Chapter 14: A Parting of Ways and a Perilous Accusation

Ye Qingfeng nodded in silence. If even the slightest possibility existed, she would, of course, wish to return to the Sky Philosophy Sect, but regrettably, that was no longer an option.

She then watched as Quan Haoqing pushed all the spirit stones towards her.

“Then let all these spirit stones belong to Fellow Daoist Ye this time. As for the magical artifacts and talismans, they shall be mine.”

Knowing Ye Qingfeng valued fairness and disliked being indebted, Quan Haoqing offered an explanation: “The value of magical artifacts and talismans varies depending on the demand. I’ve spent more time traveling outside and have some connections, so I can find people to sell them to myself. The spirit stones I’ll earn from those sales should be roughly equivalent to the share we agreed upon.”

He continued, “If Fellow Daoist Ye intends to continue your trials afterward, without the backing of a family or sect, spirit stones will become a significant shortage. This arrangement should conveniently resolve your urgent need. We could say we’re both getting what we require.”

Ye Qingfeng accepted Quan Haoqing’s explanation, as she had no intention of continuing to travel with him. After all, she remained uncertain as to when Quan Haoqing might discover her secret, or what his attitude towards her would be once he did. Furthermore, she had, after transforming into a female cultivator, fought him in a desperate struggle.

While their collaboration had been amicable, it had only served to alleviate the immediate awkwardness. For now, this level of interaction sufficed; parting ways would be beneficial for them both.

Moreover, Ye Qingfeng wasn’t sure if her paranoia might eventually lead her to act against Quan Haoqing. At least for their current association, she was inclined to turn an enemy into a friend.

Seeing Ye Qingfeng agree, Quan Haoqing divided their gains into two portions, placing them into separate storage bags. He handed the one filled with spirit stones to Ye Qingfeng, keeping the magical artifacts and talismans for himself.

He had no further intention of lingering. Cupping his hands, he bid her farewell, “Then, Fellow Daoist Ye, we part ways here. The path of cultivation is long; we shall meet again. Oh, and if you find yourself unsure where to go for a time, you might consider settling in Xingqing City first.”

Ye Qingfeng considered his suggestion. Xingyang City was indeed a common gathering place for rogue cultivators in the vicinity, managed by influential clans, and at least a relatively orderly location. She cupped her hands in return, “Thank you for the advice, Fellow Daoist. We shall meet again.”

She then watched Quan Haoqing depart, her gaze following him until his figure vanished completely.

****

Unbeknownst to Ye Qingfeng, Quan Haoqing halted once he was well beyond her sensory range, gazing silently in her direction, as if his very soul had been captivated.

The Blazing Starfall Tome Spirit sensed something amiss. [You haven’t fallen for her, have you?]

Quan Haoqing did not respond directly.

‘Such grace and bearing could charm countless men into infatuation.’

The Blazing Starfall Tome Spirit offered a subtle caution. [I absolutely believe this might be rather inappropriate.]

Quan Haoqing extended his palm towards the silently rising bright moon, as if intending to gather the luminous orb that illuminated the night sky into his grasp.

‘Indeed, my current self is quite unsuitable, but what about the future? Who can truly know how far I might ascend in the days to come?’

The Blazing Starfall Tome Spirit fell silent.

[Alas, this person is already deeply entangled.]

[That woman is truly despicable; a nude battle is indeed something no ordinary person can withstand!]

Though Quan Haoqing had begun to harbor different thoughts about Ye Qingfeng, he understood that even if both desired to mend their relationship, their encounter in the grotto-heaven had created a vast chasm between them.

The closer they were now, the wider that chasm might grow. Only time, and perhaps their temporary absence from each other’s lives, would allow that wound to slowly heal.

Their present parting was merely a prelude to a better reunion in the future.

Nor was he concerned about not meeting again; Xingyang City was a rather excellent place to settle.

Based on his experience, he deduced that Ye Qingfeng would likely remain active within the vicinity of Xingyang City for at least a year.

“Let’s go. I’ve been active here for so long that those ‘fish’ should have caught my scent by now. Hmph, I need to investigate thoroughly first.”

****

After Quan Haoqing departed,

A look of bewilderment settled in Ye Qingfeng’s eyes. The world was vast, yet she found herself utterly lost, unsure of where she should go.

In her youth, she had joined a sect. Fifty years had passed, a generation had returned to the earth, and her mortal dwelling had long since turned to ruins.

During her time at Sky Philosophy Sect, she had been full of youthful vigor. Though not a top disciple, she could certainly be called ‘excellent.’ Had she followed the established path, perhaps in a hundred or a thousand years, she might have become an elder of the sect, or even glimpsed immortal destiny.

