A towering pavilion ship, truly majestic, was docked within the harbor. Its exterior was adorned with gold foil and inlaid with pearls and jade. Exotic flowers and rare plants bloomed everywhere, while at night, the ship was illuminated brilliantly, casting light as bright as daylight across the surrounding area.
This approach didn’t rely on any obscure techniques or mystical methods. To put it simply, it might easily evoke the flamboyant demeanor of a nouveau riche. Yet, those who had truly witnessed it experienced a radiant, breathtaking beauty that reignited their passion for life, leaving them eager to relish and savor its magnificence. No amount of esoteric techniques or extraordinary abilities could replicate such a singular experience.
At some unknown point, travelers began whispering among themselves, spreading rumors about this mysterious pavilion ship until the entire Shijue Island was abuzz with talk.
This was none other than the world-renowned “Night Emperor Ship,” the “Night Emperor Ship” that carried beauty and hope!
If one were fortunate enough to encounter it and be invited aboard by the Night Emperor, it could very well mark the beginning of a transcendent life, a new and brilliant existence.
Among the exalted figures of the “Four Marvels, Three Devils, and Five Elders,” none were more beloved and anticipated by commoners, seafarers, and martial cultivators than the Night Emperor. He was unrestrained and free-spirited, lavishly generous, and loved fulfilling others’ wishes, becoming synonymous with “extraordinary encounters.”
The arrival of the “Night Emperor Ship” brought many more people lingering at the harbor, waiting for a chance encounter. However, from the day it arrived, not a single person had disembarked. The Night Emperor remained secluded deep within the ship, never appearing in public. If it weren’t for the occasional sight of beautiful attendants and handsome, dignified servants walking the decks, the ship might have been mistaken for a ghost ship—an ominous vessel that vanished at sea and reappeared years later, devoid of any living soul.
This abnormal and eerie situation left them puzzled and anxious, unable to discern what the usually free-spirited Night Emperor was planning or whether it would bring fortune or disaster.
It was like a dark cloud hanging over the island, low and heavy, with thunder and lightning flashing, yet the rain never fell, leaving everyone in a state of suspense, filled with speculation and guesswork.
“This is Shijue Island, the abode of the ‘Yin Patriarch.’ If the Night Emperor has suddenly arrived, perhaps his intentions are not benign…” Such suspicions became increasingly widespread and vivid, as if the speakers had witnessed the events themselves.
This was a natural assumption. After all, the exalted figures of the cultivation world each had their own territories. Even among the “Five Elders of the Heavenly Dao,” suddenly entering another’s domain was nearly an act of provocation. Just as if Master Lu had suddenly appeared outside the Sword-Washing Pavilion and remained seated in meditation near its gate without leaving, Su Wuming would certainly not believe he had merely come to rest and admire the scenery.
“The Yin Patriarch is one of the Five Elders; his affairs are the affairs of the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Even if the Night Emperor is free-spirited, would he dare to openly oppose the Five Elders?”
“But have you considered that the Night Emperor has never been normal? Would a normal Exalted ever casually fulfill others’ wishes? Perhaps he suddenly felt that living a life of endless sorrow was too painful, and decided to choose a powerful opponent to shine brilliantly, like a meteor—brief but eternal…”
Such doubts also lingered in the mind of Yin Feilong. He stood respectfully within a waterside pavilion, awaiting the command of the “Yin Patriarch,” Xu Bei.
Outside the pavilion, a pond of dark green, nearly black water stretched out, where black lotuses bloomed in tight buds, exuding an aura of extreme yin interwoven with yang.
Ripples spread across the water, forming what seemed to be a face with discernible eyes and brows. After a long silence, the Yin Patriarch, Xu Bei, finally spoke: “What is your opinion on this?”
Yin Feilong’s expression shifted slightly before he honestly replied, “The Night Emperor has always been unrestrained and free-spirited, but his sudden arrival at Shijue Island and refusal to disembark from the ship feels strangely suspicious, as if he is probing something.”
“Could he have sensed that matter?”
The Yin Patriarch, Xu Bei, said in a low voice: “Huolishang is a lucid madman. He might actually do something reckless, like self-destruction, burning himself in a brilliant blaze. That fits his idea of beauty. Therefore, if I were to confront him directly, it might leave no room for negotiation. You and Yanran shall go in my stead and gauge Huolishang’s intentions.”
The Heavenly Dao Alliance was powerful, far surpassing the Night Emperor. However, if the opponent was a reckless madman, even the most esteemed of the Five Elders would have to weigh whether it was worth the risk. Sometimes, distant waters could not extinguish a nearby fire; sometimes, even great power and cultivation could not withstand a desperate, self-sacrificial attack.
He paused, then continued, “That matter could not have been leaked, but I cannot guarantee that the ‘messenger’ didn’t seek out Huolishang and reveal something. If the timing didn’t conflict, I would even suspect that Huolishang is a high-ranking member of the mysterious organization ‘Xianji,’ sent here to investigate Qu Baimei’s death.”
Because Lingbao Tianzun had displayed Exalted-level combat prowess and even gravely wounded Zhimo Tianjun, one of the Three Devils, the Five Elders had paid close attention. In an era where no outsiders had entered for countless years and communication with the outside world had long been lost, they suspected that “Lingbao Tianzun” was one of the “Four Marvels, Three Devils, and Five Elders,” or even one of themselves.
The only one not suspected was the Night Emperor, Huolishang. “Lingbao Tianzun” had first been recorded displaying his Exalted power long before Huolishang was even born!
Yin Feilong’s heart stirred: “Could it be Yuan Shi Tianzun, the one mentioned in Qu Baimei’s memories? He has never revealed himself or shown his skills. He might not necessarily be someone other than the Night Emperor…”
“It’s possible. For now, just go and gauge his reaction,” the Yin Patriarch, Xu Bei, said.
