Chasing The Moon (Moonlight Mystique) - Chapter 85
Chapter 85
Fan Yue snorted coldly and swiftly injected a surge of powerful demonic energy into the Demon Gathering Banner, transformed from the phoenix tree in Zhen Yu’s palm. A divine light flashed, and the fake Demon Gathering Banner returned to Zhen Yu’s body.
Fan Yue strode towards Bai Shuo, wrapped his arm around her waist, and disappeared from the room.
Chong Zhao clenched his fist tightly, forcing himself to calm down, and also vanished from the room.
A moment later, Zhen Yu opened his eyes, the tea in his hand still steaming. It seemed he was completely unaware of everything that had just happened.
Chong Zhao, who had been guarding outside the courtyard, saw no movement in the room and let out a sigh of relief before turning to leave.
Inside the room, Zhen Yu suddenly looked up towards where Chong Zhao had been hiding, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips.
Fan Yue pulled Bai Shuo into a treehouse, his voice icy: “Bai Shuo, how long are you going to remain so reckless?”
“The Lord has too many people to care for. The Lord has his own debts to repay, and I have my own favors to return.”
Bai Shuo’s expression was calm as she handed the Demon Gathering Banner to Fan Yue.
She looked up at him: “I know the Lord is powerful. Since I have staked my life on this, I hope the Lord will also cherish his life.”
This statement instantly calmed Fan Yue’s raging anger. His gaze returned to its usual composure, and he sneered, “Returning favors? Bai Shuo, you only have one life. On Phoenix Island, you risked your life to save Chong Zhao. It seems the number of people you care for is no less than mine.”
Bai Shuo looked up in surprise, staring at Fan Yue’s face, and suddenly spoke in a strange tone: “Lord… are you angry about what happened on Phoenix Island a year ago?”
Fan Yue was momentarily stunned, his expression unusually stiff. An awkward silence filled the room. Just as he was at a loss for words, a figure burst in.
“Lord, I…”
Hua Hong rushed in, sensing the strange atmosphere between the two, and instinctively turned to leave: “Sorry for interrupting, please continue…”
She took two steps, then turned back, sighing, “Never mind, I’ll just say it.”
She then straightened her expression, “Lord, I’ve found out where the Fox Clan’s Demon Gathering Banner is hidden.”
Before Bai Shuo could ask, Fan Yue’s expression changed, and he hurriedly headed for the door. Bai Shuo and Hua Hong immediately followed.
Fan Yue pushed open the door to the next room, where Ah Yue lay unconscious on the floor, surrounded by swirling demonic energy, her face pale.
Fan Yue strode forward, picked up Ah Yue, and placed her on the bed. He infused her with divine power, stabilizing the chaotic demonic energy within her.
Seeing Fan Yue’s tense expression, Bai Shuo was about to offer comfort when Fan Yue turned to Hua Hong, his voice cold: “Where is the last fragment of the Demon Gathering Banner?”
*******
In the formation beneath the tranquil lake, Chang Mei stood before the powerful Demon Gathering Banner.
Mu Jiu hurried over, yawning and complaining.
“Aunt, I’m getting married tomorrow. What’s so important that it can’t wait until tonight?”
“Do you really believe Hua Hong is marrying you out of genuine affection?” Chang Mei asked calmly.
Hearing Chang Mei’s authoritative question, Mu Jiu’s drowsiness vanished. He quickly replied, “Aunt, Hua Hong isn’t marrying me for the sake of the Haoyue Palace. She’s not that kind of person!”
“The Haoyue Palace has only been established for a few years, yet it stands alongside Jingyou and Cold Spring. Do you think it’s solely because of Fan Yue?” Chang Mei turned around, sighing, ” Demon Lord Tianhuo is the most ruthless and hard-hearted person I’ve ever met. Little Jiu, I’m afraid that loving such a person will only end in heartbreak for you.”
Mu Jiu fell silent.
“Even if she’s not marrying you for the Haoyue Palace, she must have some ulterior motive for entering Jingyou Mountain. Haven’t you noticed anything unusual during your time together?”
Mu Jiu paused, recalling Hua Hong’s words from earlier that night.
“It’s a pity that since the Demon Emperor ascended to the divine realm, there are no more divine artifacts in the demon world. I never got to see the legendary power of the Wheel of Destruction.”
Mu Jiu’s expression didn’t escape Chang Mei’s notice.
She raised an eyebrow: “It seems her true intentions have been revealed.”
However, Mu Jiu shook his head, looking seriously at Chang Mei: “Aunt, I believe in her.”
“You foolish boy.”
