Chapter Seventy-Four: Seizing the Soul

Baili Liunian braced himself, his feet sinking three feet into the earth from the force.

“Your Highness, you are quite remarkable. The Lord of Heaven should be content to have a son such as you.”

Yet, it seems you underestimate me. He shifted his technique: his right hand clamped down on his blade, pulling it forward with ferocity, while his left, imbued with vital energy, struck fiercely at Xian Ge Yue’s side.

“Is it your place to meddle?” Unable to dodge, Xian Ge Yue twisted in midair like a hawk, spinning and meeting palm with palm.

Instantly, he was sent flying backward.

Compared to Baili Liunian’s profound cultivation, he was no match. With a single blow, he felt the bones in his hand shatter, pain spreading through his entire arm.

In a flash, he was hurled back thirty feet before he could steady himself. No sooner had he regained his footing than he shot forward like an arrow released from the bowstring, drawing his blade and facing his formidable foe.

“If Your Highness departs now, I may yet show some mercy. But should you persist, life and death shall be decided here.”

Though his words spoke of restraint, his actions were merciless. Xian Ge Yue laughed, “To cross blades with the head of the family—win or lose, even if I die, it will have been worth it.”

When the strong meet, life and death are always decided in an instant.

Baili Liunian’s palms were like blades, each move seemingly simple but in truth, every technique was meant to kill. He knew well: if this youth lived, the Musicians would never hold the position of Inspector of Heaven securely.

How, then, could he allow him to grow?

With a sidestep, he dodged the blade and met the next attack with an open palm, smiling faintly. “Is that so? Does Your Highness truly believe a true man fears neither victory nor defeat, and accepts death as fate?”

“Is that not the case?” Xian Ge Yue parried the lethal strike, forcing Baili Liunian back three feet. “Are you so eager to destroy my core?”

“Heh. For I believe that I am who I am, and cannot resort to murder. Yet, seeing Your Highness’s extraordinary talents, I trust you will not begrudge me this helping hand. Someday, should you climb to the summit again, remember this minister.”

“So that’s how it is. As it happens, I find your head quite handsome. Perhaps I’ll borrow it for a few days’ appreciation—rest assured, I’ll return it in due time.”

A murderous smile lingered on Xian Ge Yue’s lips, and danger flickered in Baili Liunian’s eyes. One wielded a swift blade, the other a powerful palm; their strikes exchanged in a storm that filled the valley with whirling dust and sand.

At the same moment, Que Yunzi raged against the Inspectors of Heaven, while Huai Yin faced Lian Hen alone.

As each battled fiercely, the purple light descending from the sky finally connected with the rosy glow inside the medicinal hut.

Faintly, the glow within the hut began to resist, yet the purple light did not retreat, slowly invading the radiant haze.

To save Baili Wushuang, Su He had sacrificed half his vital blood essence. This was not mere blood, but the very essence of life itself, the foundation of his being.

To give up half was to offer up half his life.

All that remained was for Baili Wushuang to merge the purple light, the blood essence, and the Emperor Stone; then the process would be complete.

Afterwards, he could slowly begin to rebuild his physical body.

“My friend, how much longer?” He worried that those outside might not be able to hold the line for much longer.

Fu Qingfeng gathered his energy into his palm, slowly refining the Emperor Stone to aid Baili Wushuang’s absorption. With furrowed brow, he replied, “At most, three quarters of an hour; at least, it could happen at any moment. It depends on whether this lad is ready to take your life before he wakes.”

No sooner had he spoken than Baili Wushuang’s body radiated waves of light, rising slowly into the air, absorbing both the purple light and the Emperor Stone.

Moments later, the glow within the hut shot straight to the heavens.

Baili Liunian looked skyward, overjoyed. “It’s done.” He turned to Xian Ge Yue, “Forgive me, Your Highness.”

With those words, he gathered his true essence. A mighty force, like crashing waves pounding boulders, struck mercilessly at Xian Ge Yue’s core.

Xian Ge Yue swung his blade in a furious arc, its light capable of splitting mountains and rivers. Yet, however fierce his attack, it could not match Baili Liunian’s blow.

In an instant, the blade’s radiance shattered, and Xian Ge Yue truly took the force of a palm strike.

Unexpectedly, his core was not destroyed. Glancing back, he realized not when Fu Qingfeng had appeared behind him.

A broad palm pressed to his back, warm energy coursing through his meridians, until he involuntarily exhaled the foul breath trapped within, starting to heal his internal wounds.

“I won’t say thank you,” he muttered.

Fu Qingfeng, seeing his injuries mostly healed, withdrew his hand. “There’s no need.”

Stepping from behind Xian Ge Yue, he fixed his gaze on the unsteady Baili Liunian. “For the head of the Baili family to act so—such conduct is beneath you.”

To destroy a person’s core is no different than taking their life.

For a cultivator obsessed with the pursuit of power, losing the core was a fate worse than death.

His intentions were clear enough.

Baili Liunian clutched his chest, staggering upright. Suddenly, he turned aside and spat a mouthful of bright red blood.

After a few steadying breaths, he looked up at Fu Qingfeng. “I have long heard of your medical brilliance, sir. Your cultivation is just as inscrutable.”

Fu Qingfeng had aided Xian Ge Yue’s palm strike, sparing Baili Liunian’s life. Yet it was enough to ensure that for the next month, every breath would feel like needles stabbing him.

Such was the force of that palm—no external aid could dispel it.

He was also shaken by this man’s depth of cultivation. He knew his own abilities well, yet Fu Qingfeng was his superior, and it seemed he had not even used his full strength.

The thought made even a man as seasoned as he break out in a cold sweat.

“Forgive me. Today, the valley is closed to outsiders. Please, head of the family, take your leave.” Fu Qingfeng stood with hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping to Huai Yin and Que Yunzi.

