Liu Jiang Fusheng gazed at the alluring eyes of these "Gu Junshi" manifestations, a ripple of shock surging through him. A faint smile touched his lips. With dust-pink fingertips, he gently gripped the scruff of the treasure-seeking mouse and held it at his arm's length, lifting its small, pointed face. The mouse's innocent, round eyes looked back at him.
He stared intently for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. Immediately, the mouse's fur rippled like waves in the wind. A low, brief rumble emanated from its throat, a soft, murmuring sound, half-cry, half-purr.
Liu Jiang Fusheng's fine, frost-like brows relaxed. He reached out, his fingers lightly stroking the mouse's warm ears. The cartilage felt firm yet delicate, and as it folded in his palm, it offered a peculiar comfort.
"Why... has she not arrived yet?"
He slowly raised his eyes, his gaze like water, yet tinged with a hint of coldness. He extended an arm, the wind catching his sleeve and billowing it outwards. His dark hair brushed past his clear, cold eyes as a magnificent, sky-hued long sword materialized.
With a slight flick of his wrist, he channeled his spirit and pushed forward. The "Flower Spirit" sword shot forth like a startled bird, vanishing into the distance.
Where the moon-white radiance passed, it seemed to shred and slice. The solitary moon and frost transformed, the celestial realm cleaved. The lush, abundant cherry forest was utterly shattered, as if spectral spirits wailed in agony. The blossoms that carpeted the mountainside, red, pink, and white, seemed to awaken from a vibrant oil painting. The "Gu Junshi" figures, frozen in their poses within the painting, were cut into fragments, ultimately scattering into a sky full of drifting cherry blossoms, carried away by the wind like a blush of magnificent crimson clouds.
Wei Li crouched low ahead. He turned his fox head, seeing Liu Jiang Fusheng's ruthless and fierce strike, which had directly annihilated the "Cherry Scar Forest." He didn't know if Liu Jiang Fusheng was angered by the forest for exposing his deepest, unattainable desires or if he loathed the illusory phantoms it conjured.
"A demon plant that thrives by feeding on the obsessions and greed of cultivators, and it dares to impersonate her?"
Liu Jiang Fusheng's lips, crimson as ripe berries, curved in a smile as radiant as a blooming flower. He stepped on the fallen petals scattered on the ground, showing no regard for them as he crushed them into the mud. He then strolled away from the devastated "Cherry Scar Forest."
Wei Li saw that Liu Jiang Fusheng had not beckoned him. His fox eyes flickered, and he followed closely behind.
After Liu Jiang Fusheng's departure, many hidden demon plants, trembling, emerged from the earth. There were grasses, flowers, and medicinal herbs among them. They watched the clean, slender silhouette of the boy. Sunlight poured down, outlining his retreating form with a bright, pleasing halo, creating an illusion that he was about to ascend to immortality.
Yet, upon witnessing the violent destruction of the "Cherry Scar Forest," some demon plants, possessing nascent sentience but little capacity for independent thought, felt a fear that burned their roots. The path he had trampled and shattered also saw the illusion of a bloody, alluring figure shattered.
Dangerous—
A fierce, dangerous figure had entered the "Dragon Island Secret Realm"—
They had to report it quickly!
Faster, they had to be faster!
The demon plants simultaneously emitted a rustling, curling, high-pitched cry inaudible to humans. While a single cry was subtle, once the entire area of demon plants was awakened, wave after wave of sound converged, creating a resounding chorus that reached the heavens.
And in the deepest heart of the "Dragon Island Secret Realm," amidst the fiery waves of the abyssal sea, stood a magnificent, majestic castle of pure white. It was built in layers upon fossilized bones, a cold city in a burning land, the heavens and earth divided into extreme, contradictory worlds.
Within the castle's innermost depths, in a resplendent hall, a vast, cloud-white expanse met the sky, with soaring pavilions and crimson eaves. Below, there was no ground, only a single beam of light. Its radiance was as clear as crystal, ethereal and illusory, bridging the space between the hall's ceiling and floor, making it impossible to discern if it floated in mid-air or was reflected in the clear, verdant depths. It was mysterious and serene.
Standing at the highest point of the "Dragon Island Secret Realm" was a slender, poplar-like white tower. It carried the island's years and inherited its generations, listening to all the "voices" on the island.
The hazy, mysterious light in the hall flickered briefly and rapidly after receiving the message from the white tower. The light, delicate as porcelain, pulsed with a translucent sheen before slowly choosing to settle back into silence.
It sensed the arrival of destiny...
Near...
Soon...
