Chapter 192: Baili Jingfeng
Chapter 192: Baili Jingfeng
After circling the area, Cheng Lingyu finally found a stone tablet inscribed with “Feihong Hall”. Faint traces of additional text lingered beneath, now illegible through time.
“How could this ancient castle’s outer defenses remain powerful when even exceptional-grade spirit artifacts have crumbled to dust?”
The evidence of brutal combat perplexed him. Had both warring factions perished together within these walls? If not, why did the defenses outside hold strong while the grand hall lay shattered and unprotected?
When Cheng Lingyu looked upward, shock crossed his handsome features. His earlier assumptions shattered as he beheld the castle’s ceiling.
The hall’s calm surface concealed its true secrets above.
Apart from the broken sword, nothing on the floor warranted attention during his inspection. The ceiling presented a stark contrast – a shimmering light cloud appeared and vanished intermittently, above which sat a figure as thin as a cicada’s wing, radiating eternal energy.
Though paper-flat, the figure possessed startling dimensionality. The blue-clad woman’s face remained blurred, her form exuding transcendent grace that seemed to look through worldly matters with celestial detachment.
This was the bearing of absolute supremacy, demanding universal submission.
As Cheng Lingyu observed the figure, the Fang Tian Bao Yin above him spun wildly, its crushing pressure forcing his head downward. The mysterious artifact trembled violently under the figure’s invisible influence despite her ethereal appearance.
“What dreadful existence! Mere residual presence exerts power over all directions. Could she be Feihong Hall’s original master? If so, what transpired here? What ancient secrets does Xiyun Divine Mountain hold?”
Curiosity warred with dread in Cheng Lingyu’s heart. He dared not contemplate further – if even the Fang Tian Bao Yin showed such fear, what recklessness could a mortal afford?
After glancing at the broken sword, he retreated cautiously from the hall.
The stone door slammed shut with thunderous force, its shockwave hurling him backward. When he steadied himself, he found himself beyond the castle’s outermost gate.
“This place reeks of strangeness,” Cheng Lingyu muttered, tension coiling through him as he grasped the castle’s true menace.
Storing the Fang Tian Bao Yin, he rejoined his companions.
“Elder brother! What did you find?” Fang Ruohua vibrated with excitement, seizing his arm.
Lan Xiaozhu studied his solemn expression. “What happened?”
Cheng Lingyu summarized his discoveries with a sigh.
“Feihong Hall… broken sword… mysterious figure…” Fang Ruohua pouted. “Sounds dull! No treasures at all?”
“That broken sword alone holds immeasurable value,” Cheng Lingyu countered. “Though unsuitable for me, and impossible to remove.”
“At least you gained knowledge,” Lan Xiaozhu offered. “This might prove useful someday.”
Cheng Lingyu smiled bitterly. He’d sooner erase this experience than face future connections with Feihong Hall.
Departing Black Soul Forest, the trio hastened toward Ninth Palace of Feixing, eager to leave Feixing Ridge behind.
From Lou Ri Square to Xingyun Ridge and then to Feixing Ridge, the trio didn’t take much time but made quite a haul.
Not only did they subdue two Immortal Souls, Cheng Lingyu also captured thousands of ordinary souls to exchange for contribution points.
When they reached the teleportation array near the Ninth Palace of Feixing, Cheng Lingyu instinctively looked toward the palace. To his surprise, a black-clad figure sat outside its doors, icy eyes fixed on him.
This was none other than the black-clad youth who’d stood at Lou Ri City’s mountain gate during the disciple recruitment.
“A disciple from Feixing Ridge’s lower four palaces?”
Cheng Lingyu found it strange. Though young and aloof, this youth had once radiated an aura that cowed countless experts.
Here stood a frosty, arrogant prodigy whose mere presence repelled others.
“Elder brother, what’s caught your eye?”
“Someone you’ve both met before.”
Their gazes locked across the distance. Ice flashed in the youth’s eyes while Cheng Lingyu answered with a lazy smile.