The two, understanding, withdrew into the wooden house. Instantly, dazzling light burst around the house, and soon it was enclosed within a formation.

Huai Yin, anxious, raised his blade to rush out, but Que Yunzi stopped him. “Don’t make things worse. Sometimes it’s better not to know.”

“But—”

“But what? Can you defeat Lian Hen in one strike? Or force Baili Liunian back? Even the Inspectors of Heaven are formidable.”

He, an old man, had barely escaped with his life.

“How much do you really know?” Glancing at the glowing barrier, Huai Yin sheathed his weapon and strode into the inner room. As he lifted the curtain, he recoiled in shock. “What are you doing?”

The Jade Shard girl, twin swords in hand, had been about to charge out. Thankfully, Huai Yin withdrew quickly, and she sheathed her swords. “Why are you back?”

“Don’t change the subject. You still haven’t answered me.” Huai Yin touched the two cuts on his chest—one more inch and it would have been more than just his clothes.

“Uh... I just wanted to help outside...” He hadn’t meant anything by it, but how could he have predicted such timing? Besides, he hadn’t done it on purpose.

She sneaked a glance, her slender hands fidgeting behind her back.

...

Que Yunzi lounged in his chair, feet on the armrest, happily guzzling wine. He grinned at the Jade Shard girl, “Don’t be scared, little one. He’s sturdy. Two holes are nothing. Grandpa has the perfect medicine.”

“Really?” Her eyes shone at the promise.

Huai Yin, quick as lightning, pushed her back into the room. “None of your concern—go rest.”

He closed the door and drew the curtain, then strode toward Que Yunzi, teeth clenched. The old man...

Outside, Baili Liunian straightened, smoothing his sleeves and smiling. “My apologies. Ordinarily, a word from you would be enough, sir, and I would comply. But—” Suddenly, his tone shifted. “Family orders cannot be defied. Thus, I must offend you.”

Fu Qingfeng looked over his shoulder, eyes half-lowered. “Leave. This is no place for you.”

“Is that so? If I insist, sir, how many here do you think you can protect?” His gaze swept from Xian Ge Yue to the closed doors of the medicinal hut.

With a glance, he signaled Lian Hen and the others. “Move.”

“Yes.”

“At once.”

In a flash, shadows shot forth like rain, faster than lightning.

But Fu Qingfeng stamped his foot, sending a wave of energy rippling outward like water. He barked, “Stand down!”

“Ugh...”

“Ugh...”

All were struck by the wave, even Lian Hen retreating, clutching his sword.

Baili Liunian glanced back, his eye twitching, then his gaze turned cold and he gathered his energy, meeting Fu Qingfeng head-on.

Fu Qingfeng did not dodge, meeting him palm to palm.

Suddenly, Baili Liunian grunted and drew back. “I am ordered to retrieve the young master’s soul. Yet you persist in stopping me. Isn’t this too much?”

“I do not think so. But tell me, which young master do you seek?” Fu Qingfeng lowered his hand, calmly folding it behind his back.

“You jest, sir. Our family has ever had but one young master. His life was lost to traitors—only now have we come to bring him home.”

“And if I refuse, what then?”

Baili Liunian froze, barely able to maintain composure, forcing a respectful smile. “You are a wise man, sir. Surely you know that making an enemy of the Baili clan can only bring you harm. We know of your benevolence, but allow me this advice: saving someone is one thing, but to put yourself in endless peril for it is unwise. Would you not agree?”

Fu Qingfeng raised his eyes, and the air seemed to still. “The traitor you speak of is my friend. To seize his soul—is that not forcing your will upon others?”

“So, there is no room for negotiation?” Baili Liunian’s heart sank. He had long suspected a connection between Su He and Fu Qingfeng, but never imagined they were friends.

Fu Qingfeng had always walked alone in Yu Hai Tian. Though many owed him favors, few could claim true friendship. How could a cast-out traitor have caught his eye?

Moreover, at the time, Su He was only a remnant soul—what about him could earn Fu Qingfeng’s friendship? Unless... Su He had another mysterious benefactor?

That must be it. Even with Fu Qingfeng’s help, Su He could not have improved in seclusion without outside aid.

But who could it be...?

As he pondered, a dreadful pressure descended from the heavens. Quickly, he ordered Lian Hen to withdraw with the Inspectors.

Fu Qingfeng swept his sleeve, flinging Xian Ge Yue into the medicinal hut. The door slammed shut.

“Hey! What are you—”

“If you want to live, stay inside.” With that, Fu Qingfeng ignored the shouts from within.

Baili Liunian narrowed his eyes, the wind distorting his features. “Your courage is truly impressive, sir.”

“You flatter me. But surely, this is what you’ve been waiting for?” The moment he entered Wei Ye Valley, he had sensed it. There was killing intent in the air, but not enough for slaughter. Clearly, their aim was not to kill, but something—or someone—inside.

To seize a soul, the timing had to be right. And the threats had to be cleared away. Thus, everyone held back. Had it not been for the need to wait for Baili Wushuang’s soul to gather, Wei Ye Valley would already be ashes.

Baili Liunian, exposed, straightened, calm as ever. “I wouldn’t dare. It’s mere coincidence.”

As he spoke, a clear, melodious sound swept the world.

Eight women, bearing a curtained palanquin, descended from the heavens. The moment they touched down, waves of force rippled outward, surging at Fu Qingfeng’s feet.

Fu Qingfeng’s expression did not change. Hands behind his back, he planted his feet and unleashed his energy in a single move.

At once, the two forces collided, sending shockwaves throughout the valley.

Boom—

After a long moment, the flying stones and swirling sand settled.

From within the palanquin, a languid yet commanding voice spoke.

“It has been too long.”