—
The center of the realm had been stirred by Liu Jiang Fusheng's arrival, and visitors had also arrived from the western and eastern borders. The wind stirred the dark woods, the sea roared, giant whales rolled, and angry waves crashed against cliffs.
Cheng Hong, after being teleported into the "Dragon Island Secret Realm" from the western border, arrived at the east coast. He sensed a weight attaching itself to him at one moment, but a certain suspicion prevented him from reacting. He feigned ignorance, covering his eyes and ears.
The sky was clear and azure. From the blue sea, the sea breeze carried a briny scent. Cheng Hong listened to the most genuine sounds of nature. In his white monastic robes, dust scattering with his movements, he turned his head slightly. Behind him, there was nothing.
On a distant, vast, rocky cliff, a young man stood against the wind, his presence as wild as the surging tides. He seemed to be born with the moon; he was Yan Tianjiao, and also Wu Qianren.
He glanced in this direction. Cheng Hong met his gaze peacefully. It seemed the east coast was not as accommodating as the west; only the two of them had been teleported here.
The west coast of the Dragon Island Secret Realm, however, had gathered Dan Ya, Gui Ying, Ru Lan, and Lu Ziyin together.
Upon arriving in a strange land, ordinary people might band together for exploration. But here, none of them intended to share their opportunities with others. Even if they encountered danger, it was a crisis interwoven with opportunity. Cultivators who dared not take risks were unworthy of a place among the top ten of the "Rookie Ranking."
Dan Ya's gaze swept across their faces, his warm voice carrying a gentle breeze. "The Dragon Island Secret Realm is a vast treasure trove before us. If we were to journey together, it would be somewhat wasteful. Ya will take leave now; the rest depends on each person's destiny."
The "Dragon Island Secret Realm" was the reward for the top ten of the "Rookie Ranking" given by the Void Gate. However, it was only open for half a month, and all must leave once the time was up.
Therefore, this half-month period was crucial, and time could not be squandered casually.
Dan Ya offered a polite bow of courtesy, then turned with neat grace, choosing a small path to depart.
The west coastline was long, with mountains guarding the sea. Dan Ya headed towards the mangrove forest east of the beach.
Gui Ying heard Dan Ya choose to wander the "Dragon Island Secret Realm" alone. He was not familiar with the remaining people, so he remained silent, following his instincts in another direction.
With two more departures, those remaining also began to consider their next steps. Finally, only Ru Lan and Lu Ziyin were left.
Ru Lan saw that all available paths had been chosen and she did not wish to follow the same direction as the others. She weighed her route. Lu Ziyin, for reasons unknown, remained until the end.
She had intended to leave immediately but couldn't resist throwing a remark at Lu Ziyin: "Don't follow me. You people are always following behind others to pick up scraps. This time, let's see if I allow you to."
Lu Ziyin was not angered. He tapped his lips with his fan, a curved smile on his face. "This competitive spirit of yours is not good. Besides, the Dragon Island Secret Realm has ten regions rich in celestial treasures: spirit crystal mines, demon plant areas, demon beast areas, the unknown zone, mountain tomb areas, dragon burial areas, deep sea areas... Are there not enough for me to choose from? Must I follow you and pick up the leftovers?"
"Haven't the people from your Lu Manor told you? Although the Dragon Island Secret Realm has ten prime locations, the east and west borders are ultimately the outer areas, with limited good finds. The center of the realm, however, is not so easily accessible. So when I say you follow me to pick up scraps, I don't mean these things, but rather, don't think of using me to take the lead while you benefit easily from behind."
Ru Lan had never considered wasting time in the east or west borders. She had to quickly break into the "Dragon Island Secret Realm's" central area, where high-level demon beasts, sentient demon plants, and rich spirit stone veins, all of high value, could be found.
She believed Lu Ziyin must have the same intention.
Although Lu Ziyin's methods could be considered shameless, he did enjoy taking shortcuts to achieve his goals. What was wrong with that? Was hardship and toil the only virtues, and idleness a definite flaw?
"In any area, to obtain celestial treasures, one needs fate, luck, or even strength. The central area is indeed better, but are you sure that if you encounter a good opportunity alone in the central area, you can escape unscathed?"
"That is my business, mind your own." Ru Lan shot him a glare.
Lu Ziyin nodded feigning solemnity. "Very well, I shall part ways with you here. Lu wishes Junior Sister Ru of the Peerless Realm all success and fulfillment in this endeavor."
Ru Lan said sternly, "Then it's settled, wherever I go, you stay far away!"
Lu Ziyin's eyes suddenly turned cold, finally unable to suppress his irritation. "Do you think I want to be with you? Ru Lan, it's one thing that you are plain-looking, but you also have such boundless self-adoration. It truly leaves me at a loss for words."
