Chapter 37

At the entrance of the Xuan Ice Cave in the rear mountain of the Piaomiao sect, two disciples pushed Bai Shuo into the cave and activated the barrier at the entrance. In an instant, the entrance was covered with a layer of cold ice.

“Senior Brother Yifan, do you think she might actually freeze to death in there?” asked Changxu, the youngest disciple in the inner sect.

Yifan, usually calm and composed, did not respond.

“Ah, I hope she can endure it. When I went to the medicine hut to get medicine, Bai Shuo was always quite nice to me. Honestly, I find it hard to believe she would steal the jade slip to cultivate with an evil method,” Changxu said with some reluctance.

“She admitted it herself, and we all saw it with our own eyes. What’s the use of not believing it?”

“Senior Brother!”

Yifan stared at the entrance for a moment, then suddenly produced a small package of firestones and firewood from his hand. With a flash of spiritual light in his palm, the items disappeared.

“Senior Brother?”

“The last time I was injured, she quietly slipped me a spiritual pill,” Yifan said, coughing and turning his head expressionlessly.

“Thank you, Senior Brothers!”

Bai Shuo’s voice floated out through the ice barrier. Though it sounded distant, it was full of vitality.

Changxu and Yifan looked into the cave.

Changxu muttered, “Look at her, carefree and indifferent. Even if we ascend, she’d still be living just fine.”

Yifan said nothing, sighing inwardly. Even inner sect disciples couldn’t withstand three days in the Xuan Ice Cave, let alone Bai Shuo, a half-immortal. He could only hope that Junior Brother Chong Zhao would emerge from seclusion soon, giving Bai Shuo a chance at survival.

Inside the cave, Bai Shuo huddled behind a rock, happily setting up the firewood. The Xuan Ice Cave was a secret realm refined by the founding ancestor of the Piaomiao to punish inner sect disciples. Below the level of an immortal lord, spiritual energy couldn’t be used there.

Though Bai Shuo was a half-immortal, entering this place made her feel like a mortal stepping onto a snowfield, inevitably freezing. Fortunately, her constant respect towards the inner sect disciples, coupled with her cheerful demeanor, meant that most of them, except the Liuyun disciples, treated her fairly well.

“Who would’ve thought these senior brothers have some humanity,” Bai Shuo chuckled, warming herself by the fire. She looked around at the icy cave and began to reflect on the events of the night.

“That Zhe Sang wasn’t so clever back then. How did he become so cunning after being away for two years… Immortal Lord’s body? What kind of fortuitous encounter did he have to reach such a high level? Sigh…”

Bai Shuo knocked her head, “So stupid; at least I didn’t implicate Ah Zhao. The little paper man sent a message to Old Black; that big demon should be out of the island by now.”

Before being confined, Bai Shuo had sent the little paperman to find the old turtle, instructing it to find an opportunity to get Fan Yue out of the Piaomiao. Although Zhe Sang had placed a shadow-following curse on Fan Yue, he would definitely go into seclusion to prepare for his duel with Ah Zhao. This was the best chance to get Fan Yue out of the Piaomiao.

In the medicine hut on the outer island, the old turtle, who had been dozing off, was suddenly awakened by the little paperman. It danced in front of him, and the old turtle immediately transformed into human form, his white beard trembling.

“You said she stole the mountain-guarding jade slip?! And got caught by the sect master!”

The little paperman nodded vigorously, gesturing wildly.

“What?! She was confined in the Xuan Ice Cave in the rear mountain?”

The little paperman mimicked wiping tears, as if crying.

“No, I must go plead with the sect master…”

The old turtle, leaning on a cane, hurriedly tried to head to the inner island but was stopped by the little paperman. It transformed into a small piece of wood, breaking in half with a snap, then returned to its paper form, wailing.

“She asked me to get that little tree spirit out of the island, or else that boy would die?”

The little paperman nodded frantically.

The old turtle didn’t know why the Piaomiao would trouble a little tree spirit, but Bai Shuo was very sharp. If she urgently sent the paperman to deliver a message, it probably meant that the little tree spirit had a peculiar identity.

The old turtle hurried towards the small grass hut behind the medicine hut, shouting as he pushed open the door.

“Boy! wood head!”

The grass hut was silent, and the little tree spirit who usually dawdled there was nowhere to be seen.

“Second Uncle, are you really going to let Senior Brother compete with Junior Brother Chong Zhao?”

Inside the hall, Er Yun looked worried, clearly not agreeing with Songfeng’s decision.

“Now that your senior brother has also reached the rank of Immortal Lord, and he proposed a fair duel, I cannot stop it,” Songfeng said in a deep voice.

“Junior Brother Ah Zhao was assigned to Wutong Phoenix Island by the Heavenly Palace. How can he be replaced at the last moment?”

“How do you know Ah Zhao will definitely lose?”

Er Yun hesitated, “Junior Brother is injured…”

“If he hasn’t recovered after three days, even if he goes to Phoenix Island representing our sect, he might not impress anyone or defeat disciples from other immortal sects,” Songfeng said, glancing indifferently.

