Chapter Seventy-Six: The Gathering Storm

Rain fell in a continuous, drizzling veil.

The sky was dark and overcast. The Water Python soldiers lay prone among the trees, motionless, letting the rain soak them through. They obeyed Lu Qian's orders, standing guard at this post. Except for eating, drinking, and relieving themselves, they remained hidden in their concealed positions.

A few eagles circled in the sky above. Occasionally, they would swoop down, revealing themselves not as birds, but as a group of humans with black wings. At their head was a woman whose face was icy cold, her vertical pupils as sharp as blades.

Nearby, a young girl dressed in green, her brows delicate and her complexion as luminous as the autumn moon, was also hidden from view.

Each day, Xi Yue cultivated alongside Lu Qian, continuing this practice for half a year. Her vital energy had begun to circulate through the meridians, and she had attained the perfection of embryonic breathing. In the past few days, she had mastered the Yin Fiend Azure Scale Serpent technique as well as the mysterious green fireball. Moreover, she possessed a secret magical treasure left by Lu Qian, her strength now far surpassing that of ordinary soldiers.

At that moment, at the foot of the mountain, three scholars in blue robes approached, umbrellas shielding them from the rain.

“Brother Liu, is there really an immortal on this mountain?” one asked.

The short-bearded man in the middle turned back with a smile. “Tales of supernatural power are but fantasies. If there truly are immortals here, it's merely the wild imaginings of ignorant folk. Still, since we're here, there's no harm in taking a look. Who knows? If we’re lucky enough to obtain an elixir and ascend to immortality, wouldn’t that be wonderful? Ha!”

Rain slapped slantwise against them as they climbed.

Suddenly, Xi Yue blocked their path. “Please turn back, gentlemen. The area ahead is private property. No entry is permitted.”

Brother Liu’s eyes lit up at the sight of such a refined beauty. With a snap, he opened his paper fan, adopting what he believed to be a charming demeanor.

“Private property? Is the moon over these mountains, or the clear wind over these rivers, yours alone? Fair lady, are you here by yourself? Why not come wander with me for a while?”

Xi Yue frowned, about to draw her sword and teach them a lesson.

But with a squelch, the three scholars felt a sharp pain in their chests. Looking down, they saw a hand tipped with pitch-black nails piercing through their hearts.

With a thud, their bodies collapsed to the ground. Behind them stood Yao Yue.

“Why waste time talking? Intruders should be killed outright,” Yao Yue said impatiently. If they were allowed to leave the mountain, it would only attract a crowd of busybodies.

“I understand,” Xi Yue replied softly, lowering her head and committing her sister’s words to memory.

...

On the slopes of Medicine Mountain, rain continued to pour.

An elderly man with snow-white hair sat upon a stone chair, a woman in black refilling his wine cup from time to time.

The woman’s figure was alluring, her black skirt revealing two slender, ivory legs. These two were Li Du and Liu Ruyi. A year had passed since the events of last time.

“Why do you refuse to give in? You’re nearing the end of your life—what would it hurt to help me one last time? At least it would be a fitting end,” Liu Ruyi said, her tone tinged with regret. She had not expected Li Du’s mind to be so resolute. An entire year, and the Demon Lotus of the Dao Heart had made no progress, unable to find a single flaw.

“My heart is as steadfast as iron; how could there be any weakness?” Li Du brushed his sleeve and smiled, as if nothing concerned him. Deep within his sea of consciousness, a jet-black lotus seed had taken root.

“True, your century of self-cultivation is unmatched.”

Hearing this, Li Du only shook his head with a slight smile. “No need for your provocations. I know your character well. You pride yourself on your unwavering devotion to the Dao, disregard others, and act decisively. If killing me would bring you success, you would have done so long ago.”

Li Du understood that in his current state, even someone at the embryonic breathing stage could easily subdue him. Until Liu Ruyi completed her training, she wouldn’t dare kill him; on the contrary, she needed to ensure his well-being. Otherwise, the shadow of the past would haunt her forever.

At his words, a trace of madness flickered in Liu Ruyi’s eyes. She suppressed her irritation with some effort. Li Du knew her all too well. Indeed, she had never truly cared about him over the years. Whatever others might think of the past, in her own heart she felt no guilt; she had always acted for herself. Li Du was nothing but a stepping stone.

Just then, someone ascended the mountain path. He wore a purple Daoist robe, a primordial cap atop his head, and carried a white jade folding fan—a refined and elegant young gentleman. His emerald green eyes seemed to draw in the soul.

Long’er approached, saluted with clasped fists, and bowed deeply. “Disciple Long’er greets Master.”

“Sit,” Liu Ruyi said with a gentle smile, pointing to the bench beside her.

Long’er took his seat, sitting upright and composed, his manners impeccable.

“This is my beloved disciple, Long’er. Long’er, pay your respects to Elder Xuandu.”

“Greetings, Elder Xuandu,” Long’er said respectfully.

The moment Li Du saw Long’er’s spectral green eyes, a tremor shook his Dao heart, a faint fissure appearing as dark energy surged across his face.

Sensing this, Liu Ruyi quietly circulated her energy, her eyes turning as black as ink. “Indeed, a remarkable young talent.”

In the next instant, the blackness faded from Li Du’s face and his expression returned to normal.

“How does he compare to your disciple?” Liu Ruyi asked.

“Speaking of which, your disciple truly takes after you in no way at all. He lacked your extraordinary talent, nor did he find any great opportunity, yet his cultivation is solid, progressing steadily, step by step.”

Li Du shook his head in silence. It was true—one usually chose disciples of similar temperament. Li Du had once been gentle and righteous, earning the gratitude of many fellow cultivators. Lu Qian was different; to put it kindly, he didn’t follow the crowd; less kindly, he was proud and self-centered. Even with those close to him, he seldom opened his heart. He was courteous to those who left him alone, but ruthless to his enemies, never hesitating.

Had Li Du been more decisive and self-interested back then, he might not be in his current predicament.

“How is your practice of the Dao Heart Demon Seed technique?” Liu Ruyi’s beautiful eyes glimmered with hidden meaning.

“Master, I have already mastered it. Now I only lack a stepping stone for the seed, and I can enter the spiritual cultivation realm.”

“Go and exchange insights with Elder Xuandu’s disciple. There is much to learn from Lu Qian; do you understand?” As she spoke, Liu Ruyi watched Li Du’s face for any reaction, but saw none at all.

Li Du was proud to the core; coercion would not work. Perhaps she could find an opening through his disciple. If only a single flaw appeared…

“Yes, I will certainly learn from Brother Lu,” Long’er replied, understanding her true intent. Now he finally realized why his master urged him to spend time with Lu Qian. He had studied Lu Qian; the man never flattered the powerful and possessed an unyielding spirit. Such people were steadfast of mind—if that pride could be broken and his spirit crushed, the lotus that took root would surely surpass all others.

“Indeed, the young should engage in more exchanges,” Li Du said with a smile, as though none of this concerned him. He recalled that Lu Qian had left for distant lands. With the boy’s wit, he would reveal his whereabouts to no one—surely he was already in hiding.

At this thought, Li Du sighed softly. In the end, it was this cheap disciple who had been implicated.