The rain had momentarily ceased, yet the dark clouds in the sky remained low and heavy, layer upon layer, creating a suffocating atmosphere. The northern gate of Heiyang City stood wide open, and countless citizens poured out, heading northward, their cries of sorrow and despair ringing through the air. No one knew where their journey would lead them.
Xiao Yicai, leading the Azure Ethereal Vapors disciples, maintained order as they soothed the anxious and panicked populace. Repeatedly, he reassured those around him that this was only a temporary evacuation, and once the monstrous beasts were defeated, the calamity would pass, and they could return to their homes.
By the end of the day, Xiao Yicai was truly parched and utterly exhausted. As he watched the long, slow-moving line of people, he shook his head silently. Just as he thought of taking a brief rest, he spotted Lin Jingyu from Dragon Head Peak standing nearby, also looking weary. Familiar with each other, Xiao Yicai walked over and gently patted Lin Jingyu on the shoulder.
Lin Jingyu turned and managed a weak smile, but his voice was hoarse: “Senior Brother, you’re here too…”
Xiao Yicai acknowledged with a nod. They exchanged a knowing look, then both glanced at the surrounding people, shaking their heads and sighing in unison.
In the direction of the ancient road to the north, the sky appeared just as gloomy, with no sign of light or hope.
Monk Monday Immortal, Xiao Huan, and the Wild Dog Daoist were also among the throng. The Wild Dog Daoist, conscious of the many Azure Ethereal Vapors disciples and his own odd appearance, covered most of his face with a cloth hat and followed behind Monk Monday Immortal and Xiao Huan. As Monk Monday Immortal walked, he looked left and right, his brow furrowed, occasionally sighing.
Xiao Huan asked softly, “Grandpa, what’s wrong?”
Shaking his head, Monk Monday Immortal replied, “This battle concerns the fate of all the people, but I fear the righteous path of Azure Ethereal Vapors may not have much chance.”
Xiao Huan remained silent, understanding why he spoke thus. Since the monstrous beasts had emerged, they had swept through the central lands, invincible and brutal, causing more devastation than any natural disaster or human conflict. Today, the last major resistance was centered on Azure Ethereal Conclave, and the hope of most people rested on the legendary Invincible Sword Array of the Azure Ethereal Conclave.
Xiao Huan forced a smile, saying, “There’s still the Invincible Sword Array, so there’s hope.”
Monk Monday Immortal shrugged, “Well… let’s leave it to fate. Anyway, for small folk like us, we can only resign ourselves to our fate.” He paused, then cast a glance at the towering Azure Ethereal Vapors, shrouded in dark clouds and appearing somewhat sinister. “But I do hope these righteous people don’t find their rear gardens on fire…”
Startled, Xiao Huan asked, “What do you mean by ‘rear gardens on fire’?”
Monk Monday Immortal chuckled and shook his head, walking forward. Xiao Huan glared at him but didn’t press further, given the current circumstances. Only the Wild Dog Daoist, trailing behind, seemed to jolt, his eyes under the shadow of his hat flickering.
The long line of people moved steadily, and Lin Jingyu and the other disciples continued to work tirelessly. By the time most of the crowd had passed, Lin Jingyu finally breathed a sigh of relief, feeling more exhausted than facing several vicious beast demons. Just as he was about to rest, a small child approached, staring at him.
Lin Jingyu found this strange and looked at the child, who wore tattered clothes, clearly not from a wealthy family. Yet, his face was delicate, and his eyes were bright, making him quite adorable.
With a smile, Lin Jingyu said softly, “Little brother, what is it?”
The child hesitated, then handed him a note, timidly saying, “A man told me to give this to you.”
Surprised, Lin Jingyu took the note and read it. It simply read: “Rear garden on fire!”
Frowning, Lin Jingyu asked, “What does this mean? And where is the man who gave you this note?”
The child pointed ahead, then looked confused, “He’s gone. He was wearing a hat and told me to give this to you.”
Lin Jingyu held the note, his brows knit, then looked around, but the sea of people made it impossible to find the mysterious man in a hat.
