Chapter 137: Entanglement

Bound tightly by Yuan Kong’s silk-like zhenqi, even the fiercely sharp and thunderous power of Miss Xing’s Falling Light Breaker couldn’t be unleashed. The white light flickering on her stone sword had less and less space to move, being compressed into a tiny area!

In the cycle of the Five Elements, Fire conquers Metal. Yuan Kong’s cultivation clearly surpassed Miss Xing’s. With a final sharp clink, the stone sword returned to its original form—a pointed rock shaped like a sword. Its front half was incredibly smooth, while the back half was bumpy and pitted, dotted with holes. When the wind blew through them, it produced melodic, rhythmic sounds!

“Ah, that’s the Wind Howling Stone from the Kunlun Mountains!” Lin Fangjing sent a mental message.

Wind Howling Stone was an extremely rare jade found in Kunlun. When mountain wind blew across it, it emitted an unpredictable chorus of strange cries—sometimes like the roars of beasts or the howl of dragons, other times like the calls of phoenixes or sparrows. It might sound like lovers whispering, a girl laughing brightly, a baby crying, or an old man sighing…

This type of jade possessed exceptional properties: incredibly hard, nearly indestructible by flying swords, unaffected by water or fire—making it an outstanding material for forging swords. The fact that Miss Xing possessed such a stone sword suggested the Eternal Art successor enjoyed good relations with Kunlun.

Mu Yuan had countless thoughts swirling in his mind. Yuan Kong channeled his zhenqi and sent the Linglong Stone Sword flying back. “Miss Xing, my respect for your skill!” he said. He then brushed his sleeves and transformed into a streak of flame, soaring into the sky and vanishing.

Miss Xing stamped her foot angrily and slashed the stone sword wildly around the desert. Yellow sand exploded everywhere, blasted by her energized zhenqi. But being defeated by greater skill, she could do nothing about it!

Mu Yuan and Lin Fangjing quietly retreated several miles, dropped their invisibility spell, and slowly approached. Frantic thoughts churned in Mu Yuan’s mind: How exactly can I get close to this Eternal Art successor? Just gifting a technique was out of the question; it wasn’t casually taught. After much deliberation, he decided, as before, to use the Great Art of Yin-Yang Soul Shackling and Qi Sealing to seal off most of his cultivation aura, presenting only his Clear Water True Qi.

The change in the energy radiating from him was subtle, but Lin Fangjing, a Golden Core cultivator, naturally noticed. Though curious, she decided not to ask.

As they got closer, Mu Yuan cleared his throat and called out clearly, “Esteemed Fellow Daoist, may I inquire of the residence of True Lord Liuguang?”

Miss Xing had already sensed their approach and sheathed her stone sword. She saw a young man and woman. The man wasn’t especially handsome, but carried himself with a certain grace. The woman, however, was quite beautiful, her form elegantly outlined in a perfectly fitted, bright purple robe. The young woman immediately felt a favorable impression.

“Might I ask you, fellow practitioner, what business you have seeking True Lord Liuguang?”

Mu Yuan cleared his throat again, this time lowering his voice. “My name is Mu Yuan, a disciple of the Clear Water Palace. Not long ago, our sect was… wiped out… by demonic fiends. We barely escaped. We… have no choice but to seek guidance elsewhere. We heard True Lord Liuguang is deeply esteemed, possessing sky-reaching Magical Power. We’ve been searching and asking everyone we meet. We arrived in this endless desert, yet find not a trace… It truly disheartens me.”

Miss Xing found his story moving. She couldn’t help but beam, her earlier frustration from losing to Yuan Kong fading somewhat. She responded brightly, “That’s fortunate! My master is True Lord Liuguang. My name is Xing Yuzhu, but please, just call me Xing Yuzhu. And how should I address this esteemed young lady? Is she also from the Clear Water Palace?”

Lin Fangjing was puzzled by Mu Yuan’s plan, but answered readily when addressed: “I am Lin Fangjing, a disciple of Shenxiao Dao. This Fellow Daoist Mu and I are…”

Unsure of how Mu Yuan wanted to present their relationship, yet wanting to avoid ruining his scheme, she hesitated. Mu Yuan smoothly interjected, “Fellow Daoist Lin and I met on the road. I owe her much for her companionship and care.”

“Ah, a disciple of Shenxiao Dao! The prestige of Shenxiao Dao is well-known.” Xing Yuzhu relaxed slightly. From Mu Yuan, she sensed a soft, water-like Qi—signature of Water Dao practice. Lin Fangjing’s faint crackle of thunder-like Qi made her somewhat wary. Still, the three chatted pleasantly. Finding common ground, Xing Yuzhu said, “In that case, let me take you back to Star Metal Mountain. It’s not far from here. My master practices there, along with a few great-uncles and fellow disciples. After introductions… we can discuss your situation further.”

Mu Yuan’s heart surged with joy. Lin Fangjing, however, spoke up. “If you have found your way, I should take my leave. I was delayed in my own journey down the mountain. Now that Fellow Daoist Mu has a destination, it’s excellent news. I am certain we shall meet again by fate’s design.” Uncertain of Mu Yuan’s true intentions and worried about accidentally exposing a flaw if she went with them, she opted to leave.

“That’s fitting,” Mu Yuan said naturally. “We are all cultivators. Should we achieve success, our lives span long ages—certainly we shall meet again someday.”

After months together, Lin Fangjing had grown fond of Mu Yuan. Cultivation within her sect was usually surrounded by kin-like fellow disciples. Meeting Mu Yuan twice, both times aided by him, carried faint shades of a heroic rescue. This farewell, despite her resolve, brought a touch of reluctance. But a cultivator’s nature is resolute. She steeled herself and soared away on her Daoist light.