“Second Uncle!”

“Enough, Er Yun. The Wutong Martial Banquet is our sect’s only chance to return to the Three Mountains and Six sects. Whoever has the highest spiritual energy will represent our sect. That is fair.”

Songfeng, exhausted, said, “Go and rest. Do not interfere in this competition.”

Er Yun stomped her foot and left.

Outside the hall, Zhe Sang’s eyes flashed with triumph. No wonder Er Yun opposed the duel in three days; it turned out that boy was injured.

Inside, Songfeng coughed as Zhe Sang knocked and entered.

“Master.”

Songfeng looked surprised.

“It’s you, Sang’er. Why aren’t you resting so late?”

“I came to see Master.”

Zhesang looked concerned.

“I heard from Junior Brother that recently, evil spirits have appeared on the island, causing the loss of twelve Liuyun disciples and even injuring Master. Master, what is the origin of this evil spirit that could break our sect’s great formation?”

Songfeng was silent for a moment before waving his hand.

“It was just an evil spirit coveting the spiritual energy of the East Sea. Thanks to your Junior Brother Chong Zhao, our sect was able to survive this disaster.”

Zhe Sang’s expression changed slightly but remained composed.

“Junior Brother is indeed a blessing for our sect.”

Songfeng looked at Zhesang and suddenly said, “Sang’er, the competition in three days is to select someone to go to Wutong Phoenix Island. But both of you are the foundation of our sect. No matter who wins or loses, you must not harm the harmony between you.”

“Yes, Master.”

Suddenly, Songfeng waved his hand, and a jade slip appeared in his palm.

He handed it to Zhe Sang.

“Sang’er, the jade slip contains the immortal spirits left by the previous sect leaders. Use it to cultivate well for the next three days. You are my disciple, and although I value Chong Zhao, I also hope you can represent our sect in the battle.”

Zhe Sang was stunned, showing a hint of emotion, but he did not take the jade slip. Instead, he bowed and said, “Master, I lost to Junior Brother two years ago. This time, I want to defeat him honorably.”

Under the guidance of Fuling, he had progressed rapidly and reached the rank of Immortal Lord, but he had also practiced demon clan technique. The jade slip contained immortal spirits, and if he used it to cultivate, his demon clan technique might be discovered.

Songfeng looked at him steadily, then slowly retracted the jade slip and waved his hand.

“Your determination comforts me. It’s late. Your junior brother has been diligently cultivating over the years. Although you have reached the rank of Immortal Lord, you may not necessarily defeat him. Go and cultivate properly.”

“Yes.”

Zhe Sang nodded and turned to leave.

“Sang’er.”

At the doorway, Songfeng suddenly spoke.

“The path of immortality is difficult, but you must always keep your original heart. Do not seek temporary ease and forget the mission of the immortal clan.”

Zhe Sang paused, hesitated, and turned back.

“Why does Master give me such advice?”

Songfeng smiled kindly.

“I’m getting old. I don’t know how much longer I can look after the sect. Your junior brother is devoted to cultivation and has no intention of inheriting the sect. Ultimately, the sect will be handed over to you and Er Yun. Master’s tribulation is approaching. If I suddenly fall, I might not have a chance to explain to you.”

“Master will have a long life. Even if the thunder tribulation comes, I will protect you.”

Hearing these words, Zhe Sang finally showed a genuine concern. After all, Songfeng had raised him, and he still felt filial towards him.

“The path of immortality has its own causes and effects. Go now.”

Songfeng shook his head and waved his hand.

“Yes.”

Zhe Sang said no more, bowed deeply, and then left.

After his footsteps faded away, Songfeng sighed softly.

“Old Black, I’ve watched this child grow up, but now I can’t understand him.”

The old turtle, leaning on a cane, emerged from behind the hall, his eyes showing the marks of time.

“The sect master has his own judgment. I said long ago that Zhe Sang was not a suitable candidate to inherit the sect.”

If anyone else saw the old turtle’s attitude towards the sect master, they would be surprised. In the Piaomiao, the medicine hut held a low status, and even the old turtle who managed it usually didn’t have the privilege to enter the inner island. However, the Piaomiao island, once one of the Three Mountains and Six Sects, had hidden depths and supports unknown to most. The essence of the Piaomiao island was this thousand-year-old cloud turtle.

A thousand years ago, the founding ancestor of the Piaomiao saved the cloud turtle from almost perishing during a thunder tribulation in the East Sea. In gratitude, the cloud turtle transformed into the island, living there for a thousand years, coexisting with the Piaomiao. Since then, the cloud turtle could not leave the East Sea and could only live on this island forever.

“You also said that my senior brother was not fit to inherit the sect. That’s why he was so determined, closing himself off for a hundred years and forcing himself to the rank of Immortal Lord. If not for that, his heavenly tribulation would not have been so difficult, causing him to have evil thoughts,” Songfeng sighed.

The old turtle glanced at him calmly.

“The old turtle never speaks rashly. If he’s not suitable, he’s not suitable. Your biased master favored his own son and didn’t listen to me. If not for those two little ones coming to the island, your senior brother would have drained the island dry by now.”

