Chapter 192: Hidden Wounds

After a moment, Zeng Shushu and the others finally recovered from their shock. The three of them exchanged glances, each seeing profound astonishment in the others’ eyes. However, what was different was that in the eyes of Lu Xueqi and Wen Min, there was an additional layer of panic and confusion.

This secret, known only to a few disciples of the Great Bamboo Peak and Lesser Bamboo Peak, and repeatedly ordered by Daoxuan to be kept strictly confidential, had been leaked?

Unlike Wen Min and Lu Xueqi, Zeng Shushu, who was unaware of the damage to the “Zhuxian Ancient Sword,” was more shocked by the news itself. Yet, regaining his composure, he laughed heartily, his expression relaxed as he said, “Master Yun, are you joking with us, your juniors? You almost scared me to death just now. The Zhuxian Ancient Sword is the supreme treasure of the Azure Ethereal Conclave, personally guarded by our Sect Leader. How could it possibly be damaged? Haha, hahaha…”

Amidst his laughter, Zeng Shushu shook his head, turning to look at his two companions, hoping to see their amused reactions to this ridiculous rumor. But when he turned, his smile faltered. Neither Lu Xueqi nor Wen Min showed any sign of amusement; instead, both women’s brows were furrowed, and their faces seemed pale.

Only Zeng Shushu’s laughter echoed in the hall, quickly fading away. Yun Yilang smiled slightly and said, “So it’s just a rumor, that’s good. Otherwise, if the Zhuxian Ancient Sword were truly damaged, it would indeed be a matter that would shock the world.”

Lu Xueqi suddenly stepped forward, coldly addressing Yun Yilang, “Master Yun, this matter is certainly baseless and not to be believed, but I wonder from where you heard such a despicable rumor?”

Her voice grew increasingly cold, bordering on rudeness. However, Yun Yilang, seeming to have impeccable manners, paid no heed to Lu Xueqi’s attitude. He merely waved his hand amiably and replied, “Actually, this rumor has only recently spread here in the Southern Wilderness. I overheard it from some of the lower-ranking disciples and surmised it to be largely false. After all, with Daoxuan’s profound powers, how could such a nonsensical thing happen? It’s fortunate that the three of you came, allowing me to confirm it as mere rumor. I am truly relieved! Haha…”

He finished with a cheerful laugh. Lu Xueqi and the others frowned. Such matters should not be casually asked about in public, especially given Yun Yilang’s significant status. They suspected he had other intentions.

As Yun Yilang’s laughter continued, the three members of the Azure Ethereal Conclave fell silent. Lu Xueqi’s face was frosty, her eyes sharp and piercing. Wen Min also looked troubled. Zeng Shushu, being more diplomatic, sensed the growing awkwardness and cleared his throat, stepping in front of Lu Xueqi. Bowing, he said, “Master Yun, we have been sent here to the Southern Wilderness by our elders to track the Beast Demon. Do you have any clues that could help us avoid aimless wandering?”

Yun Yilang glanced at Zeng Shushu, nodded slightly, but said nothing. Glancing behind him, Li Xun, understanding, stepped forward and bowed to Zeng Shushu, saying, “Senior Brother Zeng, I am Li Xun, sent by my master to act as a guide for the duration of your stay in the Southern Wilderness, to assist you all…”

“Ahem!” A cold, slightly angry hum interrupted Li Xun before he could finish. Li Xun paused, his face darkening. Fortunately, Wen Min quickly interjected, “Senior Brother Li, that won’t be necessary. We have someone among us who has been to the Southern Wilderness before and knows the way.”

Li Xun took a deep breath, glancing at the white-robed figure beside him. His lips moved, and suddenly, all traces of anger disappeared. He sighed and said with a bitter smile, “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble, but recently, our sect has traced the whereabouts of the missing Beast God.”

At these words, Lu Xueqi, Zeng Shushu, and Wen Min were visibly startled. Zeng Shushu, delighted, asked, “Is this true?”

