(T/N:This novel serves as a continuation of Ancient Love Poetry and The Last Immortal( if you ever read the novel or watch the drama), but it is not a direct second season. This is because much of the storyline in the drama has been altered, and the drama is only loosely based on the novel. I haven’t watched the drama yet, but I know the current plot revolves around Yi City (Rong Xian and Linglong). Many details from the novel are missing in the drama, and I’m unsure if the drama’s storyline will continue to follow the novel.

For those who have read the raw version of the novel, you might know that it has been on hiatus since the end of 2023 because the copyright was sold to the drama producers. Honestly, I had planned to drop this novel, but since so many readers still want to read it, I decided to continue translating up to Chapter 82. I hope this explanation is clear. Apologies if my English isn’t perfect, as it’s not my native language.)

 

Chapter 54

“Bah, just a bunch of phony tricks. If Old Jinyao truly wanted reconciliation, he could simply hand over that blessed land spanning a hundred miles between the two realms to us demons. What’s the point of hosting this mystical and enigmatic Wutong Martial Banquet?”

In the stone chamber, Mu Jiu sneered.

Just as everyone’s attention was elsewhere, Nan Wan suddenly leaped up, reaching for the two Wutong Heartfires hovering in midair.

“Despicable!”

But someone was faster than him.

Mu Jiu’s Wheel of Destruction instantly spun out, slashing toward Nan Wan’s immortal sword.

Sword light was split apart, causing the two heartfires to sway.

The immortal sword and the Wheel of Destruction clashed, entangling in combat.

Both wielders’ spiritual energies were suppressed, leaving the outcome temporarily undecided.

Bai Shuo, dazzled by the scene, nudged Chong Zhao and whispered, “Ah Zhao, let’s not rush. Let them fight it out first…” She made a gesture.

“Once they’re exhausted, you make your move.”

Chong Zhao, still brooding over the incident outside the stone tomb earlier, felt slightly comforted seeing Bai Shuo’s thoughtful concern.

His frown relaxed a little.

“Brother Beichen! Why aren’t you acting?”

Nan Wan, struggling as his immortal energy faltered against Mu Jiu, shouted urgently toward Beichen, “This competition is ultimately a battle between the immortal and demon clans!”

Beichen frowned but swung his sword, shattering both Nan Wan’s sword and the Wheel of Destruction.

The aftershocks of his immortal energy caused the two heartfires to scatter—one flying toward Mu Jiu, the other toward Bai Shuo and her group.

Bai Shuo, quick to react, shoved Chong Zhao forward.

The heartfire collided head-on with Chong Zhao, landing squarely in his palm.

Meanwhile, Mu Jiu seized the other cluster in his grip.

As Mu Jiu prepared to attack Chong Zhao again, the Kunlun Iron Sword whizzed to Chong Zhao’s side, positioning itself protectively before him.

“The two rounds of tonight’s martial competition were resolved through the combined efforts of both the immortal and demon clans. One Wutong Heartfire for each clan—this is perfectly fair,” Beichen said evenly.

Aside from the enigmatic blacksmith, Beichen was the strongest in the stone chamber.

With strength came authority, and Mu Jiu wasn’t foolish.

Reluctantly, he withdrew, toying with the heartfire in his hand while flashing a mocking smile toward Nan Wan.

“Fair enough. I agree.”

Mu Jiu then glanced at Chong Zhao.

“Who would’ve thought that the immortal clan’s  Wutong Heartfire isn’t in Kunlun or Yunxiao. Kid, after this Martial Banquet, your name will be famous.”

Zhong Zhao remained composed, silently making the heartfire vanish into his palm. He cupped his hands slightly toward Beichen. “Thank you, Lord Beichen.”

Anyone could see that Beichen had intentionally split the heartfire between Zhong Zhao and Mu Jiu with his earlier strike.

“You and I are peers; there’s no need for such formality,” Beichen replied with a nod.

“Beichen, what’s the meaning of this?” Nan Wan’s face was flushed with anger as he demanded loudly.

“In resolving the resentment of Master Rong Xian, the Piaomiao deserves the most credit. This heartfire is rightfully his,” Beichen stated flatly, glancing at Bai Shuo.

Bai Shuo raised an eyebrow.

“Kunlun sword cultivators are righteous—good allies indeed!”