Yet now, all her plans had come to naught. Countless paths lay before her, each shrouded in dense mist.

Ye Qingfeng walked without direction, only to realize, when her senses returned, that she was deep within a dense forest, with the moon already high in the sky.

Darkness devoured the land, making Ye Qingfeng’s figure appear incredibly small and solitary.

It was then that she recalled something she had yet to do: examine the information contained within her communication talisman.

Scanning her surroundings to ensure no one was near, Ye Qingfeng finally began to process the message.

This very information sent tumultuous waves surging through Ye Lan’s heart.

****

At the entrance to the secret realm, elders from several major sects had marked out their territories, quietly awaiting the return of their disciples from within.

As a legacy left by predecessors for future generations, secret realms often contained numerous heavenly treasures, magical artifacts, or cultivation techniques. However, these realms were not inexhaustible.

For instance, this particular secret realm had already been opened two or three times.

With few treasures remaining and each opening growing shorter, it was now primarily used for the younger generation of disciples to gain experience.

Normally, disciples from major sects would face no significant issues in a secret realm of this level, yet the elder from Sky Philosophy Sect was visibly restless.

“Du Yu, have Liang Tong and Ye Lan still not emerged?”

The presiding elder inquired, his expression somewhat grim.

Beside him stood a disciple whose specific duty was to count the returning participants.

Clad in white robes, with black hair, thick brows, and bright eyes, his features were distinct, marking him as a youthful talent.

The most common Daoist robe of the Sky Philosophy Sect, worn by him, nevertheless exuded a reassuring aura.

Du Yu’s expression was exceptionally solemn as he shook his head. “No, they haven’t.”

The elder’s distress stemmed not merely from the prolonged absence of the two disciples, but from the grave issues affecting their life talismans. Witnessing more than half of the talismans, which symbolized the disciples’ very lives, crumble into ash, his face instantly turned exceptionally grim.

Primarily, both disciples were promising talents, yet now they faced the grim prospect of premature death.

Just then, a figure drenched in blood appeared before everyone at the secret realm entrance.

“Senior Brother Liang Tong!”

The secret realm entrance was already nearing its closure, and thus, the Sky Philosophy Sect disciples who had participated in this trial were already waiting within their sect’s designated area. Upon seeing Liang Tong’s wretched state, they prepared to rush forward and greet him.

After all, Liang Tong had always been approachable, impartial, and caring towards his numerous fellow disciples within the sect, maintaining high popularity.

However, someone was quicker than them: the elder dispatched by the sect to oversee the situation.

In but a blink of an eye, Liang Tong had already been brought to the sect’s designated area.

Gently placing him on the ground, the elder’s expression grew even more distraught.

Liang Tong was not only gravely wounded, but his meridians were severely damaged, leaving him with less than a tenth of his cultivation. What further enraged the elder was the magical energy residue found at the wounds, strongly suggesting that the assailant was very likely a disciple of their very own Sky Philosophy Sect.

The elder instructed other disciples to administer life-saving pills to Liang Tong, while he himself used spiritual energy to protect Liang Tong’s meridians. Seizing the moment while Liang Tong was still conscious, he quietly pressed, “What happened? Who did this?”

Once inside a secret realm, whether one was a sect disciple or a rogue cultivator, life and death were left to fate, and wealth to heaven.

Upon emerging from the secret realm, all grudges and grievances incurred within it were supposedly wiped clean.

While this was an established rule, in reality, everyone knew it was impossible. At best, it meant people wouldn’t immediately turn hostile or bully others openly.

After all, if one’s skills were inferior, the sect would not use its power to back up an unworthy disciple.

However, Liang Tong was a disciple who had earned the attention of the Grand Elder, and among the participants in this secret realm, his strength was among the best. To injure him to such an extent, the methods used could not have been honorable.

Moreover, infighting among fellow sect members was an absolute taboo.

“It was Junior Brother Ye Lan,” Liang Tong whispered weakly. “It was my mistake; I told him about my gains from the secret realm. He must have been overcome by inner demons and attacked me.”

Liang Tong’s voice was faint and weak, heard only by the elder and a few disciples nearby. Their expressions instantly turned to utter astonishment, especially Du Yu’s, whose usually steadfast, stone-like composure wavered, clearly showing his disbelief.

The elder’s expression immediately darkened.

He wished to inquire further, but Liang Tong had already fallen unconscious due to his severe injuries.

“That scoundrel!”

Though he hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, Liang Tong’s horrific injuries had already convinced the elder eight-tenths of the truth.