Seeing Mu Jiu’s determination, Chang Mei sighed helplessly, “Since you believe in her, I’ll give you both a chance. If everything goes smoothly at tomorrow’s wedding, from then on,Demon Lord Tianhuo will be someone I protect with my life.”
The moon hung high in the sky, and the restless night finally passed. As the first rays of the morning sun rose, Jingyou Mountain welcomed a new day.
Jingyou Mountain had been quiet for a long time. The last time the entire clan celebrated was when Chang Mei ascended the throne.
In the main hall, Chang Mei and Fan Yue sat in the seats of honor, with Zhen Yu slightly off to the side. Representatives from various demon clans had gathered. The wedding of the Fox Clan’s young master was grand and solemn.
Mu Jiu stood in the hall, dressed in bright red wedding attire, eagerly looking towards the entrance. His excited expression was tinged with nervousness and worry.
‘Fan Yue’ expression was as aloof and cold as ever. No one knew that his hands, hidden in his sleeves, were clenched tightly in nervousness. His seemingly indifferent eyes were filled with tension and stiffness.
“Good heavens, two demigods. Bai Shuo, do you even know what the word ‘death’ means?”
‘Fan yue”s inner voice screamed as he swallowed hard, subtly shifting his gaze between Chang Mei and Tianyu, then slouching slightly in his seat.
The formation beneath Tranquil Lake could only be broken by a demigod, and only the wedding ceremony could keep Chang Mei occupied. Last night, Fan Yue had intended to go directly to Tranquil Lake to break the formation, but Hua Hong and Bai Shuo had desperately stopped him.
The two schemers had spent half the night coming up with a risky plan.
The wedding would proceed as planned, with Bai Shuo disguising herself as Fan Yue using the Myriad Illusions Robe, while Fan Yue would break the formation and retrieve the banner. Once the Fox Clan’s last fragment was obtained and the Demon Gathering Banner was reassembled, even if Zhen Yu and Chang Mei joined forces, they wouldn’t be able to stop them from leaving.
This plan was full of holes, with the biggest risk being that if Chang Mei realized Fan Yue’s intentions, she might kill Hua Hong and Bai Shuo on the spot during the wedding. When Bai Shuo proposed the plan, she wasn’t confident herself, but Fan Yue agreed.
In that moment, Bai Shuo couldn’t describe her feelings. It seemed as though the Fan Yue who had been furious at her for risking her life had never existed.
Her life, in the face of the woman named Ah Yue, was insignificant.
The sound of wedding music suddenly brought Bai Shuo back to her senses.
What was she thinking at a time like this? Bai Shuo mocked herself, refocusing her attention and looking up.
Hua Hong strode in, dressed in wedding attire but without a veil. Her demeanor was more like a general heading to battle than a bride about to be married.
The assembled demons exchanged strange glances, murmuring among themselves.
Mu Jiu ran up to meet her: “Little Hua!”
Mu Jiu reached out to Hua Hong, his joy evident. Hua Hong’s gaze softened slightly, and amidst the attention of the entire hall, she took Mu Jiu’s hand.
Mu Jiu’s eyes lit up, and he led Hua Hong to stand before Chang Mei and Fanyue.
“Aunt! The auspicious time has arrived!”
Chang Mei could hardly bear to look at her foolish nephew.
She cleared her throat: “We demons don’t have much complicated etiquette. You two just need to declare your vows to heaven and earth, bow to me and the Lord, and the ceremony will be complete.”
Bai Shuo’s expression remained calm, but she was growing increasingly anxious. She had no idea if Fan Yue had managed to break the seal at Tranquil Lake. Any further delay, and the wedding would truly be completed.
Zhen Yu glanced at the “Fan Yue” seated above, a thoughtful look in his eyes. Chong Zhao, standing behind him, seemed to sense something as well, looking towards “Fan Yue.” Their gazes met in mid-air, and Bai Shuo quickly looked away. With that one glance, Chong Zhao confirmed who “Fan Yue” really was, his expression changing slightly.
At that moment, Chang Mei’s voice rang out.
“Bow to heaven and earth!”
Mu Jiu took Hua Hong’s hand and bowed towards heaven and earth.
“Bow to your elders!”
Mu Jiu and Hua Hong turned, and Mu Jiu respectfully bowed to Chang Mei and “Fan Yue.” Hua Hong, however, hesitated.
Mu Jiu’s peripheral vision was fixed on Hua Hong. Seeing her hesitate, his heart tightened, and he softly called out to her.
“Little Hua.”
Hua Hong lowered her eyes, her expression unreadable. Demon Lord Tianhuo’s failure to complete the wedding ritual caused a sudden silence in the hall. The demons exchanged glances, whispering among themselves.