“The Wutong Martial Banquet concerns all three realms. If you’re using this as an opportunity to repay old Kunlun debts, it has nothing to do with my Yunxiao,” Nan Wan said coldly, glaring at Chong Zhao.

Beichen moved, stepping in front of Chong Zhao protectively.

Nan Wan’s expression darkened further.

“What, is Kunlun openly declaring itself an enemy of Yunxiao?”

“Kunlun fears nothing.”

Beichen’s voice remained as icy as ever, his eyelids barely lifting.

“You—!”

Nan Wan was enraged, pointing his immortal sword at Beichen.

Tension filled the stone chamber as the atmosphere turned volatile.

Bai Shuo gulped nervously.

Oh boy, after an entire night of chaos, are they really about to fight again?

She tugged at her little apprentice and Chong Zhao’s sleeves, ready to hide behind Big Iron Flower. Suddenly, beams of light poured into the chamber, dazzling everyone.

Fan Yue pulled Bai Shuo into his embrace protectively as the group readied themselves for battle.

In an instant, the light dissipated.

When they opened their eyes, they found themselves standing before the three tombs near the thatched hut.

The stone chamber was gone, as was the stone door engraved with the Kunlun Fox Clan totem.

Bai Shuo looked around in confusion.

Fan Yue furrowed his brow, gazing toward the thatched hut.

Even Big Iron Flower’s carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by a somber expression with a trace of coldness in her eyes.

“What’s going on?”

Mu Jiu pinched his own face, looking bewilderedly around.

“Did I just have a dream?”

“No,” Beichen replied, his gaze falling on the Wutong Heartfire in Mu Jiu’s hand.

“The heartfire is real; the stone chamber was an illusion. We were just inside a mirage.”

“A mirage?”

Mu Jiu was speechless, ready to curse.

“This damned place is suppressing both immortal and demon energies. Who could have set up an illusion here?”

“It suppresses immortals and demons, but not the spirits of Yi Clan. The one capable of casting such an illusion in the Yi City is, of course, the Yi King,” Beichen said calmly, his gaze shifting to the thatched hut.

“Impressive, Kunlun sword cultivator. You could sense my power.”

A deep voice suddenly resounded across the clearing.

Blue light flashed in front of the thatched hut, revealing two figures.

The leader, with a solemn expression and a crown on his head, stood tall and imposing.

Behind him stood Wuzhao, the deputy who had greeted them upon their arrival.

The newcomer’s imposing presence left no doubt about his identity, prompting everyone to hurriedly clasp their hands in salute.

“Greetings, King of Yi City.”

Only Big Iron Flower remained unmoved, staring coldly at the Yi King.

Bai Shuo quickly tugged at Big Iron Flower’s sleeve, signaling with her eyes, but Big Iron Flower’s expression stayed icy, her body unmoving.

“No need for formalities.”

The Yi King’s gaze lingered briefly on Big Iron Flower before sweeping over the others.

His expression softened as he said, “Jinyao was right. The younger generation of the immortal and demon clans is indeed remarkable, even capable of dispelling Rong Xian’s millennia-old resentment. Since each clan has already obtained one Wutong Heartfire, the first two trials set by the Immortal Lord Jinyao are now considered complete. Congratulations to all of you.”

With this statement, the Yi King finalized the ownership of the two Wutong Heartfire.

Nan Wan’s face darkened as he glanced at the sky and raised his voice, asking, “Your Majesty, what is the trial for the third round? Perhaps you should just tell us directly. With only eight hours left until the reopening of Yi City, the first two rounds have already consumed two whole days. We can’t afford to waste any more time on riddles.”

Nan Wan’s words, though blunt, held truth.

The first two trials had been grueling, and the third was bound to be even tougher.

Time was running out.

If they failed to secure the third Wutong Heartfire, the entire Martial Banquet would be for nothing.

“I am here to tell you the location of the third Wutong Heartfire,” the Yi King replied.

Nan Wan froze in disbelief.

He had asked almost rhetorically, but the king was actually going to tell them?

Everyone exchanged glances, sharing the same suspicion.

Could this be another trap?

They had already been worn out by the twists and turns of this Martial Banquet.

“The third Heartfire was cast by Jinyao into the spiritual cores of all Yi City citizens. The trial for the third round is simple: tonight is Yi City’s annual Burning Orchid Festival. All the citizens will gather before the royal palace. They will voluntarily offer up the Heartfire from their spiritual cores, and the person chosen collectively by the citizens will become the owner of the third Wutong Heartfire.”