Shenxiao Dao’s evasion method, like its spells, was swift and decisive—as quick as lightning! Blinking rapidly, she vanished into the distance far faster than most Five Elements Path techniques. Xing Yuzhu, practicing Eternal Art which also utilized Thunder Evasion famed for its speed, wasn’t overly impressed. Mu Yuan, however, watched enviously. His own evasion technique, even boosted by his Water Restriction Escape Sword, felt inadequate in comparison.

Of course, techniques of the Five Elements Path differed—each possessed its own marvels. It wasn’t fair to say one path’s evasion technique was definitively superior; they merely had their strengths and weaknesses.

Lin Fangjing soon became a distant speck, vanishing from view. Xing Yuzhu noticed Mu Yuan’s lingering gaze. Thinking it was fondness over Lin Fangjing’s aid and reluctance at parting, she silently admired his loyalty and affection. “She’s gone quite far now, Fellow Daoist Mu. No need to strain your eyes,” she teased with a smile.

Mu Yuan withdrew his gaze, feeling embarrassed. Xing Yuzhu’s peculiar smile suggested she’d guessed his thoughts. His face turned red. He stammered, “Ahem… yes, Xing Yuzhu. Let us proceed to Star Metal Mountain.”

“Very well—” Just as Xing Yuzhu agreed, a series of sharp whistling sounds cut through the air. Several figures clad in spotless white robes descended from the sky, each carrying a long sword strapped to their backs. Despite the desert environment, not a speck of dust marred their clothes or long sleeves. They radiated an indescribable air of elegance and effortless grace.

“Junior Sister Xing!” The leader greeted her happily. He had sharp eyebrows that nearly touched his temples and strikingly handsome features. “Junior Sister Xing!”

“Senior Brother Lu,” Xing Yuzhu replied. A slight, almost imperceptible frown creased her brow; her expression cooled noticeably. “Where might you be headed?” she inquired calmly.

Senior Brother Lu moved closer, seemingly oblivious to Mu Yuan standing beside her. “A fiend recently dared trespass Kunlun! The audacity—he actually managed to abduct a Primordial Spirit Elder of our branch! We are searching for this villain. Times are chaotic, Junior Sister Xing. Why are you out here alone?”

Ah, disciples of Kunlun… though I wonder which sublineage they belong to, Mu Yuan mused internally. He watched as Senior Brother Lu focused solely on Xing Yuzhu, completely ignoring his presence. It wasn’t overt rudeness, Mu Yuan realized—it was the blindness of infatuation. His initial slight annoyance vanished, replaced by mild amusement.

“Alone? Who says I’m alone?” Xing Yuzhu countered pointedly, clearly not appreciating Senior Brother Lu’s attention. She gestured towards Mu Yuan. “This esteemed fellow practitioner accompanies me.”

Ah, another classic tale: the lovelorn Prince Xiang and the indifferent Goddess of the Mountains… Pitiable, truly pitiable, Mu Yuan thought wryly as he subtly shifted his weight, taking a small step back.

“Ah!” Senior Brother Lu finally registered Mu Yuan’s presence. He performed a hurried cupped fist salute towards him. “My apologies, Fellow Daoist, for my discourtesy!”

Mu Yuan gave an easy chuckle. “No offense taken, Brother Lu. I quite understand the situation. Completely understandable.”

Senior Brother Lu offered a grateful smile, then instantly turned his fervent attention back to Xing Yuzhu.

Meanwhile, Mu Yuan’s heart churned like a stormy sea. So the Monster Saint truly returned to Kunlun! And abducted an exalted Primordial Spirit! That’s… terrifying!

Xing Yuzhu clearly found the interaction intolerable but had to uphold decorum. She assumed a formal tone. “What manner of fiend possesses such strength to actually wound someone within Kunlun itself?”

It wasn’t just Mu Yuan who was stunned; Xing Yuzhu was equally shocked! Anyone would feel terror hearing this! Seeing no immediate way to shake off Senior Brother Lu, she seized the opportunity to ask.

Mentioning the incident visibly unsettled Senior Brother Lu. After all, having an elder—an exalted Primordial Spirit, no less—snatched from their very headquarters was a profound humiliation! “That fiend possesses immense Divine Abilities and wields a formidable Grotto-heaven Treasure! The Sect Leader deduced the villain is likely approaching the realm of Primordial Spirit Unity with the Dao! But he’s not unscathed. Qiankun Elder landed a Qiankun Forbiddance Great Palm Seal on him, and the Daoist Master of Vital Breath struck him with his sword. The fiend only escaped by invoking Blood Evasion!” The Primordial Spirit Unity with the Dao… what level could that be? The Monster Saint suffered grievous wounds! And now pursued by Kunlun… this path won’t be smooth for him.

Xing Yuzhu was shocked anew. She had assumed the fiend infiltrated Kunlun undetected to seize the elder. Senior Brother Lu’s account revealed the fiend had brazenly engaged Kunlun’s full force and still escaped! Such a demon was truly fearsome! I must inform my master and let them prepare!

Xing Yuzhu declared promptly, “In such dangerous times, I will also return to warn my master. Senior Brother Lu, you and the others searching for the fiend… do be cautious.”

Senior Brother Lu laughed confidently. “No worries! When we descended the mountain, the elders bestowed each of us a Celestial Evasion Talisman! Should we encounter that fiend and just crush the talisman, we’d instantly return to Kunlun’s inner sanctuary! The elders can sense the location where the talisman breaks and rush there with tremendous speed!”