Chapter 11

Surveying their surroundings with a critical eye, Junjie's suggestion of a cave nestled at the base of a small mountain caught the group's attention. The entrance yawned wide, inviting yet ominous in the fading light of dusk. However, Liang Zhiguan, ever the cautious daredevil, swiftly interjected with Shizun's wisdom etched into his memory.

"Strong monsters have trouble climbing mountains," he proclaimed with a sage nod, his expression earnestly conveying his dedication to Shizun's teachings. "Only flying and low-level undead creatures reside higher up. A cave nestled in the middle would be safest."

The group, their trust in Xue Xinyu's teachings evident, nodded in understanding and deferred to Liang Zhiguan's expertise. With a collective agreement, they set off towards the heart of the mountain, leaving behind the more enticing but potentially perilous prospect of the cave at the base.

During their search, Liang Zhiguan, always one to mix a bit of adventure with practicality, decided to take a brief detour from the group. "I need some 'me-time' in the forest," he declared with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with the promise of spontaneous exploration. And so, there he was, soaring through the air like a majestic bird—well, maybe more like a bat with a flair for the dramatic—when his sharp eyes caught sight of a cave tucked away low on the mountain's flank.

Now, Liang Zhiguan wasn't the type to heed warnings about "stranger danger" or "stay away from creepy caves." No, he was drawn to the allure of the unknown, the thrill of discovery. After all, what could possibly go wrong in a dark, mysterious cave in the middle of nowhere, right?

Disembarking from his trusty sword with a casual flick, Liang Zhiguan ventured into the cave, expecting it to be like any other: damp, echoey, and probably filled with spiders. But to his surprise (and mild disappointment), it was just... endless. Seriously, he walked and walked, yet there was no end in sight.

And here's the kicker: not a single monster in sight! Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but feel a bit insulted—were the monsters afraid of him? Did they not recognize his potential as a hero in the making? Or perhaps they were simply smarter than he gave them credit for.

Just as Liang Zhiguan was about to turn around and leave the cave, the very epitome of free stuff landed at his feet with a suspicious "clunk." His sharp ears caught the sound, and with a curious glance downward, he discovered a dazzling necklace lying on the ground, practically begging to be picked up.

Now, Liang Zhiguan wasn't one to turn down free stuff, especially when it was shiny and potentially cursed. The necklace was a sight to behold, boasting a massive blue gem that practically screamed "I'm magical!" As his fingers brushed against it, a strange tingling sensation coursed through him, as though the necklace itself was alive and whispering secrets only he could hear.

The gem, initially dark blue at its core, shimmered with an otherworldly iridescence, reflecting hues of purple and turquoise like it held a piece of the night sky within its depths. Encased in intricate silver filigree, the gemstone was surrounded by delicate patterns resembling celestial constellations, each etching telling a tale of ancient power and mystery.

Yet, as Liang Zhiguan examined it closer, a creeping unease settled in his stomach. The edges of the gem seemed to darken, akin to a soggy piece of toast left out too long. Warning signs flashed in his mind, but he couldn't tear his eyes away from its mesmerising glow, the allure of potential adventure too strong to resist.

Before he could ponder the consequences of his impulsive decision-making any further, a familiar voice called out his name from outside the cave. "LIAAAAANGGGG ZHIIIIIWEIIII!" With the grace of a startled deer, he quickly snatched up the necklace and shoved it around his neck, hiding it under his robe with practised stealth. He prayed that none of his companions noticed his newfound bling, hoping to avoid a barrage of questions and sceptical glances.

And just like that, with a mysterious necklace pulsing against his chest and a flurry of questions about his life choices swirling in his mind, Liang Zhiguan rejoined the group. Their search for shelter didn't take long. Soon, they stumbled upon a cavern nestled halfway up the mountain, its yawning entrance promising shelter for the night.

Before venturing inside, they gathered provisions and firewood, preparing for the evening ahead. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape, they settled into the cavern. Disciples from Hongyan Peak took charge of starting a crackling fire, while their Fenghuang Peak counterparts secured the entrance for added security. Meanwhile, the nimble-fingered disciple from Fuguang Peak assisted Liang Zhiguan in preparing their meal, his culinary expertise transforming their basic provisions into a feast.

Amidst the bustle of activity, with disciples scurrying about to secure their makeshift camp for the night, Liang Zhiguan took charge of erecting a barrier. Setting up barriers typically required precision and concentration, tasks that often tested the patience of even the most seasoned disciples. Yet, under the watchful eye of Xue Xinyu, Liang Zhiguan had honed a technique that defied convention. With practised ease, he manipulated spiritual energy with finesse, weaving intricate patterns in the air that coalesced into a formidable barrier in mere minutes.

