Chapter 231: Omen of Blood

Azure Ethereal Vapors, Lesser Bamboo Peak.

The mountain wind swept through the emerald bamboo forest, stirring waves of bamboo rustles that echoed in the serene valley.

Wen Min raised her head to gaze at the sky, only to find it an unbroken expanse of blue, as if she could see through to the very essence of the heavens. She took a deep breath, and though her spirits lifted, her pace did not falter. She made her way through the bamboo groves, and soon, she caught sight of the small bamboo hut where her master, Master Water Moon, was in seclusion.

She approached the door and gently rapped on it, saying, “Master, I have returned.”

Master Water Moon’s voice floated from within, “Is that Min’er? Come in, child.”

Wen Min pushed open the door and stepped inside. The bamboo hut was modest in size, and upon entering, she saw Master Water Moon sitting cross-legged on a mat, her eyes closed in deep meditation. Walking closer, Wen Min said, “Master…”

Master Water Moon slowly opened her eyes and looked at her, noticing that she was alone. “What, did you not find her?”

Wen Min nodded, “Yes, Master. I went to Junior Sister Lu’s dwelling twice today, but she was not there. I asked the other sisters, and none of them had seen her. Could it be that she has gone down the mountain for something?”

Master Water Moon’s expression remained impassive. “Xueqi always knows her limits. If she had left the mountain, she would have informed me. You not finding her likely means…” Her voice trailed off, as if pondering something, before continuing, “If she cannot be found, then let it be. It was not a pressing matter anyway. Go and tend to your own studies now, child.”

Wen Min bowed and, after paying her respects, quietly left, making sure to close the bamboo door behind her. Once her footsteps faded into the distance, a pensive look crossed Master Water Moon’s usually calm face, and she sighed softly.

Light filtered through the windows, illuminating the simple yet exquisite bamboo hut. Master Water Moon silently rose from her mat and, after a moment, walked to the door, pulled it open, and stepped out, leaving the small space in silence.

Moonlit Terrace, on the secluded peak of Water Bamboo, was a place of profound tranquility. When the moon hung high and clear in the night sky, its beauty was mesmerizing. Legend had it that on the nights of a full moon, the silvery light, reflected by the white stone terrace, could illuminate the entire range of Lesser Bamboo Peak. It was a wondrous sight and one of the most famous landscapes of Azure Ethereal Conclave.

Over the past ten years, Lu Xueqi often practiced her sword dance under the moonlight when the world was hushed and still. Master Water Moon, who had raised Lu Xueqi since childhood, understood her better than anyone else. Upon hearing that Wen Min could not locate her, she surmised that Lu Xueqi must have gone to this quiet place.

As she walked, the bamboo forest grew denser, and the sounds of the bustling temples and pavilions of the front mountains grew fainter. Though her own residence was also in a secluded area, the continuous rustle of bamboo leaves along the path filled her with a sense of emptiness.

Does Xueqi come here because of this feeling too?

Master Water Moon mused silently as she made her way to the Moonlit Terrace. Indeed, as she stepped onto the terrace, she spotted the familiar figure of Lu Xueqi, standing motionless on a large rock jutting out over the abyss, her white robes fluttering in the relentless mountain wind.

Tianyao, the sword, still rested in her hand, glowing with a soft azure light.

Master Water Moon gazed at her back for a long while, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions. Finally, she cleared her throat softly.

Lu Xueqi instantly sensed the presence behind her and, slightly surprised, turned around. In the broad daylight, it was unusual for someone from Lesser Bamboo Peak to visit such a remote place. She leaped down from the rock and bowed respectfully before Master Water Moon. “Master, why are you here?”

Master Water Moon’s eyes softened, and she reached out to straighten Lu Xueqi’s collar, speaking gently. “The wind here is fierce and biting, even for one as skilled as you. Prolonged exposure is not good.”

Lu Xueqi lowered her head, “I understand, thank you, Master, for your concern.”

Master Water Moon studied her for a moment and sighed. “Do you resent me, child?”

Lu Xueqi was taken aback. “Master, why do you say that?”

Master Water Moon replied coolly, “I revealed that secret to you and sent you down the mountain. Who knew fate would twist and turn, leading you to kill Uncle Tian Yishi, the elder of Great Bamboo Peak, in the presence of that person.”

Lu Xueqi’s face fell, but she shook her head slowly. “Master, please don’t. I have thought it through. It was the will of the heavens, something even you could not foresee. And at the last moment, although Uncle Tian couldn’t speak, I felt his intention. He wanted me to strike that blow.”

Her voice faltered, and a melancholy smile touched her lips. “As for… him, I never held any hope. The rules and obligations of our sect are unyielding. Uncle Tian raised him like a son, and his death by my hand… If I were him, I wouldn’t accept it either.”

She paused, looking up at Master Water Moon with a bittersweet smile. “Master, do not worry about me. I have truly accepted it all.”

Master Water Moon’s heart ached. Despite her experience, she could see the turmoil in Lu Xueqi’s soul. Though she had once opposed this obstinate disciple’s feelings, she could not help but feel sympathy. Sighing, she spoke gently, “Xueqi, do not grieve too much. Do not let it harm your health.”

Lu Xueqi smiled, “Master, what urgent matter brings you to this remote place?”

Master Water Moon nodded, “Indeed, there is something, though not serious, it is rather peculiar. After some thought, I believe you are the most suitable to handle it.”

“What is it?” Lu Xueqi asked.

Master Water Moon glanced at her. “It concerns the same secret. Tell me, after the incident, did you personally escort Ghost Li and Uncle Tian’s body back to Great Bamboo Peak?”

