai, a senior disciple of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, entering the hall. He paused briefly, nodded to the assembled members, and then approached Daoxuan, whispering in his ear.

All eyes were on the two, noting the serious expression on Xiao Yicai’s face, which suggested something grave. As the words passed, the already somber expression on Daoxuan’s face turned even graver, and the tension in the hall grew palpable.

After listening to Xiao Yicai, Daoxuan looked at him and asked a question in a low voice. Xiao Yicai nodded, confirming his words. Daoxuan sighed, then nodded. Xiao Yicai turned and stood behind Daoxuan. Puhong and Yun Yilan also looked over, and Puhong chanted, “Amitabha, Patriarch Daoxuan, do we have news about the beast-demons?”

Daoxuan nodded, stood up, and the crowd stirred. Steadying himself, he spoke with a resolute voice, “Fellow cultivators, we have just received news. A large force of beast-demons has been spotted two hundred miles away in the wilderness, and they will arrive soon. Scattered sightings of beast-demons have also been reported near the city of Heyang.”

This news caused a wave of panic, with various expressions of fear, anger, and despair appearing on everyone’s faces. The long-dreaded calamity was now at hand.

Daoxuan raised his hands, and the commotion gradually subsided. When silence returned, he declared, “We face a great crisis, and the fate of the people depends on our battle against these monstrous fiends. All of you are righteous and virtuous, and for the sake of the world, we must fight with all our strength. Though the demons may be rampant, they cannot last. Heaven has a way, and these creatures will not prevail.”

Silence fell, followed by assurances from the crowd, “Patriarch, you are right.”

“Rest assured, Patriarch, with so many skilled warriors here, we can overcome the beast-demons!”

“Indeed, indeed…”

Encouraged, the mood in the hall lightened. After all, with the three great sects and their formidable warriors, and the legendary Indestructible Sword Array, there was little to fear.

Daoxuan smiled reassuringly, then, with Puhong, Yun Yilan, and Xiao Yicai, retreated to the inner chambers of the hall. Once out of sight, his expression turned grave, and Puhong and Yun Yilan’s faces also showed concern. They entered a secluded room, and Xiao Yicai, closing the door behind him, joined them.

Daoxuan turned to Xiao Yicai, “Yicai, tell us the details.”

Xiao Yicai nodded, “Yes. I patrolled the city of Heyang and received reports throughout the day. Most notably, I saw a giant bird-demon on the city walls. Its appearance matched the rumored ‘Shura Bird’ among the thirteen beast-demons.”

Daoxuan exchanged a grave look with the other two masters. Xiao Yicai continued, “Additionally, other disciples scouting the surrounding area have reported scattered sightings of beast-demons, especially in the southwest, two hundred miles away. However, some scouts beyond that distance have not returned, despite waiting for them.”

Xiao Yicai’s face darkened. Daoxuan’s expression was stern, and Yun Yilan sighed, while Puhong chanted softly.

After a moment of thought, Daoxuan nodded, “It seems certain. The beast-demons are coming. Yicai, go back and recall all the scouting disciples to within a hundred miles of the Azure Ethereal Vapors. Tell them not to venture further and to avoid engaging the beast-demons to prevent any mishaps.”

Xiao Yicai nodded, then asked, “Patriarch, what about the people in Heyang?”

Daoxuan paused, looking at Puhong and Yun Yilan. Puhong bowed his head, and Yun Yilan said, “At this point, follow the Patriarch’s lead.”

Daoxuan nodded, then instructed, “This is a difficult situation, but Heyang is too dangerous. We cannot protect the people. Go to Heyang, lead all the Azure Ethereal disciples there, and tell the citizens to evacuate north, beyond the Azure Mountains. The beast-demons’ primary target is us, not the civilians. This should provide temporary safety.”

Xiao Yicai nodded, “I will do it.”

Daoxuan added, “Also, inform the other six lineage heads to come to the Summit of Heaven. I need to see them urgently.”

