Chapter Sixty-Seven: Reunion in Liyang

To uncover the truth, I used the pretext of needing to buy ingredients for a cultivation-enhancing elixir and went to the city. Before entering, I donned a large robe to conceal my appearance, ensuring I wouldn't attract trouble.

At night, the broken Moon Spirit Jades in my sleeve emitted a faint glow. I poured them onto the table and, half-leaning over, used them as marbles, turning them clockwise with my fingers. I felt utterly exhausted, barely able to keep my eyes open.

Once again, I found myself in the lush and verdant Floating Jade Garden. The entwining green vines and the glowing specks on the leaves created an illusory beauty.

"Qingwu, Qingwu, are you there?" This time, I didn't hold back and called out for Meng Xian.

No one responded, but a small blue bird dropped a sealed letter into my hand before flying away.

What is this...?

I opened the letter and found it filled with spells, mainly about the interplay of the five elements. One phrase stood out: "Water freezes on the surface, chills the heart, seeps into grass and wood to freeze the bones. When it falls on roaring flames, fire is born. Metal stops the flow of water, and all things turn to ice."

The meaning was clear: mastering one element leads to mastering all, each technique having its specialization.

I had always practiced the Frost Condensing Spell, an extreme ice and cold technique. Would I need to extend my cultivation of the Spirit Command Technique in this direction?

This dream ended quickly. Although I couldn't speak with Qingwu in the dream, gaining the cultivation method for the Spirit Command Technique was valuable. This increased my confidence in dealing with Quan You.

If I couldn't kill Quan You as Qingwu suggested, who knows what other complications might arise?

Early the next morning, I changed clothes and prepared to leave. Huaying blocked the door, forcing me back inside.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm coming with you. I also want to go. Don't worry; once we're there, we'll go our separate ways."

"Then go on your own. Following me won't be any different."

She nodded, as if my words made sense, but then shook her head and said, "Wait, you're not going to the city like this, are you? Not dressing up?"

"I'm not going to Liyang City to have fun. I'm there to verify my 'crimes' as a wanted person. Why would I dress up?" I was baffled.

"Well, well, you look so good. Don't you want to see how stunning you can be with a little makeover? You'll definitely look several times more beautiful than the average person. I'm just curious." Huaying said as she grabbed me, sat me down, and took out a carved wooden box she had seemingly prepared for this moment. She took out various cosmetics and began applying them to my face. "Don't move, sit still."

Fine, better to let her have her way than end up looking like a mess. I thought to myself and sat still, letting her work.

About half an hour later, she said, "Done." I slowly opened my eyes.

In the mirror was a face I didn't recognize at all.

The youthful innocence was washed away, leaving behind eyes like radiant clouds that seemed to submerge worldly concerns in a bittersweet river. The face, as delicately carved as jade, was surrounded by a misty aura, making it hard to distinguish in the shimmering reflection.

This person in the mirror was completely unfamiliar to me.

"This is..."

"I slightly altered your original appearance with cleansing cream. Even though the changes are subtle, no one will recognize you in the city. If you want to return to your original look, just wash your face with water soaked in white vinegar~"

Hearing Huaying's words, I felt deeply moved. She had been thinking about my situation. "Thank you, Huaying."

"No need, no need. If you go out wearing that robe, you'll be stifling. Don't forget it's still hot out. That outfit will only draw more attention." Huaying dusted her hands and twisted her neck. "I need some ice water and a break. I'm leaving."

"Ice water?" I stopped her. Using my magic, I conjured frost at the base of the teapot and poured her a cup of tea emitting a faint, cold mist.

"This is freshly brewed green tea with honey. Drink a few more cups to cool down."

She found it novel, sat down, took a sip, and immediately exclaimed, "Delicious! I feel alive again!"

Seeing how much she struggled with the heat, I realized why she wanted to leave the city with me. During my time at Qiongyun, many disciples would join me on hot days because of the cold aura I emanated.

After Huaying had rested enough, we set off together. Upon reaching Liyang City, I went to gather information while she wandered off to enjoy herself.

After two or three hours of exploring taverns, inns, and streets, I still hadn't overheard anyone discussing the wanted notice. I couldn't even find a single wanted poster despite searching everywhere. I began to wonder if Huaying had deceived me.

But why would she lie about such a thing?

Exhausted from my search, I decided to rest at a random inn and ordered a bowl of mung bean soup, perfect for cooling down in the summer.

The inn was empty, and while I waited, I suddenly heard a familiar voice upstairs. Unable to resist, I looked up.

"But Senior Brother, she infiltrated and attacked the former Sect Leader while he was healing. The crime is undeniable. Even if you tear down all the wanted notices in Liyang City, you can't silence everyone." The voice belonged to Linglu, a white-clad woman I knew well. She was speaking earnestly to a blue-clad man beside her.

The blue-clad man didn't even glance at her, descended the stairs, and handed a stack of papers to the innkeeper. "Burn them."

Though I only caught a glimpse of the man's face, I knew it was Daxian. My heart surged with a mix of surprise and joy, and I struggled to suppress the urge to reveal myself. I took a sip of water to calm down.

Linglu, anxious, exclaimed, "Senior Brother! The news has already spread. As Sect Leader, doing this disgraces Qiongyun."

Daxian ignored her distress, gave her a brief glance, and continued walking. Linglu, losing her grip, stumbled and fell to the side. The innkeeper, trying to catch her, accidentally pulled off her white veil.

"Ah!" Linglu screamed, hurriedly covering her face with her sleeve and sobbing.

"This appearance is all Qingyue's fault. Senior Brother, do you not care at all? How can I face anyone like this? How can I ever marry and live as a normal woman?"

"I will marry you. No one will speak ill of you." Daxian's words stunned both me and Linglu.

In my shock, I didn't notice the innkeeper approaching with my mung bean soup. Rising abruptly, I knocked over the ceramic bowl. The sharp sound of breaking pottery and spilling soup cut through the lingering tension, piercing my mind.

In that instant, my eyes met his.

Suddenly, everything went dark. The world around me turned black. I couldn't bear to hear what else he and Linglu might say. In a panic, I fled without looking back.