In the icy stone chamber, white, chilly vapors, akin to ethereal wisps, silently drifted through the air. On this day, the cold seemed to be more intense than usual, casting a hazy, almost dreamlike quality over the space, obscuring the once clear view.
The heavy stone door groaned as it slowly opened, revealing a slender figure that appeared somewhat indistinct in the misty air.
Is it Youji?
Ghost Li thought to himself as he stepped into the chamber, his form enveloped by the swirling, dreamlike cold. The woman’s silhouette stood quietly with her back to him before the icy stone altar, surrounded by a dense, frosty haze that made her form even more indistinct. The air was filled with a faint, elusive chime that seemed to echo in his ears.
For some reason, Ghost Li hesitated, perhaps due to the unease of facing Youji, especially after she had vehemently rebuked him and mentioned Bi Yao. Though he was puzzled by the Ghost King’s unexpected behavior, Ghost Li could only remain silent about his own actions.
Was it possible that both men harbored deep-seated hatred in their hearts? But there was still Bi Yao, lying here in the cold chamber.
He glanced at the shadowy figure and, after a moment, said softly, “I apologize for my conflict with the Ghost King. I didn’t mean for things to turn out this way. Please don’t be angry; it won’t happen again.”
The figure’s shoulders trembled slightly, but she remained silent. The cold around her seemed to intensify, though the chamber was always frigid. He softened his tone, hesitating, aware of the relationship between Youji and Bi Yao. Since Bi Yao’s mother passed, Youji had taken on a maternal role, and Bi Yao often called her “Aunt You.”
Facing this situation, especially in the icy chamber, Ghost Li felt as if he were truly in Bi Yao’s presence, and the guilt within him was profound. He sighed, saying, “I know you’re hurting because of Bi Yao, and you don’t want to see me and her father fight. I didn’t mean to, but… Anyway, I promise I’ll be more considerate in the future, for Bi Yao’s sake.”
The silhouette seemed to nod slightly, an unspoken approval. Ghost Li, feeling a mix of emotions, decided to go to the stone altar to see Bi Yao. But as he moved, a sudden, electrifying realization struck him. Why couldn’t he see the black veil Youji always wore? And the hair, long and flowing, was clearly not that of the older, more mature Youji.
Spinning around, he shouted, “Who are you?”
The icy fog swirled violently around the figure, and the cold became biting. Realizing an intruder was in the chamber, Ghost Li was shocked. Just then, a low rumble echoed from behind him. Turning, he saw the stone door open again, and the familiar figure of Youji, tall and enigmatic, stepped in.
Youji, startled by Ghost Li’s expression, took a step back. Composing herself, she coldly asked, “Do you have the nerve to come here to see Bi Yao?”
Ghost Li stared at her, then suddenly remembered something important and turned to look at the chamber. To his shock, everything had returned to normal. The strange mist, the chimes, and the mysterious figure had all vanished, leaving the room exactly as it should be.
Bi Yao lay on the altar, her face still bearing that familiar, gentle smile. The light of the Huan He Bell flickered, as if watching Ghost Li.
Youji, noticing his distress, asked, “What’s wrong?”
Ghost Li, still in shock, managed to say, “When you came in, did you notice anything different?”
Youji, after a moment, replied, “No, it’s the same as always. A table and a person.”
Ghost Li’s muscles twitched. Youji, now sitting beside Bi Yao, spoke with a tender sorrow, “I know you’re not happy either, but think about how Bi Yao would feel if she knew you fought with her father.”
Ghost Li, still in a daze, eventually said, “Don’t worry, I understand what to do.” With one last look at Bi Yao, he left the chamber.
Watching him go, Youji frowned, sensing a change in him. She reflected on the changes in the Ghost King, whom she had followed for years, and found him increasingly perplexing.
Meanwhile, on Green Bamboo Peak, the morning breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, and the air was fresh after the night’s rain. Lu Xueqi, dressed in white, walked along the damp stone path. The high, green bamboo swayed, and the morning light filtered through, casting a soft, serene glow.
Reaching the humble bamboo hut, Lu Xueqi paused, then gently knocked on the door. “Master, it is your disciple, Xueqi.”
“Come in,” Master Shui Yue’s voice floated out, emotionless and calm.
Lu Xueqi pushed the door open and entered, finding her master seated in meditation. Kneeling before her, Lu Xueqi said, “Master, I am here.”
After a pause, she added, “I know I have failed you and caused you pain. Please punish me.”
Master Shui Yue opened her eyes, gazing at her for a long time before sighing, “If I punished you, would you change your mind?”
Lu Xueqi, head bowed, showed no sign of regret. Master Shui Yue, shaking her head, said, “If you are set on this path, what use is punishment? Stand up.”
Lu Xueqi, still emotional, complied. Master Shui Yue patted the bamboo bed, “Sit with me.”
Lu Xueqi declined, “I cannot, Master.”
Master Shui Yue, looking at her, said, “Are you still holding a grudge against me?”
Lu Xueqi quickly denied it. Master Shui Yue, smiling, pulled her to sit beside her, examining her face. “No matter what, I am doing this for your good. Remember that.”
Lu Xueqi, feeling the warmth of her master’s hand, listened as she spoke, “We mustn’t argue about who is right or wrong. Love is a mystery, and who can truly be a lifelong companion?”
Pausing, Master Shui Yue continued, “I summoned you because of a grave matter. Master Dao Xuan and Master Tian Bu Yi have gone missing. The Ancestral Hall has been damaged, and the Sword of Extermination is also missing.”
Lu Xueqi, shocked, listened as her master explained the importance of the secret. The Sword of Extermination held a great secret, known only to a few, and its loss could be disastrous.
Master Shui Yue, after a moment, said, “This secret is known to a few, including Dao Xuan, Tian Bu Yi, Su Ru, and Wan Jian Yi.”
Lu Xueqi, hearing this, felt a mix of astonishment and concern. The fate of the Azure Ethereal Conclave hung in the balance, and the secrets they guarded were more critical than ever.
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