Since leaving from the savage wilderness, Hua Qian Gu consistently sensed a mysterious and powerful force within her body, akin to a brewing volcano impatiently yearning to erupt. However, it is firmly suppressed by an opposing force. The two energies clash like fierce tigers, deadlocked in opposition. While in the savage wilderness, the power lay quietly dormant, but upon returning to the six realms, it surged and roared within her, as if intent on devouring her completely.
Originally, most of the injuries to her body were deemed permanent and fatal, but miraculously, they have all healed. Her figure is now even swifter and more agile than ever. If it weren’t for the scars, she might have believed that the pain she once experienced was all fake. Throughout this exhausting year, marked by numerous events taking a toll on her both physically and mentally, she persistently endured, holding on tightly. However, the news of Bai Zihua accepting new disciples finally caused the string in her heart to snap completely.
Even as she continues to force a smile, pretending it’s all meaningless, the anguish and grievances in her heart keep accumulating. The combination of suppressed emotions and the formidable power of the demon god forces feels like a relentless burn in her chest, as if it wants to incinerate her. Though she did not walk into the dark path, the internal injuries are not light. After venting, she finally calms down, willing to face the situation with reason and seriousness.
A myriad of voices in her heart are crying out, longing to see him and eager to know what has happened during the year she was absent. Whether she’s considered stubborn or blindly persistent, after so many years, she thoroughly understands and unquestionably believes in her master’s character. Since he publicly declared in front of everyone that he would only accept one disciple in this lifetime, and without expelling her from the sect, he wouldn’t take on another disciple, there must be more to the situation than meets the eye.
The longing to return to Chang Liu and the thoughts of reunion rush to her heart like arrows. Too many words, too many emotions are stuck in her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe. She desperately wanted to see her Shifu, almost driven to madness, yet she knows she absolutely cannot let him see her.
The sky is bitterly cold, and the sea wind is piercing, accompanied by tiny hail that stings her face. She flies low, channeling her energy to create a protective barrier around her body. The sky is gloomy and ominous, and it seems like a massive snowstorm is imminent. Without a sword now, she can only control the wind, but her speed is even faster than when she used to control the sword. In no time, she arrives above Chang Liu Mountain.
Surrounded by utter darkness, only Chang Liu remains suspended over the sea, emitting a faint silver glow like a colossal gem. The waves, one after another, surge higher and higher, forming whirlpools that seem eager to engulf Chang Liu within.
Hua Qian Gu took out the human-skin mask she crafted just before leaving Mount Mao, following the techniques from the “Seven Absolute Manual,” and covered her face with it. Due to the hurried preparation, it may not be very refined, but it should be sufficient for the moment, as long as it doesn’t catch the attention of the Three Honorable Superior or a few sharp-eyed elders.
Flying around Chang Liu in a circle, Hua Qian Gu noticed that several secret paths were completely sealed, and the sky was densely covered with barriers, making it impossible to approach. She found it a bit strange—Changliu, being a major sect in the immortal realm, always boasted of its high status, and neither demons nor monsters dared to invade. Normally, they only had a simple protective barrier. Why, then, is there such an elaborate and vigilant setup now, as if preparing for a major threat?
Fortunately, her magical abilities have improved considerably since the past. Despite facing some twists and turns, she managed to open a secret path into the mountain. Returning to the place she has been longing for, her heart is filled with excitement. She had expected layers of defenses both outside and within the mountain, and she would need stealth and concealment. To her surprise there’s no need for sneaking around. The courtyard, the long corridors, the training grounds, the forest—everywhere is eerily vacant, devoid of people, creating an unsettling silence. The absence of any sign of life adds a touch of eerie strangeness to the surroundings.
Although Chang Liu usually imposes a curfew at night, how could there be not even a disciple on patrol? A chill ran down her spine. Ever since witnessing the massacre on Mount Mao that year, whenever she encountered an empty scene like this, she habitually feels nervous and fearful. She closed her eyes lightly and sensed people in several familiar sleeping quarters, allowing her to breathe a sigh of relief.
Gazing at the Emotionless Hall above, the place she has yearned for countless times in her dreams, aching with longing. Suppressing the pain deep in her heart, she told herself she cannot go up. If Shifu finds out she has returned, it will be even more difficult to save Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yue’s unique identity makes the place of his confinement undoubtedly the most secure prison in the entire Six Realms. It’s not possible to hastily lock him in Chang Liu’s heavenly prison, sealed with barriers and enchantments, as they did in the past. This time, Hua Qian Gu came without a clear plan, fully aware that, even with her current strength, she is not capable of rescuing Xiao Yue without consequences. She is only concerned, yearning, and hoping to investigate the situation. Even if she can’t rescue him, just being able to see him, exchanging some words through secret whisper magic, would be good enough.