His gaze turned cold as he looked towards the secret realm entrance. No matter the location, no matter the reason, internecine strife was an absolute taboo within the sect.

Even if there were some monumental grudge between Ye Lan and Liang Tong, as fellow disciples, it was naturally the duty of the Enforcement Hall to judge and dispense justice.

Taking matters into one’s own hands, even to the point of killing, was no longer a crime that could be absolved by mere expulsion from the sect.

He now yearned to rush into the secret realm and bring that lawless scoundrel to justice.

However, he could not do so. This secret realm was only accessible to cultivators of the Origin Reversion Realm; that was the rule.

Furthermore, if he were to enter, the commotion would be far too great. Should such an incident spread, their Sky Philosophy Sect would become a laughingstock.

Du Yu then spoke, “Elder, allow me to lead a search party inside. It’s unlikely he will exit from this same entrance again.”

The elder gave a bitter smile. “Searching for a needle in a haystack, that’s difficult.”

Du Yu continued, “Therefore, this disciple respectfully requests the Elder to issue a sect mission, the content of which would be to search for the missing disciple Ye Lan… and to announce it to all rogue cultivators within the secret realm. Currently, if Ye Lan wishes to leave, he can only do so through those unregistered individuals, who are often driven by profit. Moreover, if those rogue cultivators dare to spread rumors, we will be better prepared to handle it.”

After closing his eyes in thought for a few seconds, the elder declared, “So be it. Take ten disciples inside. I will make arrangements on the sect’s end.”

He personally selected ten disciples, all elites among those who had undergone this trial. Many of them had once benefited from Liang Tong’s kindness, and thus, they were now filled with righteous indignation.

Seeing this, the elder’s expression instantly turned stern. He spoke in a severe tone, “This time, Du Yu will lead the team. I believe you are all clear on your mission. However, I must remind you that this matter has not yet been definitively concluded! Until the truth is thoroughly investigated, Ye Lan remains merely a major suspect, and still a disciple of my Sky Philosophy Sect!”

“Therefore, I forbid you from taking matters into your own hands. Should you encounter him, you are not permitted to harm his life unless absolutely necessary. Judging the transgressions of sect members is the duty of the Enforcement Hall. I do not wish to hear of anyone disregarding the sect rules we have established, or they will all be severely punished without mercy!”

Feeling the immense pressure emanating from the elder, the disciples quickly reined in their thoughts, bowing respectfully as they replied, “Understood.”

Only then did the elder turn to Du Yu, who stood beside him. “You are steady in your actions, and I trust you greatly. Remember, for this entry into the secret realm, go quickly and return swiftly, prioritizing your own safety.”

Du Yu nodded, then led ten of his fellow disciples back into the secret realm.

“The secret realm is closing soon,” Du Yu instructed the ten disciples behind him immediately upon entering. “To maximize efficiency, we will split up. My strength is the highest, so I will form a single group. The rest of you will pair up, looking out for each other.”

“Remember the elder’s words: prioritize your own safety, and absolutely no private vengeance!”

“Yes, Senior Brother Du.”

Du Yu’s method was eminently reasonable, and coupled with his role as the leader of this expedition, the ten disciples voiced no objections.

“One more thing,” Du Yu added, “While we need to rely on the rogue cultivators’ strength to investigate Ye Lan’s movements, this in itself is not a glorious matter for the sect. The mission content you give them is to search for the missing sect disciple, Ye Lan. Remember this point well.”

“Senior Brother Du, we understand.”

Du Yu nodded, then continued to advise, “Disperse now, and all of you, pay attention to your safety and the time; the secret realm is closing rapidly. Even if you locate Ye Lan, if you find the situation unmanageable, prioritize your own safety and simply bring back the intelligence.”

“Understood.”

The ten disciples quickly dispersed, while Du Yu walked alone towards the depths of the secret realm. As he went, he transmitted this memory to his communication talisman and spoke into it, “Things are as you’ve seen. Senior Brother Liang Tong is gravely wounded, and you have been made a major suspect. Although I believe you incapable of such an act, given Senior Brother Liang Tong’s reputation and his ordeal, even if your conscience is clear, it might be impossible to explain yourself upon your return.

“If you receive this message, then you absolutely must not return to the Sky Philosophy Sect during this period. Even with a clear conscience, this matter is far too suspicious. You once saved my life, and now it is my time to repay you. I will spare no effort to clear your name.

“Remember to regularly monitor the sect missions publicly announced by Sky Philosophy Sect. When the reward for the mission to find you changes from spirit stones and magical artifacts to my personal communication talisman, that will be the sign that I have cleared your name. At that time, return openly and boldly, and you can buy me a drink.”