Songfeng choked, “Then tell me, can these two children change the fate of the sect?”

The cloud turtle was skilled in divination, and over the thousand years, the Piaomiao had avoided many disasters thanks to the old turtle. However, being skilled in divination could not reverse the decline of the Piaomiao. Three years ago, Bai Shuo was kept not out of compassion but because the old turtle requested it.

“I don’t know,” the old turtle said, uncharacteristically silent.

“The destinies of those two are shrouded in a mist. I can’t see through it.”

“Even Bai Shuo?” Songfeng was surprised.

Three years ago, Bai Shuo was just a mortal, and he had wondered if she had a deep immortal fate; otherwise, why would the cloud turtle ask to keep her?

“She has no immortal fate,” the old turtle shook his head.

“I only calculated that she could protect the sect. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have sent a half-immortal to deal with your evil senior brother on Fire Ice Island.”

That night, Bai Shuo thought the books in the library were prepared for her by Songhe. However, someone knew her better than Songhe, and that was the old cloud turtle who spent every day with her. Although the cloud turtle could predict fortune and misfortune, it could not leave the island and could only sense that a great disaster was coming for the Piaomiao, and the only variable lay with Bai Shuo.

The fate of the Piaomiao sect and Bai Shuo fortune, it could only choose one. The way of heaven pointed, finally leaving a glimmer of hope for the Piaomiao sect.

As for that strange young man who appeared suddenly, it did not tell the sect master. It sensed a powerful force from him, so strong that even its thousand-year Dao heart could not fathom it. Since Bai Shuo was the hope for the Piaomiao sect, those around her should be protected if possible.

“And what about Zhao’er? If Zhe Sang cannot inherit the Piaomiao sect, can Zhao’er bear the future of the sect?”

The cloud turtle fell silent again, waving its hand.

“You are the sect master. It’s up to you to decide who inherits the sect. Why ask me?” The old turtle turned to leave, but paused.

“As for Wutong Island, avoid going there if you can.”

“Ancestor?” Songfeng was startled.

The cloud turtle never spoke without reason.

“After tonight, I will go into deep sleep. I wanted to bid farewell to that child, but it seems I won’t have the chance. Although Bai Shuo brings fortune to the Piaomiao sect, it cannot keep her. After this matter, let her choose her own path.”

Songfeng wanted to ask more, but the cloud turtle had already turned into a wisp of blue smoke, leaving one last sentence before disappearing from the hall.

To deal with Songhe’s crisis, the cloud turtle had sacrificed a hundred years of lifespan to divine a hexagram, which indicated that only Bai Shuo could turn the tide. It averted a disaster for the Piaomiao sect at the cost of a hundred years of sleep. From then on, the fortunes of the Piaomiao sect for the next hundred years would no longer concern it.

The hall fell silent. Songfeng glanced at the jade slip left by the ancestors and sighed deeply.

The great path of the three realms, the fortunes and misfortunes of the immortal sects—how much longer could he hold on? He could only hope that Zhe Sang would find his way back, and that Er Yun and Chong Zhao could revive the sect.

As night deepened, the sea breeze made the island bitterly cold. The two disciples guarding outside the Xuan Ice Cave couldn’t help rubbing their hands for warmth.

No one noticed a small sapling quietly moving at the edge of the cave entrance under the cover of night.

Suddenly, there seemed to be figures moving not far away.

“Who goes there?” Changxu shouted in alarm.

He and Yifan rushed to check, only to find that it was just branches swaying in the sea breeze.

Yifan glared at Changxu, who felt embarrassed.

“With all that’s happened on the island recently, I’m just on edge.”

The two turned back, and Changxu vaguely saw a small sapling creeping towards the barrier of the Xuan Ice Cave.

“Senior Brother, there’s a tree moving!”

Changxu shouted, and Yifan turned his head but saw the entrance calm and quiet.

“The island is full of trees. They naturally move in the wind. Why are you yelling?”

Changxu looked closely again but saw no sign of the sapling. He rubbed his eyes but still saw nothing, so he laughed sheepishly.

“I must have been mistaken, heh heh.”

Yifan rolled his eyes again, too lazy to pay him any more attention.

Inside the cave, only a small fire remained. Bai Shuo rubbed her hands for warmth.

“Why is this place so cold? It’s freezing me to death…”

She thought she could endure until Chong Zhao emerged after three days with the help of the fire, but the cold of the Xuan Ice Cave was far beyond her imagination. The firewood wouldn’t last long; she might not even last a day, let alone three.

Bai Shuo hugged her knees, trying to get closer to the fire. But the cold of the Xuan Ice Cave was too intense, and after a night of fright, she was exhausted and drifted off to sleep.

In her dream, she found herself in a peach forest in full bloom. By a babbling brook, someone was lazily leaning against a stone table, wearing a white robe, with black hair flowing over her shoulder. The person seemed to have drunk wine; her voice slightly slurred.

“Ah, Yuemi, your big birthday is next month. This time, don’t take all the treasures from my hall. Go mess around in the other three halls. My treasures are very useful…”