Fang Ruohua gasped when she spotted the figure. “Him again!”
Lan Xiaozhu frowned. “Why would a dragon dwell in such a puddle?”
Cheng Lingyu ordered, “Wait here for me…”
“I’m coming with you,” Fang Ruohua insisted.
“Stay here. If needed, I’ll call you later.”
In one step, Cheng Lingyu crossed miles to stand below the Ninth Palace’s steps.
The black-clad youth’s eyes flickered slightly but remained cold.
Cheng Lingyu grinned. “What should I call you, brother?”
The youth replied flatly, “Cheng Lingyu of Fallen God Ridge?”
“The same. Seems I’m not Feixing Ridge’s favorite guest.”
The man in black rose abruptly, his eyes turning sharp.
“You went too far.”
Cheng Lingyu shrugged. “I learned from your Feixing seniors – fists save breath better than words.”
“You dare speak thus? Should I discipline you?”
“You’d have acted sooner if defending them. Why sit alone here? Do they fear you… or is there more?”
The youth sneered. “Not your concern.”
“Fair enough. Your name, brother?”
The youth’s gaunt face twisted in irritation. “Baili Jingfeng.”
Cheng Lingyu blinked. “Baili Jingfeng? So you’re Senior Brother Baili from Ninth Palace?”
The black-clad youth glared. “Problem?”
“None. Just wondering – doesn’t solitude bore you?”
The black-clad youth snorted, “You’re overstepping.”
“Since Senior Brother Baili has free time, why don’t we play chess?”
Cheng Lingyu, having learned chess from Senior Sister Caiyun, happened to carry a set with him.
Baili Jingfeng glared disdainfully. “I’ve no time for games.”
Cheng Lingyu chuckled. “Afraid of losing, Senior Brother?”
“Your provoking tactic won’t work.”
“Then I guessed right?”
Baili Jingfeng’s eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”
“In cultivation level I can’t match you, but my chess skills are decent. Let’s wager.”
“What’s the stake?”
“If I lose, I’ll leave immediately and avoid you hereafter. If I win, I’d like your friendship.”
Baili Jingfeng’s gaze flickered.
“Very well. Defeat me at chess and I’ll grant your wish.”
Cheng Lingyu smiled. “Go easy on me, Senior Brother.”
They set the chessboard outside the Ninth Palace of Feixing’s Entrance Hall.
Though aloof, Baili Jingfeng played with knife-sharp precision, favoring relentless offense.
Cheng Lingyu countered with fluid defense, weaving techniques from the Heavenly Spirit Diagram into his moves.
By the teleportation array, Fang Ruohua gaped.
“Elder Brother actually… actually badgered him into playing! How cunning…”
Lan Xiaozhu grinned. “Lingyu learned from Senior Sister Caiyun – undefeated in chess.”
Fang Ruohua worried, “But that black-clad senior seems strong. Victory won’t come easy.”
She proved right – Baili Jingfeng’s skill surpassed expectations. Yet Cheng Lingyu’s training in the technique of origins’ Sixth Realm allowed seamless Heavenly Spirit Diagram applications.
Initially dominant, Baili Jingfeng soon frowned and shifted strategies.
Cheng Lingyu calmly turned defense to offense, each piece radiating lethal intent.
The tide turned. Baili Jingfeng’s face hardened with concentration while Cheng Lingyu sat serenely, wearing an easy smile.
Their battle lasted an hour – swift opening moves giving way to painstaking deliberation.
Finally, Baili Jingfeng hovered a piece helplessly.
“You win.”
“Your mercy, Senior Brother. Had you placed that piece, I’d have surrendered.”
Cheng Lingyu’s humble tone didn’t escape Baili Jingfeng.
“Why leave Fallen God Ridge for Feixing Ridge? You know the Western Fallen Nine Ridges feud.”
The aloof youth changed subjects awkwardly.
“I hunt souls at Soul Gathering Valley for contribution points.”
Cheng Lingyu answered truthfully, his gaze drifting to the palace doors. This wasn’t the place for conversation.