“Tianhuo.”
Chang Mei’s voice from the throne carried a hint of warning. Hua Hong’s expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn’t heard.
Mu Jiu’s face turned red, and he cautiously tried to call out again: “Little….”
But before he could speak, Hua Hong looked up, smiled at Mu Jiu, and took his hand, bowing towards Chang Mei.
Mu Jiu’s expression was one of excitement as he quickly followed suit. Seeing the couple bow, Chang Mei’s expression relaxed.
Bai Shuo, seeing Hua Hong continue with the ceremony, felt a stir in her heart: Was Hua Hong really going to complete the wedding? Did she have feelings for Mu…
Just as the ceremony was about to be completed, a beam of demonic light shot into the sky, shaking the entire Jingyou Mountain.
“What’s happening?”
“Such powerful energy!”
Nearly half of the demons in the hall were knocked down by the demonic light, scrambling to their feet in fear.
Mu Jiu, his wedding interrupted, looked towards the source of the light and murmured: “It’s coming from Tranquil Lake…”
He suddenly turned to Hua Hong, “The Demon Gathering Banner! Little Hua…”
At that moment, Zhen Yu suddenly struck out, aiming a blow at “Fan Yue’s” chest.
The power of a demigod was something Bai Shuo couldn’t withstand. Her pupils contracted, but just then, two figures leaped forward,to intercept Zhen Yu’s attack. Hua Hong and Chong Zhao stood in front of “Fan Yue,” both of their faces paling as their and the blood felt like surging.
Although Bai Shuo wasn’t injured, the disguise of the Myriad Illusions Robe was shattered, revealing her true appearance.
“Bai Shuo!” Mu Jiu exclaimed.
“The Haoyue Palace truly has some impressive tricks,” Zhen Yu said coolly, his gaze sweeping over Chong Zhao with a cold glance.
Chong Zhao looked nervous: “Palace master…”
Zhen Yu, however, looked towards Chang Mei and smiled faintly: “Fox clan leader, I warned you long ago that the Haoyue Palace couldn’t be trusted. I wonder what is hidden in the back mountains of Tranquil Lake that would make the Haoyue Palace Lord lower himself to retrieve it personally.”
Chang Mei’s expression was already extremely grim. With a wave of her hand, a curtain of spiritual energy enveloped the entire Jingyou Mountain. The protective formation left by Hong Yi radiated with divine power, its sense of oppression causing the demons to pale in fear.
“To dare insult and mock my Fox Clan like this—today, no one from the Haoyue Palace will leave Jingyou Mountain alive!”
Chang Mei’s cold gaze swept over Hua Hong and Bai Shuo before she vanished in a flash of divine light, heading straight for Tranquil Lake.
“Such excitement seems like something I shouldn’t miss.”
Zhen Yu laughed and followed. Bai Shuo and Hua Hong’s expressions changed, and they hurried to follow, but Mu Jiu suddenly grabbed Hua Hong’s hand.
Bai Shuo had no time to spare and rushed towards the back mountains, with Chong Zhao following. The demons, sensing that something major was about to happen, also hurried towards the scene.
“Let go!” Hua Hong raised her hand to push Mu Jiu away, but he held on tightly.
“Did you marry me just to enter Jingyou Mountain and steal the Demon Gathering Banner?” Mu Jiu’s voice was hoarse.
Hua Hong’s expression was cold, as if she couldn’t see Mu Jiu’s anger, and she decisively pried his hand away.
“Yes.”
“Was there no genuine feeling at all?”
“No.”
Mu Jiu’s eyes trembled: “I don’t believe it! Just now, you were willing to complete the wedding ceremony with me, Little Hua…”
“My name is not Little Hua,” Hua Hong interrupted him.
“I am Tianhuo, the Haoyue Palace’s protector. For the sake of the Haoyue Palace, anyone and anything can be used, including you.”
Mu Jiu was stunned, his eyes red, staring in disbelief at the cold and indifferent Hua Hong.
Hua Hong suppressed the reluctance and guilt in her heart, said no more, and turned to head straight for Tranquil Lake.
Above Tranquil Lake, two figures clashed fiercely in mid-air, divine light radiating everywhere. Apart from Zhen Yu, the other demons dared only to watch from a distance.
Bai Shuo stood anxiously near the lake, a sense of foreboding growing in her heart.
Fan Yue must not have obtained the third fragment; otherwise, with the Demon Gathering Banner reassembled, he wouldn’t still be entangled with Chang Mei.