Seeing him angered, Ru Lan was no longer annoyed. She merely pouted, sneering, "Lu Ziyin, have some shame. You are someone who covets even married women. It is only natural that I am more cautious and distrustful of you."
Lu Ziyin, reminded by her words, recalled that woman named "Gu Yi." The fleeting glance of her at the time still stirred his heart, but then he thought of Liu Jiang Fusheng... His eyes darkened, and he sighed, "Ruo Fu has a husband, yet alas, my deep affection has nowhere to go."
Ru Lan was truly exasperated with him.
"Disgusting."
—
Gui Ying walked silently towards the red maple mountain cliff canyon. In a narrow, dark passage, he suddenly stopped. His vacant eyes fixed on the air, and he softly called out, "Lord."
As this title was spoken, a slender figure emerged from the shadows, exuding an aura of fierce winds and burning desire. This was Gu Junshi.
"I'll borrow your path, Gui Ying. You can go seek your own destiny."
"Where is Lord headed?"
Gu Junshi was shrouded in darkness. The brim of her hat concealed most of her face. Her pale lips were pressed together neither loosely nor tightly. Her gaze stretched from the immediate surroundings to the distant center of the "Dragon Island Secret Realm."
"White Tower City."
Finally, she spoke the three words.
White Tower City?
Gui Ying had never heard of it, but he knew that if his Lord was going there, it must be no ordinary place.
His speech was clumsy, and when he wanted to express his willingness, he would stutter. "I... I can accompany Lord..."
Gu Junshi refused him outright. "No need. I have important matters to attend to, and so do you. Your entry into the top ten of the rookie ranking was not easy, so you must firmly grasp any opportunity that falls into your hands. Do not let my affairs delay your plans. Go."
Her form gradually blurred into smoke. As soon as her words fell, she had already transformed into a light breeze, drifting away like mist.
After Gu Junshi left, Gui Ying's handsome, hardened brows were like carved stone. He stood still for a moment. Just as he was about to turn away, a clear, elegant voice suddenly sounded from behind: "I never imagined you would have the ability to bring an outsider into this Dragon Island Secret Realm?"
Gui Ying's spine stiffened. He cranically turned his head to "look." It was Dan Ya, with a gentle smile that concealed his true intentions. He didn't know when he had appeared there, nor how much he had seen.
Had he seen his Lord?
"Why not?" Gui Ying stiffened his face and said coldly.
Dan Ya curled his lips. Seeing his righteous retort, he suddenly changed his original thoughts. He asked, "Gui Ying, do you know why I approached you from behind?"
"What do you want?" Gui Ying's grayish, dim eyes "stared" at him.
Dan Ya moved closer, his gaze possessing a magical quality that gradually sharpened to a bloodthirsty intensity, like a hawk spotting prey, or a serpent hunting. "Cooperate with me. Shall we deal with Liu Jiang Fusheng together?"
Frankly, Gui Ying was moved for a moment, but he quickly regained his senses. He mumbled, "I... I no longer hate him."
Dan Ya furrowed his brow, studying him intently for a moment, finally confirming that he was not being insincere but truly felt that way.
"If you don't even dare to hate anymore, Gui Ying, don't you think you are becoming more pathetic?" Dan Ya suddenly chuckled.
Gui Ying was not one to be easily provoked. His expression darkened. "It has nothing to do with you."
Dan Ya's clear, scholarly, ink-dark eyes became extremely dangerous at this moment. "Since you have no remaining value, and you know my intentions, why keep you around?"
Unexpectedly, he attacked Gui Ying. Gui Ying did not know when Dan Ya had branded him with a curse. Sharp threads, like thorns, rapidly coiled around his body. He had no arms, so of course, he could not break free. His head began to throb...
Dan Ya lightly placed a hand on his head. His killing intent was undisguised. But at the last moment, Gui Ying's vacant, grayish eyes suddenly turned red.
The color, stained with the hue of blood, was a chilling crimson, imbued with an inhuman, icy coldness.
The moment his pupils changed, a powerful, evil force surged towards Dan Ya like a mountain collapsing or a tsunami crashing.
*Puff—*
Dan Ya's chest received a powerful impact. Intense pain, accompanied by a bone-chilling tide, swept through his entire body.
Undoubtedly, with just one move, he was severely injured. He looked at Gui Ying with disbelief.
His condition was not right.
His aura also seemed to have completely changed.
Dan Ya's expression shifted, and he quickly fled.
"Gui Ying" did not intend to pursue. "He" looked in a direction, as if in pilgrimage or under a spell, muttering numbly, "Son of Heaven's Will, Son of Heaven's Will, Son of Heaven's Will..."