Li Xun nodded. “Indeed. Regardless, the Incense Valley’s long-standing presence and connections in the Southern Wilderness give us more information than others.” After speaking, he glanced at Lu Xueqi again. She remained indifferent, turning her head away.

Zeng Shushu pressed on, “Where is the Beast God now?”

Li Xun replied, “According to our information, the fiend has retreated into the mysterious and perilous Ten Thousand Mountains, heading towards his lair.”

All three were taken aback. “The Ten Thousand Mountains?”

Li Xun nodded. “Yes, a place notorious for its dangers and mysteries. If you hadn’t arrived, I was about to lead a group of junior disciples to search there. Now that you’re here, it would be better if we go together. I have no ulterior motives; I simply know a bit about the Ten Thousand Mountains after spending years in the Southern Wilderness. Having me as a guide might be beneficial for you.”

He ended with a cold laugh.

Zeng Shushu, frowning, glanced at Wen Min and Lu Xueqi. “Wait a moment, Senior Brother Li, we need to discuss this.”

Li Xun nodded. “Of course, take your time.”

Zeng Shushu, Wen Min, and Lu Xueqi stepped aside, whispering to each other. Most of the time, it was Zeng Shushu speaking, occasionally interrupted by Wen Min, while Lu Xueqi remained silent, only nodding or shaking her head.

The white-robed woman stood there, always serene and ethereal. Li Xun gazed at Lu Xueqi, momentarily entranced. Suddenly, a hand clapped him on the shoulder, and Li Xun jolted, surprised that someone had gotten so close without him noticing. He turned to see Yun Yilang.

Li Xun blushed, whispering, “Master, I lost my composure. Is something wrong?”

Yun Yilang, glancing at Lu Xueqi, his face expressionless, said coolly, “Don’t forget your responsibilities.”

Li Xun’s body tensed, murmuring, “I understand, Master.”

Yun Yilang nodded. “Take care of them. I must leave now.” Without bidding farewell to the three, he walked away. Li Xun watched Yun Yilang disappear, feeling a mix of emotions, his face showing conflicting thoughts.

By then, Zeng Shushu and the others seemed to have reached a decision. They returned, Zeng Shushu smiling. “Senior Brother Li, we’ve decided to… oh, where is Master Yun?”

Li Xun, apologetic, explained, “My master had urgent business and, seeing you discussing, instructed me not to disturb. Please forgive us for any rudeness.”

Zeng Shushu hurriedly replied, “No, no, we were too rude. If there were any improprieties, please inform Master Yun that we, as juniors, lack proper etiquette and should not be taken seriously.”

Hearing Zeng Shushu’s smooth words, Lu Xueqi and Wen Min felt a bit awkward, but Zeng Shushu remained unperturbed. Li Xun smiled and nodded, then asked, “What is your decision?”

Zeng Shushu bowed. “We will need your assistance, Senior Brother Li.”

A fleeting look of joy crossed Li Xun’s face as he bowed in return. “Not at all, we are all on the same side. It is only right.” Glancing at Lu Xueqi, he coughed and said, “However, the Ten Thousand Mountains are a dangerous place. You should prepare well. Let me explain some precautions.”

Zeng Shushu smiled. “Thank you, Senior Brother Li.” He turned and beckoned, “Senior Sisters, come and listen.”

Lu Xueqi hesitated, but Wen Min pulled her along, and they joined the group.

Low voices echoed in the hall…

※ ※ ※

Deep within the Ten Thousand Mountains, after leaving the last remnants of darkness and crossing the last twisted old tree, Ghost Li and Jin Ping’er finally emerged from the black forest. Beyond the forest, the rare warm sunlight of the Ten Thousand Mountains shone down, warming their bodies and falling on the twisted trees, though it could not penetrate the mysterious and foreboding forest.