******
Azure Ethereal Vapors, Lesser Bamboo Peak.
“Clang!”
The sound was like a dragon’s roar, and a room filled with brilliant light. Lutie Qi, her expression emotionless, held the Divine Sword of Tianya in her hand. The blade, as clear as autumn water, reflected her unparalleled beauty, like a snowflake defying frost.
She gazed intently at the sharp edge, and Tianya seemed to sense something, trembling slightly with excitement.
“What are you thinking?” Wen Min’s voice came from beside her. Lutie Qi, still fixated on the sword, replied after a long pause, “I wonder whose blood will flow on this blade in the coming days.”
Wen Min walked over, patting Lutie Qi on the shoulder. “It’s alright, my dear junior sister. The calamity is upon us, and Master no longer holds your past actions against her. As long as we do our best in this battle, there is always a way.”
Lutie Qi nodded, but an inexplicable darkness lingered in her heart. “Yes.”
Wen Min smiled, “Good. Master is waiting for us at Celestial Peak. Let’s go.”
Lutie Qi nodded again, put away Tianya, and followed Wen Min out.
They walked along the winding corridor to the front of Lesser Bamboo Peak, where Master Shuiyue stood, accompanied by several female disciples. Wen Min and Lutie Qi approached, and Wen Min greeted, “Master, Junior Sister Lutie Qi and I have arrived.”
Master Shuiyue, hands behind her back, slowly turned, glancing at Wen Min before fixing her gaze on Lutie Qi. Lutie Qi, bowing her head, whispered, “Master, I am here. I am unworthy, and I have caused you much distress.”
Master Shuiyue replied indifferently, “I don’t have the time to be upset.”
Lutie Qi’s face paled, and the others dared not speak. Wen Min, slightly imploring, called, “Master…”
Master Shuiyue huffed, then sighed, “Forget it, for now. If we survive this battle, we can discuss it later.”
The disciples remained silent. Master Shuiyue waved her sleeve, turning and walking away, “Let’s go. The True Leader is waiting for us at Celestial Peak.”
As she spoke, a white light enveloped her, and she soared into the sky. Wen Min looked at Lutie Qi, who forced a smile. “It’s fine, don’t think too much about it,” Wen Min whispered.
Turning to the others, she said, “Let’s go.”
The Lesser Bamboo Peak blazed with light, and streams of beautiful, glowing light rose, adding color to the dark, heavy clouds, only to be quickly swallowed by the endless gloom.
******
Azure Ethereal Vapors, Greater Bamboo Peak.
Song Daren led his five junior brothers, waiting outside the Tranquil Hall for the appearance of Master Tienyi and Su Ru. However, it seemed that after a long while, the couple had not emerged.
Junior Brother Du Bishu, growing impatient, whispered to Song Daren, “Eldest Brother, why haven’t Master and Mistress come out? What are they doing inside?”
Song Daren glared at Du Bishu, “How should I know? If you’re so curious, why don’t you go in and see for yourself!”
Du Bishu, stung, retreated, grumbling, “Fine, fine. Just because you can’t get a wife doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me.”
Hearing this, Song Daren grew furious, slapping Du Bishu on the back of the head, “What did you say?”
Du Bishu, startled, looked pleadingly at his other brothers, but they all avoided eye contact, acting as if they were lost in thought or gazing at distant mountains, as detached as celestial beings.
Glaring at his disloyal brothers, Du Bishu finally forced a laugh, “Elder Brother, don’t worry. After this calamity, I’ll help you find the best matchmaker in the world.”
Before he could finish, Song Daren, face purple with rage, kicked him, sending him flying. The others stifled laughter, shaking their heads, while Du Bishu, dejected, sat on the ground.
Laughter from outside faintly reached the Tranquil Hall, where Master Tienyi and Su Ru heard it. Su Ru’s somber face broke into a rare smile, followed by a sigh, “Tienyi, the disciples are waiting.”
Master Tienyi, dressed in his long robe, stood solemnly before the Three Pure Ones, silently nodding. He then stepped forward, lit three incense sticks, and reverently bowed three times.