This particular technique was no ordinary safeguard; it was a relic of ancient wisdom, believed lost to the annals of time. Xue Xinyu, renowned for his vast collection of scrolls containing ancient techniques, held the key to unlocking these age-old secrets. 

As they settled into their camp, surrounded by the flickering warmth of the fire and the comforting glow of their makeshift barrier, the disciples from different peaks mingled in shared camaraderie. The Fuguang disciple, deftly stirring a bubbling pot over the fire, seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation with Liang Zhiguan.

"So, Liang Zhiguan, how did you come to be Master Xue's disciple?" he inquired casually, his stirring spoon tracing lazy circles in the pot, creating a soothing rhythm that filled the air.

Liang Zhiguan hesitated, his gaze flickering with uncertainty. "It's a long story," he began cautiously, his mind briefly wandering through the winding paths of his past.

Junjie, ever curious and perhaps a tad mischievous, chimed in with a grin, "Considering Master Xue's reputation for being selective with disciples, you must have some impressive persuading skills!"

A faint blush tinted Liang Zhiguan's cheeks as he mulled over Junjie's teasing remark, grappling with how much of his journey to reveal to these newfound companions.

Their banter was abruptly interrupted by the soft echo of footsteps approaching from the cavern entrance. The disciples turned as one, their attention drawn to the unexpected visitor stepping into the warm glow of the firelight. Liang Zhiguan instinctively rose to his feet, hand hovering near the hilt of his sword, prepared to defend their sanctuary against any potential threat.

Emerging from the shadows, a young girl with an air of mystery about her spoke softly, seeking to allay their suspicions. "I apologise for intruding," she offered with sincerity, her voice carrying an earnest tone that hinted at hidden layers. "I entered from the other side of the cave and overheard your conversation. I meant no harm."

Liang Zhiguan regarded her with a cautious stare, his grip on his sword unwavering. "And who might you be?" he inquired, his tone guarded yet tinged with curiosity.

"My name is Yuan Jiayi," the girl introduced herself with a tentative step forward, her demeanour gentle and unassuming. "Would you mind if I joined you?" Her eyes flickered briefly toward Liang Zhiguan's sword, a silent acknowledgment of his vigilance.

Junjie, ever the gracious host, intervened with a welcoming smile. "Please, make yourself comfortable," he urged, extending a gesture of hospitality despite the lingering tension. Reluctantly, Liang Zhiguan eased his hand away from his weapon, though his wariness remained palpable.

Yuan Jiayi settled down next to him, maintaining a respectful distance, her presence adding an intriguing twist to their impromptu gathering.

"We've just prepared some soup. Would you care for a bowl?" Junjie offered hospitably, pouring the fragrant concoction into humble earthenware vessels fashioned by the Fenghuang disciples earlier. Despite their unconventional nature, the makeshift bowls proved quite functional, reflecting the resourcefulness of their creators.

"Thank you," Yuan Jiayi accepted graciously, her slender fingers curling around the warm earthenware bowl as she nodded gently in appreciation. Liang Zhiguan took his portion in silence, his apprehension still lingering like a stubborn shadow despite the comforting warmth of the soup.

As they savoured the hearty broth, the cavern filled with the hum of conversation. Yuan Jiayi, Junjie, and the others engaged in lively chatter, exchanging anecdotes and sharing laughter that echoed off the rocky walls. Liang Zhiguan remained mostly silent, his mind preoccupied with a nagging unease that refused to dissipate.

Once the last remnants of soup had been consumed and the bowls set aside, Liang Zhiguan finally broached the question that had been weighing on his mind. "Forgive me for my curiosity, but may I inquire as to which peak you're from, Yuan Jiayi?" he ventured cautiously, his keen eyes searching for any flicker of deception in her response.

There was a brief pause, during which Yuan Jiayi's eyes seemed to flicker with a shadow of uncertainty before she answered. "I am a disciple of Qi Yun Peak," she revealed, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of tension.

Liang Zhiguan couldn't help but feel a surge of scepticism at her response. Despite his limited interactions with Qi Yun Peak disciples, it struck him as odd that she wasn't adorned in their customary robes. The disciples of Qi Yun Peak were known for their distinctive attire, woven with intricate enchantments and often embellished with symbols denoting their rank and achievements.

"What happened to your outer robe?" Liang Zhiguan questioned, his curiosity piqued. Before Yuan Jiayi could respond, Junjie interjected diplomatically, "Let's not bombard her with questions, Liang Zhiguan."

Yuan Jiayi, however, seemed unfazed by the inquiry and offered an explanation. "No need to worry," she assured Junjie, her voice calm and composed under the scrutiny. "Monsters destroyed it."