Yin Feilong’s expression turned serious as he bowed respectfully. But soon, a look of concern crossed his face: “Senior Immortal, why must Yanran accompany us? The Night Emperor is known for chasing after beauty. If he takes a liking to her and refuses to let go, Yanran might not be able to endure it.”
Hu Yanran was the Yin Patriarch’s disciple and currently the Elder in charge of external affairs on Shijue Island. Her beauty was renowned across other seas, and her cultivation had reached the level of a Grandmaster, making her an object of admiration that few dared to approach, especially among ambitious young talents like Yin Feilong.
The Yin Patriarch’s voice turned cold: “If Yanran wishes to inherit my legacy, she must undergo more trials. Surely she cannot fear meeting Huolishang?”
Yin Feilong dared not speak further and left to carry out the order.
…
Inside the cabin of the Night Emperor’s ship, Meng Qi sat casually on the floor, smiling as You Hu brewed tea. Liushang massaged his acupoints beside him, easing his physical fatigue, while Xiapi held a sword nearby, appearing somewhat reserved, just as the real Huolishang had described—beautiful in appearance but shy at heart.
Meanwhile, Yun Yue carried a small gourd and cheerfully moved along the windows, watering the carefully selected flowers placed there. In an instant, the room was filled with the fragrance of blossoms, making it impossible to distinguish whether the scent came from the rare flowers or the beauties themselves.
“Master, why have we remained aboard the ship for several days?” Yun Yue suddenly turned around, as if recalling something.
Before Meng Qi was a Go board, his right hand holding a white piece as he played against himself, imitating the style of the famous trickster, Wang Dashen. It was an air of mysterious profundity, perfectly suited for his role as the Night Emperor.
He smiled slightly and said, “When there are no clues, creating pressure and an eerie atmosphere that breeds suspicion and distrust can prompt the enemy to reveal themselves, exposing the flaws they previously concealed.”
Before his words had fully settled, a servant entered: “Master, Hu Yanran of Shijue Island and Yin Feilong, the Heavenly Dao Alliance’s inspector, have come to visit. Shall I let them in?”
“Please,” Meng Qi replied casually.
“Yanran…” Yun Yue drew out the name playfully. “Master must be luring the famous ‘Emerald Peony’ Hu Xianzi of the Seven Seas…”
“Emerald” referred to her partial corruption by yin energy, while “Peony” symbolized the romantic notion of dying for love beneath its blossoms, hence Hu Yanran’s elegant title, the “Emerald Peony.”
Liushang’s eyes dimmed slightly, her gaze lowered as she continued massaging, seemingly focused, yet keenly aware of Hu Yanran’s arrival.
Yin Feilong walked on the left, growing increasingly uneasy as he glanced at the beauty beside him. Her face was pale and translucent, glowing with a radiant luster, possessing both an aura of yin and a breathtaking beauty. In the Seven Seas and Twenty-Eight Realms, only a handful could rival her beauty.
Hu Yanran’s demeanor was slightly gloomy, yet her eyes were crystal clear, free of any turbidity or impurity, making her radiantly beautiful. As she walked, it was impossible to believe she was completely composed. After all, the Night Emperor’s name was known throughout the Seven Seas, and his reputation for unrestrained behavior and free-spiritedness was legendary.
As the two stepped into the cabin, their eyes were immediately drawn to the white-robed young master, encircled by blossoms and beauties. In his left hand, he held a teacup from which steam curled delicately upward, while his right hand cradled a black Go piece, as if lost in profound contemplation of the game before him. His bearing was one of effortless elegance, and when he raised his gaze, his smile radiated an ineffable purity and warmth: “Miss Hu is like the night-blooming epiphyllum—beautiful yet elusive, leaving an indelible impression upon the heart.”
(Note: “昙花” is translated as “epiphyllum,” the botanical term for the night-blooming cereus, to preserve both the poetic imagery and cultural specificity.)
The compliment reached Hu Yanran’s ears, yet unlike her usual reaction of annoyance at being called a lecherous flatterer, she felt the sincerity in his praise—a genuine appreciation for beauty without the slightest hint of disrespect.
“Thank you, Master Huolishang. Your praise is too kind,” Hu Yanran politely replied.
Yin Feilong’s heart skipped a beat. Yanran actually didn’t seem offended and even seemed to enjoy the Night Emperor’s compliment. This… this…
Before his thoughts could fully form, he saw Meng Qi’s gaze shift toward him. His eyes radiated a passionate love for life as he smiled and said, “Master Yin, a young prodigy who achieved Grandmaster status early, possesses a pride and brilliance that could almost eclipse the moon itself…”
The Night Emperor actually praised me, and with no trace of insincerity… Yin Feilong felt honored. Indeed, the rumors were true—the Night Emperor’s love and pursuit of beauty were not limited to any one aspect.
Wait a minute, does he like men too? Could he have taken a liking to me? Yin Feilong grew uneasy. Facing someone known as a “madman” and “pervert,” his mind raced with possibilities.
After Hu Yanran sat down and sipped the tea offered by You Hu, she turned serious and asked, “Master Huolishang, why have you come to Shijue Island?”
Yin Feilong held his breath, waiting for the response, only to see Meng Qi cast a half-smiling, half-serious glance at him:
“What do you think?”
The words were vague, leaving a lingering aftertaste, hinting at something deeper. Yin Feilong’s heart skipped another beat. Could the Night Emperor truly have sensed that matter?
…
Near Yin Feilong’s residence, Huolishang, disguised as “Han Guang,” was surveying the terrain and gathering information, dutifully playing the role of a member of the mysterious organization—one who had not yet reached the Exalted level.
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