Placing the incense in the censer, Master Tienyi stood silently, and Su Ru also bowed. As they prepared to turn, Tienyi suddenly remembered something and stopped. Surprised, Su Ru asked, “What is it, Tienyi?”
Frowning, Tienyi walked briskly around the statues, Su Ru following, though she seemed hesitant. Behind the statues, a smaller altar was set up, partially hidden by yellow curtains. Tienyi stood before it, then reached into the curtains, withdrawing a wooden memorial tablet inscribed with:
“Senior Brother Wan Jianyi’s Spirit Tablet!”
Su Ru watched as Tienyi wiped the dust from the tablet, which was not thick, indicating frequent cleaning. Once clean, he placed the tablet on the altar, lit three more incense sticks, and bowed three times.
Voice flat, Su Ru said, “Tienyi, what are you doing? Do you really expect Senior Brother Wan to protect Azure Ethereal Vapors in this hour?”
Tienyi, cold, replied, “Wan Senior Brother was of Azure Ethereal Vapors, and though proud, he valued his sect. If he knew of today’s events, he would surely protect us.”
Su Ru fell silent, eventually shaking her head and sighing.
After a long moment, Tienyi said, “Let’s go.”
When they emerged from the Tranquil Hall, their disciples were already waiting. Tienyi’s gaze swept over them, lingering on the disciples’ quarters, a hint of resignation in his eyes.
Perhaps due to the impending calamity, Tienyi was in a poor mood, speaking little. He finally nodded, “Let’s go to Celestial Peak.”
Leading the way, Tienyi and Su Ru were followed by the disciples, their presence adding several streaks of brilliant light to the dark sky.
******
Xiao Yicai and Lin Jingyu, utterly exhausted, finally managed to guide the last of the citizens onto the northern road just as the sun began to set. Occasionally, a few more people would join from outside the city, heading north.
In just a day and night, the disciples looked worn and tired, their voices hoarse. Standing on the city wall, Xiao Yicai watched the retreating line of people, sighing with relief. “At least we’ve sent them off.”
Lin Jingyu, breathing a sigh, relaxed his tense expression, but his brow remained furrowed. Noticing this, Xiao Yicai asked, “Is something still troubling you, Junior Brother?”
Startled, Lin Jingyu shook his head, “No, Senior Brother. I’m just worried about the coming battle.”
Nodding, Xiao Yicai patted his shoulder, “I understand. We must do our best, and remember, the righteous path will prevail.”
Lin Jingyu smiled, “You’re right, Senior Brother.”
Xiao Yicai smiled, “I’ll go check around.” He left, planning to ensure no one was left behind. A few steps later, he heard Lin Jingyu muttering, “Rear… fire… rear…”
Xiao Yicai turned, seeing Lin Jingyu frowning, seemingly puzzled. “Junior Brother, what about the rear mountain?”
Startled, Lin Jingyu replied, “What rear mountain?”
Xiao Yicai, surprised, said, “I heard you muttering about the rear mountain. I thought something was wrong since you often visit the ancestral hall there.”
Embarrassed, Lin Jingyu replied, “It’s nothing, Senior Brother. I was just mumbling to myself.”
Smiling, Xiao Yicai said, “Alright, rest well, Junior Brother.”
Just then, a cry from a fellow disciple alerted them. Both jumped, flying towards the southern gate. There, several disciples were on alert, their weapons ready, facing a fierce lion-wolf beast. The beast, sensing their strength, did not attack.
Xiao Yicai and Lin Jingyu landed, joined by other disciples. As they observed, the beast roared, its ferocity evident. The disciples gasped, and Xiao Yicai, recognizing the danger, shouted, “Back to Azure Ethereal Vapors, now!”
The disciples, summoning their swords, took to the sky. The beast roared, but they were already leaving. Looking back, Lin Jingyu saw the endless horde of beast demons approaching, the land covered in a sea of evil.
The calamity had truly begun.
******
Upon hearing the urgent report, the assembly of righteous leaders in the Jade Purity Hall on Celestial Peak fell silent.