Jin Ping’er opened her arms, feeling a sense of relief even though she had been here before. Walking through a forest full of venomous insects and incessant rain would sour anyone’s mood.

Outside the forest, the air felt warm and comfortable. Jin Ping’er took a deep, satisfying breath and turned to look at Ghost Li. Despite his usual impassive expression, he clearly seemed relieved.

After a brief pause, he looked ahead. On a clear day, the view was vast, with endless mountains stretching into the distance, one after another, with no end in sight.

Ghost Li’s expression changed slightly. Jin Ping’er approached him, looking at him with a smile. “Surprised by the vastness of the Southern Wilderness? I was amazed when I first came here, too.”

Ghost Li gazed at the distant mountains, asking, “How far is the ancient cave where the Demon King is sealed?”

Jin Ping’er smiled, walking a few steps closer to Ghost Li and pointing at a strange, entirely black mountain. “See that black peak? We need to cross that mountain, and at its foot, we’ll find the ancient cave.”

Ghost Li looked and indeed saw the bizarre mountain, which seemed to be shrouded in a perpetual black mist, adding to its mystery.

Ghost Li nodded. “Let’s go.”

He started walking, but Jin Ping’er did not follow. Noticing this, Ghost Li, slightly surprised, turned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jin Ping’er gave him a reproachful look, yet even in the warm sunlight, her expression was charming. “You may be a powerful person, but I’m just a weak woman. I can’t walk anymore.”

Ghost Li replied coolly, “There are very few women who can call themselves weak.”

Jin Ping’er smiled, sitting down on a dry stone nearby. Although Ghost Li did not take her words seriously, he realized that they had not rested properly in the eerie black forest. He sat down near her.

The little monkey, Xiao Hui, chirped and, seemingly revived, jumped down from Ghost Li’s shoulder, looking around eagerly. With a flick of its tail, it darted into the nearby grass, disappearing from sight.

Jin Ping’er, looking in the direction Xiao Hui went, asked, “Isn’t it dangerous to let your monkey wander around like that?”

Ghost Li shook his head. “It’s fine. Even if we get into trouble, that guy will be fine on his own.”

Jin Ping’er chuckled, covering her mouth. “That ‘guy’ is a monkey!”

Ghost Li looked at Jin Ping’er’s radiant face, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He gazed in the direction Xiao Hui had gone, saying, “To me, he is better than countless people in the world.”

Jin Ping’er, observing his somewhat pale face, lost her smile, looking at him thoughtfully. Ghost Li’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening.

Perhaps, he suddenly realized what he had said in front of someone else?

Jin Ping’er, always clever, was not a quiet, demure lady. She looked at Ghost Li, her gaze soft and gentle. Under her gaze, Ghost Li’s expression became increasingly tense. As the awkwardness grew, Jin Ping’er asked:

“What’s wrong?”

Ghost Li, taken aback, asked, “What do you mean?”

Jin Ping’er, with a half-smile, her eyes holding a deeper meaning, said, “You seem uncomfortable?”

Ghost Li coughed. “No.”

Jin Ping’er, as if not hearing his reply, continued, “Is it because you said something personal in front of a woman, making you feel awkward?”

Ghost Li’s face grew cold, but before he could speak, Jin Ping’er added, “In the past ten years, especially after Bi Yao’s incident, you’ve never spent so much time alone with a woman. These days, the hostility between us has lessened, and you unintentionally said something, making you feel guilty, right?”

Ghost Li stared at Jin Ping’er, his gaze icy. “What do you mean by saying this, and why bring up Bi Yao?”

Under his icy, almost murderous gaze, Jin Ping’er showed no fear, instead smiling with a hint of provocation. “You’re afraid, aren’t you?”

Ghost Li rose, angrily. “What am I afraid of? If you keep talking nonsense, I won’t be polite…”

“You’re afraid you’ll forget Bi Yao!” Jin Ping’er raised her voice, the crisp sound cutting through the air between them.