She secretly sneaked into the heavenly prison, and found not a single guard in sight. Concentrating, she probed the inside and discovered no one was being held captive. No wonder there’s no need for guards. Xiao Yue is indeed no longer here…
Revealing a slight frown on my face, blaming herself for being too impulsive, she should have discussed and clarified things with Dongfang first. Perhaps Xiaoyue has already been moved, and might not be detained at Chang Liu anymore.
Closing her eyes, she began searching for Tang Bao, only to find that not only Tang Bao, but even Luo Shiyi and Qingshui were not in the mountains. What’s going on? Tomorrow is the Grand Banquet of Immortals; they shouldn’t be away at such a crucial time.
At first, she thought that even if she knew nothing about the events of the past year, as long as she saw Tang Bao, everything would become clear, and finding Xiaoyue wouldn’t be too difficult. Unexpectedly, Tang Bao was also not around. It was indeed a miscalculation.
Slightly disappointed and disheartened, she leaned against the corridor pillar, gazing towards the Emotionless Hall in a daze. She had thought that this visit would finally allow her to see everyone; how long had she waited for this day? However, she didn’t expect that everyone would be absent.
Looking around, it was still the familiar Changliu Mountain, but she felt that something was different. The air was filled with a palpable sense of tension and hostility. Shifu was just there, within her view, visible with a simple tilt of her head.
No, she has to prioritize the bigger picture. As she gritted her teeth and prepared to leave Chang Liu, she suddenly saw a flash of red light not far away.
Who is it?
Hua Qian Gu furrowed her brows slightly, thought for a moment, and decided to follow. When she took a closer look, it turned out to be a girl of about eleven or twelve years old. With rosy lips, white teeth, and delicate features, she seemed to be a disciple of Chang Liu judging by her attire and figure. However, Hua Qian Gu had never seen her before; she was a new face.
Seeing her acting so sneaky, Hua Qian Gu couldn’t immediately determine whether she was a spy sneaking in from outside or just a disciple breaking curfew to sneak into the kitchen for a snack. However, as she observed the girl with her hair tied in two round buns, appearing innocent and lovely, Hua Qian Gu speculated that she probably wasn’t a bad person.
Not wanting to stir up trouble, she was about to leave when she heard a series of crashing and shattering noises coming from the kitchen.
Thinking that something had happened, she hurriedly entered, only to see the child
standing there with a helpless expression, mouth wide open, looking at the mess on the ground, and then glancing at Hua Qian Gu.
Repeatedly bowing apologetically, she said, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I didn’t mean to…” Wondering in her heart, she had immediately cast a protective barrier, how did someone still hear it and arrive so quickly?
Hua Qian Gu was stunned for a moment before she realized that the girl must have mistaken her for a disciple assigned to work in the kitchen.
Seeing her looking like a naughty child caught in the act, bowing her head and admitting her mistake, Hua Qian Gu couldn’t help but smile gently. She shook her head, then crouched down to help clean up the mess on the floor.
“Little Broom is gone. Are you the new one sent to replace him?” The chubby-cheeked girl suddenly put on a heartbreakingly sorrowful expression, gazing at her with teary eyes.
Hua Qian Gu was taken aback and could only nod slightly in response.
However, she didn’t expect the person in front of her to suddenly lunge forward. Squatting and losing her balance, she was instantly overwhelmed and pressed to the ground by the person on top.
Before she could grasp what was happening, the girl was already buried in her arms, tightly hugging her, and crying loudly.
Even though they appeared to be around the same age, Hua Qian Gu was actually much older. Being pinned to the ground by the girl was a bit awkward. However, the girl was crying so sadly, shivering like a little rabbit in the cold wind. Hua Qian Gu could only reflexively pat her back, offering silent comfort.
After crying for a while, the child’s eyes were reddened, making her even more resemble a little rabbit. Unhesitatingly, she wiped her runny nose on Hua Qian Gu’s clothes. Then, she clumsily stood up, blushing and helping Hua Qian Gu up at the same time.
“It’s so rare to see someone around my age on the mountain. Shi Zun has sent away those with lower cultivation and younger ages. What’s your name?”
Hua Qian Gu looked at her big, innocent eyes staring at her and couldn’t help but frown. Thinking about everything that had happened recently, she wondered if something had gone wrong on Chang Liu Mountain. Is Shifu okay?
Her heart felt a sudden unease, and she replied on impulse, “My name is Xiao Qi.” (little seven.)
Zhu Ran, Lou Shi Yi, Hu Qing Qiu, Shang Shang Piao, Hou Xi, and Wu Qing Lou. Based on generation order, she is indeed the youngest one among the all three honorable superior’s disciples, so her ranking is seventh.
“Ah! How did you speak without opening your mouth? Where did the voice come from?” the girl exclaimed in surprise.
The little girl in front was amazed, waving her hands as she turned Hua Qian Gu around, thoroughly examining her with excitement.