The leader, Daoxuan Zhenren, rose, his face grave, “Fellow cultivators, the fate of all lives is at stake. The beast demons have taken Heiyang, and soon they will attack Azure Ethereal Vapors. I urge you all to rest and prepare for the battle to come.”
The leaders, exchanging glances, slowly stood and departed, murmuring. Daoxuan Zhenren, turning to Masters Pu Hong and Yun Yiluo, said, “Please rest. I must consult with the other elders.”
They stood, nodding, “Of course, Daoxuan Zhenren.”
Daoxuan Zhenren, beckoning Xiao Yicai, entered the back hall, where the other elders awaited. Lin Jingyu watched them leave, then walked out, leaning on the railing, gazing at the dark, cloud-covered sky.
His mind wandered, recalling the mysterious note and the words “Rear garden on fire…” What did it mean? His thoughts returned to Xiao Yicai’s words, “Junior Brother, what about the rear mountain?”
The rear mountain?
Lin Jingyu frowned, his eyes shining, but he shook his head, still confused. After a long while, he sighed and descended the steps, alone.
******
Since the beast demons appeared, Azure Ethereal Vapors had strengthened its defenses, especially on the front mountain. No one knew when the beasts might strike, but the mountain’s natural defenses, especially the high, impregnable peaks, were a good barrier. For the beast demons, however, it was a different matter.
Despite the rumors of their invincibility, the true nature of the Beast God remained a mystery, increasing everyone’s fear. Compared to the front, the rear mountain, with its sheer cliffs, was heavily guarded, though the forbidden areas, the Moonlight Cave and the Ancestral Hall, were strangely under-protected.
As dawn approached, a misty path led to the Ancestral Hall and the Moonlight Cave. The silence was broken by a figure, none other than Guili.
His expression was indifferent, showing no fear or tension. He walked slowly, remembering the path he had taken ten years ago. Nothing seemed to have changed, the trees still green, the earth still moist, but he had.
The wind, rustling through the trees, brushed against him, and the small monkey on his shoulder, Xiaohui, slept, its tail wrapped around his arm. Guili’s eyes, however, shone with an unusual brightness.
Reaching a fork in the path, he noted the familiar Ancestral Hall, where he and Lin Jingyu had once fought, and where Lu Xueqi had faced him.
Now, he was a stranger to these places and people.
The sound of someone sweeping leaves caught his attention. He listened, entranced, until he was abruptly brought back to reality. Turning, he saw a figure in black, a mask covering his face—the Ghost Sage.
Guili’s pupils narrowed, “You’ve come.”
The Ghost Sage, calm, replied, “Yes, to help you.”
Guili, coldly, “What do you mean?”
The Ghost Sage, unfazed, said, “You don’t know, but the Moonlight Cave is protected by a powerful array. To enter, you need the highest level of Taiji Xuanqing Dao, which only you and the Azure Ethereal Vapors elders possess.”
Guili, his eyes narrowing, “Why tell me this?”
The Ghost Sage, smiling, “Believe it or not, the choice is yours.”
******
At the front of Celestial Peak, a young disciple was sweeping leaves when he saw a familiar figure approaching—Lin Jingyu.
“Senior Brother Lin, you’re here early. Heading to the rear mountain, are you?”
Lin Jingyu, smiling, replied, “Yes, I couldn’t sleep, feeling restless. So, I decided to come early.”
The other disciples, gathering around, asked, “Senior Brother, will the beast demons attack?”
Their youthful optimism was contagious, and Lin Jingyu, smiling, said, “The beast demons are fierce, but we have our elders and the Invincible Sword Array. We will win!”
The disciples cheered, and Lin Jingyu, smiling, left, heading to the rear mountain. As he walked, his expression grew serious, and he muttered, “I must consult the elders.”
******
At the fork, Guili and the Ghost Sage faced each other, their eyes locking. Suddenly, an old, weary voice came from the path to the Ancestral Hall, “Two gentlemen, where are you going?”
Both Guili and the Ghost Sage turned, seeing an old, hunched figure emerge from the mist, holding a broom. Despite his age, his eyes were sharp and clear.
“Would you like a cup of hot tea, gentlemen?”
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