Ghost Li, his mouth open to shout, froze, unable to make a sound, as if struck in the heart. Jin Ping’er also fell silent, and the surrounding world became utterly still, without a sound.

The sky was azure, and the mountains stretched endlessly, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees and grass.

It was already afternoon. The wind caressed their faces and hair.

The sunlight became lazy, and the two faced each other in silence.

Jin Ping’er looked at the man in front of her, her gaze shifting, a mixture of pity and derision.

After a while, she gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her voice softer. “For that past love, you don’t even believe in yourself. Are you afraid you’ll forget her inadvertently?” Her smile was faint, like a flower swaying in the wind. “You suppress yourself, constantly reminding yourself. Who in the world knows that the formidable first general of the Ghost King Clan, Ghost Li, is actually such a pitiful person?”

Ghost Li’s expression fluctuated, his face pale. Suddenly, he took a deep breath, looked up at the sky, held it for a moment, and exhaled slowly. When he looked back, his face was calm, devoid of any emotion, just a blank expression.

“And who are you to say this? What about yourself?” His voice was indifferent, with a hint of mockery, as if he had forgotten his momentary lapse.

Jin Ping’er smiled. “Me? I’m just a woman who is with you now.”

Ignoring the subtle barb, Ghost Li turned his head. Suddenly, the grass rustled, and Xiao Hui jumped out, carrying several wild fruits, munching on one.

Ghost Li picked up the monkey, and Xiao Hui dropped the fruits into his hand. The fruits were red and plump, tempting.

Ghost Li took a bite, finding the taste slightly tart but sweet and juicy. Nodding, he divided a few and, looking at Jin Ping’er, offered them. “Xiao Hui has a natural ability to identify non-toxic fruits. These are safe to eat.”

Jin Ping’er did not immediately take them, her gaze lingering on his hand. She smiled, “By sharing these with me, you must not be worried about anything, right?”

Ghost Li frowned, making a sound, and tried to pull his hand back. Unexpectedly, Jin Ping’er swiftly grabbed his hand, smiling. “I want them, I want them…”

Ghost Li’s expression changed slightly, looking at Jin Ping’er. He slowly opened his hand, revealing the fruits.

Soft skin, a faint, almost imperceptible scent wafted in the wind. Jin Ping’er’s gaze was soft and flowing, like water, as she gently took the fruits from Ghost Li’s palm.

Her delicate nails brushed against his rough skin, warm with an unusual coldness.

She looked at the man in front of her, slowly releasing his hand, then smiled, taking a fruit and biting into it. “They’re delicious.”

Her smile was like a blooming flower at noon, captivating.

Ghost Li watched her, silent.

Jin Ping’er’s smile grew more enchanting. “Why are you so quiet, like a statue?”

Ghost Li, unmoved by her laughter, said, “The ‘Purple Blade’ is a highly malicious and evil weapon. You managed to integrate it with your qi and meridians, achieving ‘Nayin Guiyuan.’ Impressive.”

“Snap!” The fruits in Jin Ping’er’s hand burst, the juice instantly freezing into ice and falling to the ground.

Jin Ping’er’s previously warm smile vanished, her gaze like a knife, fixed on Ghost Li.

Ghost Li, undisturbed, said, “Although you are a pure yin body, perfect for the Purple Blade, the excessive cold yin energy damages your meridians and blood. Your power is strong, but advancing in cultivation will be extremely difficult.”

Ignoring Jin Ping’er’s darkening face, he turned and called for Xiao Hui, who jumped onto his shoulder. He walked towards the black mountain, leaving Jin Ping’er standing, watching his retreating figure.

She slowly raised her right hand, looking at her pale, beautiful, and almost translucent hand, noting the faint, unnatural bluish tinge in the deep muscles.

Her face grave, she suddenly snarled, crushing the frozen fruits under her feet, and walked determinedly in the direction Ghost Li had gone.