“I… am mute. I can only speak using inner energy.” Hua Qian Gu explained.
Hua Qian Gu looked at her curious, wide-open eyes, chattering and bouncing around. It reminded her of herself when she first entered Chang Liu, and a strange feeling of nostalgia and bitterness suddenly welled up inside her.
“Ah …..” The girl’s face instantly dimmed with sadness, and she looked at Hua Qian Gu apologetically.
Suddenly, the girl reached out and touched Hua Qian Gu’s neck. Hua Qian Gu’s body trembled, almost thinking that the girl had seen through her disguised face. However, she was surprised to find that the girl was gently caressing as if there was a wound on her throat. The girl’s eyes revealed a mix of heartache and compassion.
“It seems like the injury is quite severe, and I can’t heal it.” At first, she had some doubts and guarded feelings towards the girl named Xiao Qi. However, as soon as her hand touched her, and she realized the girl truly couldn’t speak, sympathy washed away all suspicions. Any previous warnings and concerns were cast aside.
“Do you know how to heal injuries?” Hua Qian Gu awkwardly pulled her hand away. Suddenly feeling uncomfortable with the stranger’s display of familiarity. It wasn’t out of dislike but merely a subconscious sense of low self-esteem. She was well aware of how ugly and frightening the face beneath her disguise was.
“Oh, don’t you know? I’m quite skilled. Since I was little, I didn’t need magic spells. If my little bird’s wings get injured, I just touch it, and it can fly again. I enjoy helping people and saving them, so in recent years, the main magic I’ve practiced is healing and the Five Elements technique. I don’t like offensive magic. But my father always forces me to practice, saying if I don’t fight back, I’ll be bullied. I didn’t listen to him; I don’t like fighting with others. Later, when I came to Chang Liu Mountain, Zun Shang told me that just having the ability to heal others is not enough; I need to be strong enough to protect myself and those around me from getting hurt. I thought it made sense, so I started learning other magic. Although I’ve only been here for half a year, I’m already quite powerful! Do… Do you not recognize me?”
Hua Qian Gu was surprised. Should she recognize her? Is she famous?
“I’ve just entered the mountain…”
“I see you can communicate using inner energy. Your magic must be quite powerful, and you can stay on Chang Liu Mountain without being sent away. I thought you had been practicing for quite a long time!”
“I… I practiced at Mount Shu for a while before.”
“Oh, I see. No wonder you wouldn’t know it’s dangerous to come to the kitchen so late! Did Shu Zun not tell you? It’s very dangerous to go out at night on Chan Liu Mountain; you absolutely shouldn’t.”
“Why?”
“Because demons come to Chang Liu Mountain at night to capture people. Every night, they take one person, and many have already died. No matter how we try to prevent it, it’s unstoppable…” The child lowered her head and began to cry, “Little Broom was taken by demons last night, and he was taken directly from the heavily guarded sleeping quarters. Everyone says he’s already dead…”
Hua Qian Gu was stunned, looking at the crying child in front of her. Suddenly, she envied her ability to shed tears freely and release her emotions like this.
However, what exactly happened while she was away? Is this related to her Qianmu jie jie? Too many things have happened, and she is still foolishly clueless about everything.
She gently patted the girl’s head and selflessly offered her sleeve again to wipe away the tears: “But why did you come out alone at night? Are you hungry? Did you come to find something to eat?”
“Not… it’s not…” She lowered her head, hesitating. “I’ll tell you, but don’t tell anyone else, okay? Today, I don’t know if Zun Shang is sick or if an old injury has recurred; he’s been coughing up blood. I can’t cure him no matter what, but he won’t let me tell Shi Zun and Ru Zun. I’m at a loss about what to do. Tonight, he woke up for a while in a daze and suddenly said he wanted to eat peach blossom soup. However, there’s nothing to eat in the Emotionless Hall, and I don’t know how to make peach blossom soup. I had to sneak down here to try and make it. Usually, when I come to the kitchen to sneak food, Little Broom would make it for me. Now that Little Broom is gone, I didn’t expect it to be so difficult to cook for myself… Xiao Qi, what’s wrong with you?”
Hua Qian Gu staggered back a couple of steps, weakly leaning against the wall, reaching out to stop the girl’s support.
“What…is your name?”
“My name is You Ruo. I just won the Immortal Sword Tournament today, quite famous! I thought you might recognize me! Hehe…”
Hua Qian Gu’s lips trembled as she slowly closed her eyes. So it’s her, no wonder…
“Are you Okay?”
“I’m fine.” Hua Qian Gu smiled bitterly and sighed. In the face of such absurdity in the world, what else could she say?
“You … risking the danger to run out, in order to make a bowl of peach blossom soup for Zun Shang?
“You… risked danger to come out just to make a bowl of peach blossom soup for Zun Shang?”
noveldream 