Xiao Yicai nodded, “I will go immediately.”

Daoxuan sighed, “Be careful, and go.”

Xiao Yicai nodded and left.

*****

“The Illusory Moon Cavern?” Zhou Yixian was startled, his brows furrowing, and his face showed a rare seriousness. He hesitated, “Why do you ask?”

Gui Li said, “You are known for your extensive knowledge. I suddenly became interested in this cave, so I’m asking. How much do you know about the Illusory Moon Cavern?”

Zhou Yixian looked at Gui Li, whose expression remained inscrutable. They were still in Heyang, but the city’s atmosphere had changed due to the arrival of the giant bird-demon the previous night. The people, now in a state of panic, were on the brink of collapse, and the streets were filled with people babbling and screaming.

Zhou Yixian withdrew his gaze, thinking, then said, “You aren’t planning something foolish, are you?”

Xiaohuan and Ye Gouzi looked at Gui Li, and Xiao Hui, perched on Gui Li’s shoulder, grinned and made a face. Gui Li replied, “What do you think I can do?”

Zhou Yixian chuckled, “I don’t know much about the Illusory Moon Cavern. It wasn’t famous until a thousand years ago when the Ancestor Qingye meditated and the Ancient Sword of Immortal Slaughter appeared. It became renowned, but now it’s only known as the repository of the sword, and only the Azure Ethereal Patriarch can enter. So, its fame has faded.”

Gui Li asked, “Is there more?”

Zhou Yixian hesitated, “No matter what you plan, it’s best not to go.”

Gui Li’s brow furrowed, “Why?”

Zhou Yixian sighed, “You know your current status. The Illusory Moon Cavern is a sacred place. If you are discovered on the Azure Ethereal Vapors, you won’t escape. There are countless righteous cultivators there, and if they find out who you are, you’ll be trapped.”

Gui Li said coldly, “That’s my business. Just tell me what you know about the cavern.”

Zhou Yixian shook his head, “Young people today have no patience… Alright, the cavern is named ‘Illusory Moon’ because, on moonlit nights, strange rocks in front of it create a dazzling, dreamlike scene. But more importantly, the cavern has a natural enchantment that causes those who enter to fall into a dreamlike state. Only those with strong willpower can resist and escape unharmed. Otherwise, their cultivation will be destroyed.”

Gui Li was surprised, “Is that so?”

Zhou Yixian snorted, examining Gui Li, “I advise you not to entertain such thoughts. Entering the Illusory Moon Cavern would be a death sentence.”

Gui Li smirked, “Why?”

Zhou Yixian said, “I know you won’t accept it, but I’ll tell you the truth. Having a strong will isn’t just about character. You’ve had a tumultuous life with many sorrows. If you fall into the illusion, your past will overwhelm you, and you’ll be lost.”

He paused, then continued, “Also, your treasures are extremely malevolent, and your soul is fused with the Blood Orb. Such evil in the illusory realm will only harm you. I advise you to abandon this idea.”

Gui Li gazed at Zhou Yixian, seeing him in a new light. Zhou Yixian met his gaze steadily. After a long moment, Gui Li turned away without a word.

At that moment, a commotion broke out in Heyang. Many Azure Ethereal disciples appeared, warning the citizens to evacuate north, beyond the Azure Mountains, as the beast-demons were approaching.

Zhou Yixian, Xiaohuan, and Ye Gouzi were shocked. Pushing through the crowd, they listened. The disciples announced that the beast-demons were coming and that the city was no longer safe.

Zhou Yixian frowned, shaking his head. Turning to Xiaohuan and Ye Gouzi, he said, “Oh no, this is bad. Where is Gui Li?”

Xiaohuan and Ye Gouzi looked around, but Gui Li was gone, lost in the bustling crowd.

In the chaotic, noisy throng, Zhou Yixian frowned and shook his head. Xiaohuan, silent, gazed into the distance, then sighed, her voice tinged with sorrow.