noveltune Chapter 143 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 143: Walk and Fight
Chapter 143 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 143: Walk and Fight
Chapter 143 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 143: Walk and Fight
Translator: Lynn
Within the hushed depths of the underground magical cavern, Xu Ziqing rested upon Yun Lie’s back, his arms encircling his senior brother’s shoulders while his legs clung to his waist—an arrangement that left him feeling somewhat uneasy.
Despite having known each other for nearly a decade and sharing a profound familiarity, this proximity was an unprecedented occurrence. Xu Ziqing’s earlier loss of composure before Yun Lie had left him grappling with complex emotions. Even though Yun Lie’s demeanor remained unchanged, beneath the surface, his feelings were undoubtedly intricate. In times past, being carried by his senior brother would have been a flattering experience, evoking joy and contentment. Now, however, the situation was different, rendering Xu Ziqing unable to regain his composure easily.
The recollection that Yun Lie had overheard everything earlier caused a flush of warmth to creep across Xu Ziqing’s face. This distraction momentarily pushed aside his physical discomfort.
Abruptly, Yun Lie’s voice sliced through the silence, advising, “Don’t overthink. Focus on regulating your breath.”
Taken aback, Xu Ziqing quickly responded, “Yes, Shixiong.”
He chided himself for his repeated blunders on this day.
In a concerted effort to quell his swirling emotions, Xu Ziqing turned inward, engaging in the practice of his exercises. Swiftly, he guided the flow of his true energy through his meridians, hastening its circulation.
In his eagerness to expedite his recovery, he retrieved a piece of primal wood grass from his storage ring and ingested it raw. Instantaneously, a potent Ethereal Wood Qi coursed down his throat, permeating every corner of his body. The Ethereal Wood Qi harmonized with the true essence within his dantian, encouraging heightened production. Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m
As this harmonious cycle continued, the Qi and blood within Xu Ziqing’s frame stirred, gradually escalating in intensity. The melodious resonance echoing within his meridians resembled a symphony of harmony, with meridians as strings, blood droplets as notes, and the flow of energy as music. Together, these elements weaved a captivating auditory tapestry.
Xu Ziqing’s eyes fluttered closed, a soft azure radiance flickering within. His form was embraced by a delicate green luminescence, lending him an ethereal aura.
Such intimacy and vitality were qualities intrinsic to practitioners of the wood element. Xu Ziqing, holding a unique single wood spirit root, epitomized the peak of this connection.
Consequently, the youthful figure, shrouded in an aura of coveted allure, exuded an irresistible temptation to the sinister denizens of the Heavenly Demon Cave.
Amidst the labyrinth of passageways and shadowy corners, an array of frigid and malevolent creatures began to stir, their intentions ominous and violent.
The nearby ambiance took on an even more eerie quality. The air became saturated with a sense of impending danger and malevolence, emanating from all directions. This aura of impending doom carried with it the essence of bloodlust and avarice, steadily advancing.
Yet, Xu Ziqing, engrossed in his meditative practice, remained oblivious to the encroaching peril.
Within this expanse of boundless darkness, a lone figure draped in white traversed the depths. Upon his back, the young man swathed in a voluminous black robe lay in repose. His breath exuded warmth and vitality, infusing the surrounding atmosphere with an active energy that somehow softened the ice-cold demeanor of the white-clad individual.
In a sudden shift, the man raised his gaze, his jet-black eyes flickering with an uncanny artistic conception—dangerous and keen. Simultaneously, an invisible “field” materialized, enveloping the aura of the young man and gradually coalescing around him.
Within this emergent “field,” the man’s icy intent intermingled with vibrant life, a peculiar fusion.
Yet, the young man remained unaware, deep in his trance.
Slowly but surely, the menacing artistic conception dwelling within the man’s eyes began to radiate outward, expanding in a long and deliberate arc. It metamorphosed into a myriad of minuscule golden swords, each as slender as a steel needle, raining down upon the shrouded abyss like a cascade.
A chorus of anguished howls pierced the dense darkness, resonating with a sharp and haunting resonance. Subsequently, the thunderous thud of heavy bodies crashing to the ground echoed, a series of somber beats.
Notwithstanding, within this self-contained “domain,” tranquility prevailed, an oasis of serenity amid the tumult.
Originally cradling the youth against him with both hands, the man in white subtly extended one hand and gestured with his sleeve. Swiftly, numerous obsidian crystals, each the size of a heart, levitated and were swiftly ensconced within the folds of his robe.
Yet, the undercurrents of turmoil within the darkness showed no signs of abating; on the contrary, they surged with renewed intensity, akin to an advancing tide.
“Talismans are indeed diverse in the path of Dao. You’ve immersed yourself in swordsmanship, but if you wish to excel in charms, you can integrate talismans as a supportive tool.”
“I concur with that perspective, but I’m unsure how to learn about Talismans. While browsing the library, I went through various manuals, but I couldn’t find any literature related to talismans.”
“As it falls under miscellaneous studies, you should explore the Shifang Pavilion for relevant materials.”
“Shixiong, do you possess a swift-moving talisman? I’ve heard that without one, returning can be challenging.”
“There’s an alternative exit from the cave, so there’s no need to fret about it.”
“Understood, Shixiong.”
“Shixiong, the day we agreed upon hasn’t arrived yet. How did you realize that I accidentally entered the Heavenly Demon Nest?”
“An impulsive feeling overcame me that day, leading to an intuition.”
“I appreciate your concern, Shixiong... However, the Heavenly Demon Nest is vast. How did you manage to locate me?”
“Within the bamboo hairpin atop your head, there’s a trace of my aura. I could track you by following it.”
“So...”
“After your return, you can refine this item. It will hold mystical properties.”
“Yes, I’m grateful for your guidance, Shixiong.”
As they journeyed and conversed, Xu Ziqing maintained his internal recitation of formulas, experiencing a mixture of delight and satisfaction from engaging in conversation with his senior brother.
He ceased moving until his cheek brushed against something.
Sideways glancing, Xu Ziqing noticed two snow-white vines emerging from his robe, their leaf buds playfully rubbing against him. Reflecting for a moment, he comprehended the intentions of the demon vines. Smiling, he inquired, “Shixiong, it appears that Rongjin has developed a taste for consuming demons. I’ve been restricting their meals, but I wonder if I could let them feast now?”
Given Yun Lie’s earlier instruction to have the demon vine investigate, he was already aware of the situation. He responded, “You’re currently weakened, so I fear you might not be able to control them. Once you’ve regained strength, you can unleash them.”
Xu Ziqing understood, nodded, and conveyed, “Shixiong’s advice is prudent. Rongjin’s behavior is indicative that it’s not feasible to be affectionate now.”
Unable to express its appeal through affection, the demon vine begrudgingly slinked beneath the black robe, winding itself around Xu Ziqing’s arms twice, a display of its discontent. Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but chuckle, reassuring it with a couple of pats.
One more day elapsed and Xu Ziqing’s wounds were entirely mended. He no longer rested on Yun Lie’s back and instead descended to the ground.
Yun Lie remarked, “Initially, I intended for you to stay here for further refinement after the grand competition. Given your accidental entry, you might as well extend your stay by a few days.”
Perplexed, Xu Ziqing inquired, “The time agreed upon between us is only two days away. If you remain within the cave, wouldn’t you miss the Sect’s Grand Competition?”
Casting him a glance, Yun Lie nonchalantly stated, “The Grand Competition is still a month away.”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback.
In the aftermath, Xu Ziqing adhered to his senior brother’s guidance, engaging in battles with numerous demons within the cave.
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