At the mention of “Ghost Li,” Lu Xueqi’s face twitched, but she nodded. “Yes, he was seriously injured, though not fatally. But carrying Uncle Tian’s body alone was too taxing. I accompanied them to Great Bamboo Peak and left immediately after.”

Master Water Moon nodded. “Exactly, and that is where the strangeness lies.”

Lu Xueqi looked puzzled. “What do you mean, Master?”

Master Water Moon continued calmly, “As you said, Uncle Tian’s body was brought to Great Bamboo Peak two days ago, yet no mourning announcement has been made.”

Lu Xueqi was startled and frowned.

Master Water Moon turned and gazed into the distance, where the mist shrouded Great Bamboo Peak. “Uncle Tian was the head of the Great Bamboo lineage, a significant figure. The news would bring the Patriarch himself. Yet, Great Bamboo remains silent—quite strange, isn’t it?”

She paused, turning to Lu Xueqi. “Moreover, I sent someone to Dragon Head Peak this morning. Tian Ling’er is still there, completely unaware of her father’s passing.”

Lu Xueqi was silent for a long while. “I understand, Master.”

Master Water Moon nodded. “You are wise, and I need not explain further. I am not suspicious, but Su Ru is my sister, and I worry she might do something rash in her grief. As the head of Lesser Bamboo, I cannot visit until they announce, and given the secrets involved, I need your help.”

Lu Xueqi nodded. “I will go, Master. If there is nothing else, I will leave now.”

Master Water Moon gave a slight nod. “Be cautious. If anything changes, return and inform me.”

Lu Xueqi bowed and, turning, drew Tianyao. With a flash of divine light, she soared into the sky, a trail of blue light vanishing into the distance.

Master Water Moon watched her go, knowing that despite her outward strength, Lu Xueqi’s heart was far from at peace. She sighed, shook her head, and walked back to the Moonlit Terrace, her thoughts heavy.

Meanwhile, a thousand miles away, on Mount Foxridge.

In the Ice Stone Chamber, icy frost still rose, and the serene form of the green-robed woman lay as usual on the cold stone platform.

Youji, her face veiled, stood alone, gazing at Bi Yao and sighing with sorrow.

Lately, Youji had been burdened with many sorrows. First, the King of Ghosts seemed changed, becoming more brutal and ruthless. Recently, for trivial matters, he had executed several people, including a senior member of the Ghost King Sect. In the past, he would have dismissed such issues, but now, fear reigned, and everyone lived in dread.

What pained Youji more was witnessing the conflict between the King of Ghosts and Ghost Li. Though brief, Youji, as a Requiem Envoy, recognized the deep rift between them. She also noted that the King of Ghosts’ strikes lacked true killing intent.

Her face darkened, and she looked at Bi Yao, who lay in peaceful slumber. For this noble and beautiful woman, these two men had united, but now, a decade later, they were estranged. She dreaded the consequences if they ever came to blows.

“You men,” she murmured, her heart heavy, but seeing Bi Yao, her anger turned to tenderness. Each time she saw Bi Yao, her heart ached.

As she stood lost in thought, a low rumble echoed from the thick stone door, and someone entered.

Turning, Youji saw the King of Ghosts step in, and she was surprised.

The King of Ghosts noticed her and nodded. “You are here, too.”

Youji gave a cold laugh, staring at him without speaking.

He frowned, a flash of anger in his eyes. But recognizing Youji’s status, he managed, “What is it?”

Youji sneered, “Do you remember the daughter lying here?”

He frowned. “Of course, she is my only child.”

Youji replied sternly, “Then tell me, how long has it been since you visited Bi Yao?”

He hesitated, then sighed, “I was wrong. Recent affairs and my mood kept me away.”

Youji’s tone hardened. “I don’t understand, neither you nor Ghost Li. You both seem so different now!”

The King of Ghosts didn’t heed her tone, but hearing “Ghost Li” triggered a scowl. “Don’t mention that ingrate! He lacks understanding.”

Youji saw his anger but felt a sudden weariness. “Enough, do as you please. I can no longer care or bother.”

Turning to leave, the King of Ghosts watched her, wanting to say something but holding back.

As Youji’s hand reached for the door, a powerful, invisible force surged beneath their feet, shaking the earth. Both felt the strange energy, and the chamber cracked and groaned.

Youji, shocked, turned to the King of Ghosts, who showed no surprise, only a hint of pleasure.

The tremors intensified, and cracks appeared in the walls, stones falling. The mysterious force, however, dissipated after rupturing the stone.

Youji stood, her brows furrowed, and turned to the King of Ghosts. He looked at her briefly, then back at Bi Yao.

“Do you know what this is?”

A shadow crossed Youji’s mind. The King of Ghosts shook his head, “I’ll investigate. It might be an earthquake.”

Youji, uncertain, watched him. “This is not an earthquake. The force had a fierce aura, not natural.”

The King of Ghosts, silent for a moment, replied, “I will look into it. Do not concern yourself.”

Youji, after a long look, turned and left, the stone door closing with a boom, leaving the chamber in silence.

The King of Ghosts, seated by Bi Yao, gazed at her with deep affection, a rare show of weakness.

Outside, Youji, walking through the chaotic tunnels, noticed the extensive damage. Rocks littered the ground, and cries of pain and confusion filled the air. The force had wreaked havoc, and a faint, eerie scent of blood lingered, untraceable but omnipresent.

Feeling suffocated, Youji decided to leave, seeking fresh air, and vanished into the winding passages, the ghostly scent trailing behind her.