The third’s owner would be chosen by the citizens of Yi City? What kind of absurd rule was that? They had absolutely no connection to these people!

“Your Majesty, you must be joking,” Mu Jiu quickly interjected.

“The citizens of Yi City probably don’t even recognize all of our faces. How could they choose? And what if they don’t choose anyone?”

The Yi  King cast a cold glance at Mu Jiu.

“The rules for this competition were jointly decided by the Immortal Lord Jinyao and the heads of several demon clans. If you have questions, wait until the competition ends and ask them yourself on Wutong Phoenix Island.”

Seeing the YiKing’s stern expression, Mu Jiu immediately dropped his playful demeanor and tightly shut his mouth.

Though the Yi clan lacked spiritual energy, they were born with divine strength, capable of splitting mountains and cutting through seas.

Rumor had it that the Yi King had crossed three heavenly tribulations a hundred years ago with sheer might, reaching the peak of the Supreme Lord realm.

Mu Jiu had no desire to provoke such a fearsome figure.

“I have told you the location of the third Wutong Heartfire and explained the rules. You need do nothing further. You have dispelled Rong Xian’s millennia-old resentment from Yi City, which is already a great favor to us. I have prepared a banquet in the royal palace to cleanse the dust of your journey. Rest and wait for tonight.”

With these words, the Yi King turned to leave.

He suddenly paused mid-step, looking back at Big Iron Flower.

“The day after tomorrow is your mother’s memorial. Since you’ve returned, go pay your respects at her royal tomb.”

The Yi King then leapt into the air, traveling a hundred miles in a single bound toward the royal palace, vanishing from sight.

Everyone turned to look at Big Iron Flower.

Mu Jiu stared at her, dumbfounded.

“Royal tomb? The Yi King bears the surname Hua…”

His fox-like eyes widened.

“You’re the royal princess Hua Hong, born with divine strength but exiled from Yi City?!”

Big Iron Flower looked at Mu Jiu indifferently, neither confirming nor denying it.

Mu Jiu’s words revealed a shocking truth.

Everyone stared at Big Iron Flower, whose face was painted like a clown’s, looking completely at odds with the image of a royal princess.

The sheer incongruity left them utterly baffled.

Bai Shuo glanced at Mu Jiu, then at Hua Hong, momentarily at a loss for words.

What kind of second-generation ancestor are they? Each one is weirder than the other!

The exile of the Yi Princess was one of the Three Realms’ darker secrets.

Judging from the Yi King’s earlier attitude, it seemed Hua Hong herself was even more disdainful of her father.

Nan Wan’s eyes flickered as an idea took root in his mind.

Since the victor of the third trial would be chosen by the citizens of Yi City, building a good rapport with Hua Hong could make her a powerful ally.

One word from her might sway the entire city.

“Your Highn—”

Nan Wan began with a smile, but before he could finish, Wu Zhao, as if knowing what he intended, stepped forward to cut him off.

Bowing slightly to the group, he said, “The feast in the royal palace is prepared. Please follow me.”

Mu Jiu immediately stretched and yawned.

“Let’s go, let’s go! Bring on the fine wine and good food. I’m utterly exhausted!”

Bei Chen nodded politely at Wu Zhao.

“Thank you.”

Seeing the immortal and demon clans agree to attend the banquet, Wu Zhao turned to Hua Hong.

“Your Highness—”

“That girl stole my chicken, so I’m just following her around. Wherever she goes, I go. Yi Princess or not, it has nothing to do with me,” Big Iron Flower said, yawning as she glanced at Bai Shuo.

“Are you going to the palace?”

Bai Shuo, still bewildered, looked around at everyone staring at her.

“Yes, yes, I’ll go!”

Wu Zhao’s face twitched slightly but said nothing more, leading the group down the mountain.

Bai Shuo trailed at the back, poking Big Iron Flower in the side.

“Your Highn—”

Hua Hong shot her a sharp glare, prompting Bai Shuo to hastily change her words.

“Old Hua, can we not talk about that chicken-stealing incident? I wasn’t the only one who ate it….”

She shot a look at her little disciple up front.

“He ate more than I did. Go after him!”

Hua Hong’s heavily painted face stiffened.