Chong Zhao, seeing that Bai Shuo’s eyes were only on Fan Yue, revealed a self-deprecating smile.
A silver and red divine light collided, sending a thousand-foot wave of lake water into the air. Fan Yue and Chang Mei landed by the lake. Chang Mei was calm and composed, while Fan Yue staggered back several steps, spitting out a mouthful of blood.
“Fan Yue!”
Bai Shuo rushed towards Fan Yue, but Chong Zhao couldn’t stop her. A flash of spiritual light, and Hua Hong also arrived, standing protectively in front of Fan Yue.
“The Haoyue Palace Master has been defeated!”
“Fan Yue only became a demigod half a year ago, while the Fox Clan leader has been a god for a hundred years. Naturally, he can’t match the Fox clan leader’s divine power!”
The demons nearby gloated, eager to see the Haoyue Palace, which had been rising too quickly, fall from grace.
“Fan Yue, you’re injured?” Chang Mei, not far away, looked surprised.
Fan Yue’s expression was impassive, and he didn’t speak.
“Lord! Did you get the third fragment of the Demon Gathering Banner?” Hua Hong asked urgently.
Fan Yue looked at Chang Mei: “There was no fragment in the formation beneath Tranquil Lake.”
Hua Hong was shocked: “Impossible, Mu Jiu clearly said…”
“He didn’t lie to you,” Chang Mei said coldly, her gaze heavy as it fell on Hua Hong, dressed in her wedding attire. Her anger was palpable.
“You want to take the fragment of the Demon Gathering Banner. Tianhuo, Mu Jiu treated you with sincerity. You knew how much he was looking forward to today, yet you used the wedding to deceive him, to exploit him, trampling his feelings underfoot! Demon Lord Tianhuo truly has a heart of stone, utterly despicable!”
“Each serves their own master. I have nothing to say,” Hua Hong clenched her fist, the Burning Heaven staff materializing in her palm.
“Nothing to say? The Haoyue Palace dares to insult my Fox Clan like this—today, you will all stay here!” Chang Mei snorted coldly, suddenly lashing out with her whip, aiming straight for Fan Yue.
“Lord, be careful!”
Hua Hong raised her staff to block, but she had already been injured protecting Bai Shuo in the hall. Now, she was no match for Chang Mei. After just a few exchanges, she was sent flying by the whip, spitting out a mouthful of blood and falling to the ground.
Chang Mei’s whip didn’t stop, continuing its assault towards Bai Shuo and Fan Yue.
Bai Shuo raised her sword to block, but Fan Yue pulled her behind him. His silver chain clashed with the whip in mid-air, the two divine powers creating a massive burst of light that hung over Tranquil Lake.
“Fan Yue, I admit that you are the most talented individual the demon world has seen in ten thousand years. In less than a hundred years, you could become the strongest in the demon world. But ultimately, you haven’t been cultivating long enough!”
Chang Mei snorted coldly, her killing intent surging. A red light flashed between her brows, and the phantom of nine tails appeared behind her. The nine tails transformed into nine whips, all striking the Fan Yue’s chain simultaneously. Fan Yue spat out another mouthful of blood, the divine light on the his chain dimming, nearly shattering.
“Fan Yue!” Bai Shuo cried out in alarm, about to rush forward, but Fan Yue pushed her back.
Chong Zhao flew up and grabbed Bai Shuo.
“Ah Zhao, let go!” Bai Shuo struggled, but Chong Zhao held her tightly.
Fan Yue glanced at Chong Zhao, who nodded.
For the first time, the two were in sync.
Fan Yue felt reassured and turned back to continue blocking Chang Mei’s attacks with his divine power.
“Nine Heavens Divine Technique!”
“The Fox clan leader has even used an ancient secret technique! Fanyue won’t survive today!” A demon nearby exclaimed.
As the Fan Yue was about to break, Hua Hong shouted, disregarding her severe injuries, and leapt towards Chang Mei from behind.
“You’re seeking death!”
Chang Mei snorted coldly, casually flicking her left hand to send a whip strike towards Hua Hong.
The whip collided with the Burning Heaven Staff, instantly reducing it to ashes. Just as the whip was about to strike Hua Hong, a beam of demonic light flew from afar, blocking the fatal blow.
The small Wheel of Destruction shattered into two pieces and fell to the ground. Mu Jiu appeared, shielding Hua Hong.
Chang Mei, seeing who it was, retracted her whip and landed by the lake, her expression furious: “Mu Jiu, what are you doing?”
No one had expected the Fox Clan’s young master to intervene. Everyone looked on in shock, while Zhen Yu’s expression darkened.
Bai Shuo pushed Chong Zhao away and ran forward to support Fan Yue.
“Mu Jiu?” Hua Hong was also shocked, looking at the young man beside her.
Mu Jiu’s face was pale as he stood protectively in front of Hua Hong: “Aunt, you can’t kill her. Yesterday, you said that as long as Hua Hong and I completed the wedding, from now on, she would be someone you protect with your life.”
“Fool! This wedding was just a scheme by the Haoyue Palace. She never truly cared for you!”
“Why she married me doesn’t matter anymore. We’ve already completed the wedding ceremony. She is now my wife, declared before heaven and earth, and bowed to our elders.”
Mu Jiu’s expression was resolute as he knelt before Chang Mei.
“The Fox clan leader’s word is as good as gold. I beg you to spare Hua Hong’s life.”
Hua Hong was stunned, a sour feeling in her chest. She reached out to pull Mu Jiu up but stopped herself. In that moment, she felt she no longer deserved to touch the young man kneeling before her.
“You!”
Chang Mei was furious, but seeing Mu Jiu kneeling in supplication, she finally let out a long sigh, dissipating her divine light and killing intent. With a wave of her hand, she opened the mountain’s protective barrier and looked at Fan Yue and Hua Hong.
“Get out of Jingyou Mountain. From today on, the Fox Clan and the Haoyue Palace have no further ties!”
Fan Yue, usually arrogant, knew they were in the wrong this time. He glanced at Mu Jiu and, for once, didn’t argue.
Hua Hong also had nothing to say. She silently walked towards Fan Yue, but Mu Jiu’s voice called out again from behind.
“Aunt, in the Yi city, the Haoyue Palace Master and Bai Shuo once protected me with their lives. Today, it’s time to repay that kindness.”
Chang Mei’s expression drastically changed.
“Little Jiu, no!”
Hua Hong suddenly turned her head, only to see Mu Jiu abruptly thrust his hand into his chest.
Mu Jiu coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face deathly pale.
“Mu Jiu!”
For the first time, panic appeared on Hua Hong’s face. She rushed toward Mu Jiu but was stopped by his outstretched hand.
In Mu Jiu’s palm, a fragment of the Demon-Gathering Banner radiated immense demonic energy. The fragment was stained with bright red blood—Mu Jiu’s heart blood.
“You came to the fox clan for this, didn’t you? I told you, anything in this world that you love, I will give to you. Take it.”
“Mu…”
Hua Hong stared at the young man in a daze, unable to reach out her hand.
Zhen Yu narrowed his eyes and suddenly lunged toward the fragment in Mu Jiu’s palm.
Chang Mei’s whip lashed out, blocking Zhen Yu and shielding Mu Jiu. Her gaze carried a sharp warning.
“Zhen Yu, the Fox clan leader is still here. What do you think you’re doing?”
“Fox Clan leader, are you aware that the three fragments of the Demon-Gathering Banner being separated are the foundation of the balance between Cold Spring, Jingyou, and Haoyue? If Haoyue acquires two fragments, Cold Spring and Jingyou will inevitably face destruction in the future.”
Chang Mei frowned and was about to speak when Mu Jiu’s weak voice interrupted her.
“Aunt, today I repay the kindness of the Haoyue palace master. From now on, my heart will be steadfast. I will devote myself to cultivation and take on the responsibilities of the fox clan. I hope you can grant me this wish.”
As Mu Jiu spoke, blood gushed from his mouth. He held the fragment of the Demon-Gathering Banner out to Hua Hong.
Hua Hong trembled all over but did not reach out her hand.
“This matter today is a private affair of Jingyou Mountain. Mu Jiu is the future leader of our clan. The decision of how to handle the fragment of the Demon-Gathering Banner lies entirely with him,” Chang Mei finally declared coldly to Zhen Yu.
She then supported Mu Jiu and turned to Hua Hong.
“Take it and get out of Jingyou Mountain!”
Hua Hong, trembling, accepted the fragment of the Demon-Gathering Banner.
“Mu Jiu…”
“From today onward, our engagement is annulled. From now on, Mu Jiu and Demon Lord Tianhuo will walk separate paths as strangers.”
Mu Jiu spoke with a bitter smile and turned to leave without a moment’s hesitation.
Hua Hong stared at the young man’s departing figure, clutching the bloodstained fragment of the Demon-Gathering Banner, her eyes reddened.
Bai Shuo watched this scene, feeling a heavy weight in her heart.
She turned to look at Fan Yue, only to see him staring coldly at Mu Jiu and Hua Hong, completely unmoved.
Bai Shuo clenched her fists, unable to suppress the anger in her eyes.