She gave Bai Shuo a lazy glance, her towering presence suddenly shrinking, and said nothing.

Bai Shuo’s eyes glinted as she figured something out.

She sidled up to Chong Zhao and whispered, “Ah Zhao, be careful once we enter the Yi City royal palace.”

Chong Zhao frowned, knowing Bai Shuo wouldn’t speak lightly.

“Why?”

Bai Shuo quickly recounted her encounter with the strange creature.

“There’s something sinister in this city, and the Yi King doesn’t seem to be aware of it. I have a bad feeling about all of this.”

Chong Zhao’s expression darkened.

So, he wasn’t the only one who had encountered that creature that night.

“When we’re in the palace, stay close to me.”

Noting his serious tone, Bai Shuo distractedly replied, “Alright,” though her mind was elsewhere, pondering another matter.

Chong Zhao cast a cold glance at Fan Yue before suddenly asking, “Who is he, really?”

“Who? What—ow!”

Bai Shuo snapped out of her thoughts, startled by the question.

Flustered, she stumbled over a rock and nearly fell.

Chong Zhao reached out to steady her, but someone else moved faster.

The young man grasped Bai Shuo’s arm firmly, pulling her away from Chong Zhao’s side and steadying her.

“Master, be more careful.”

His voice was low and calm, his gaze fixed solely on Bai Shuo.

“You scared me, Mumu! You’re the best,” Bai Shuo said reflexively, patting the boy on the head and grinning.

Chong Zhao watched them silently, his lips tightening.

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

“Ah Zhao…”

Bai Shuo called after him, suddenly recalling his earlier question.

She turned to chase after him, only to see his silent figure retreating into the distance.

Oh no, with his personality, he must be upset! I can’t keep Fan Yue’s identity a secret any longer.

Panicking, Bai Shuo started after him but found her hand held tightly by someone else.

Bai Shuo turned back, just in time to meet the boy’s slightly cool gaze.

That look lacked the pure innocence of her little disciple and carried a faint trace of the mischievous demeanor once possessed by the Palace Master of Haoyue.

Bai Shuo’s heart skipped a beat.

She swallowed nervously and carefully called out, “Mumu?”

“Yes, Master? What’s wrong?”

Fan Yue lowered his head, his expression pure and harmless.

Bai Shuo rubbed her eyes.

The boy tilted his head, still looking at her.

Thank the heavens, her little disciple was still here!

Given the nature of the big demon he once was, if he had truly regained his memories, slapping her to death would have been merciful.

Calling her “Master”? Over her dead body!

She let out a long sigh of relief, not noticing the faint joy that rose from the depths of her heart.

Perhaps it wasn’t just relief at surviving, but rather…

It’s fine as long as he remains Mumu, her little disciple.

“All right, you two, everyone else is long gone. Are you planning to stay here and drink the northwest wind?”

The blacksmith’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

Bai Shuo snapped out of it, her face suddenly feeling a little warm.

She shook off Fan Yue’s hand and ran down the mountain.

The boy smiled, scratched his head, and followed her leisurely.

“Last night, that malevolent spirit couldn’t last three moves against you. The Spiritual-Locking Formation of Yi City has no effect on you, and even Rong Xian’s golden core couldn’t harm you. She’s just a half-immortal—how could she possibly be your master?”

Hua Hong had somehow found a blade of wild grass to chew on.

Though her lips didn’t move, her voice reached Fan Yue’s ears.

The boy paused but acted as if he hadn’t heard.

“Aren’t you the least bit curious about your true identity? Perhaps I can help you,” Hua Hong said, raising an eyebrow when he didn’t respond.

“There’s no need. Whoever you are, you’re not allowed to touch her.”

The boy’s eyes grew cold as he looked at Hua Hong.

“If I could kill Rong Xian, I can kill you too.”

With that, Fan Yue turned and walked away, leaving Hua Hong staring at the sky, speechless.

Oh, my dear Palace Master, this is such an injustice! I’ve always been your loyal little lackey!

The blacksmith lamented for a fleeting moment before something came to mind.

She turned to watch the boy’s retreating figure, her eyes gleaming with mischief as she let out a sinister chuckle.

Well, you’re the one who refused my help in restoring your memories.

Look at you, calling her ‘Master’ so smoothly, fawning over her like a little puppy. When you do remember, I’ll have front-row seats to the drama! Hehehe!