Liang Zhiguan couldn't shake off the growing sense of suspicion that enveloped him with each passing moment. The explanation seemed too convenient, too tidy to be believable. Qi Yun Peak robes were renowned for their durability, crafted with meticulous care under the masterful guidance of Xue Xinyu himself. The outer garments were enchanted to withstand the rigours of combat and the harsh elements of the mountainous terrain.

In fact, Liang Zhiguan was well aware of the formidable defences woven into the latest iteration of Qi Yun Peak's outer robes. Xue Xinyu's innovative spellwork imbued the garments with multifaceted protections: they could adjust their temperature in response to environmental conditions, erect formidable barriers against attacks, mitigate the impact of blows, and were woven from a resilient magical wool that defied tearing. Furthermore, upon being struck, the robes had the remarkable ability to repel the assailant with a powerful burst of force, ensuring the safety of the wearer.

Yuan Jiayi's explanation about the destruction of her robe did little to assuage Liang Zhiguan's suspicions. His mind raced with possibilities as he considered the implications of her presence and the mysterious necklace hidden beneath his robe. The night stretched on, the flickering fire casting shifting shadows across the cavern walls, as the disciples from different peaks remained vigilant, their camaraderie tinged with a newfound wariness in the presence of their enigmatic guest.

Given the exhaustive protective enchantments meticulously interwoven into the fabric of Qi Yun Peak robes, the mere suggestion that these garments could be damaged so effortlessly bordered on the absurd, if not outright ludicrous. These robes were crafted with a craftsmanship so meticulous that even a stray thread pulling loose would be considered an affront to Qi Yun Peak's rigorous standards. Such a minor mishap would be seen as a grave lapse in decorum, tantamount to committing the fashion equivalent of heresy within the august circles of the Peak.

Moreover, Liang Zhiguan's sharp eyes quickly noted the conspicuous absence of the delicate light blue ribbon, typically adorned with a dainty flower, which usually crowned the hair of every Qi Yun Peak disciple. This wasn't just a slip-up; it was a glaring omission, one that screamed louder than a goat at a heavy metal concert. This ribbon wasn't just a decorative piece of headgear; it was a badge of honour, a symbol laden with profound meaning and steeped in tradition. To go without it was not merely to forgo a fashion accessory—it was to forsake a sacred emblem that held a place of supreme importance in the hierarchy of Qi Yun Peak's cherished customs.

In the revered halls of Qi Yun Peak, the ribbon transcended mere adornment. It was a revered talisman, a tangible expression of commitment and unity. Its absence suggested a dramatic departure from time-honoured conventions, an unthinkable breach of protocol that was nothing short of a scandal. Among the disciples, it was an open secret that only one's soulmate could ever touch, let alone remove, this cherished ribbon. It was a privilege granted to no one else—a gesture steeped in intimacy and reverence.

"What happened to your hair ribbon?" Liang Zhiguan inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of genuine curiosity and barely concealed suspicion. However, before Yuan Jiayi could muster a response, Junjie intervened with the alacrity of a hawk swooping down on a wayward field mouse. "Liang Zhiwei, silence your incessant prying. It's impolite," he snapped, his voice dripping with annoyance and the unmistakable undertone of protectiveness.

Chastened by Junjie's rebuke, Liang Zhiguan mumbled a swift apology, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Without missing a beat, he directed his gaze toward the ominous shadows cloaking the far side of the cave. "I'll be right back; I'm going to reinforce the barrier on the other side," he announced with a touch of bravado, rising from his seat and striding purposefully toward the darkness from which Yuan Jiayi had emerged, like a man on a mission.

"You needn't bother; I've already erected one," Yuan Jiayi interjected, her tone a delicate balance of earnestness and desperation, as if trying to prevent a bull from charging into a particularly fragile china shop.

Undeterred by her protest, Liang Zhiguan pressed on, his resolve as steadfast as a rock facing an incoming tide. "It's no trouble; I'll double-check," he insisted, his determination as unyielding as his sense of duty.

"But really, the barrier is sufficient," Yuan Jiayi persisted, her voice tinged with a mix of reluctance and frustration, as if she were trying to convince a particularly stubborn mule to reconsider its life choices.

"It's alright, Yuan Jiayi. Liang Zhiwei is well-versed in barrier magic," Junjie added, grudgingly admitting Liang Zhiguan's expertise despite their earlier disagreement, like a cat reluctantly acknowledging the usefulness of a particularly clever mouse.

With a sigh that spoke volumes, Yuan Jiayi reluctantly released her grip on his arm, allowing Liang Zhiguan to proceed with his task. His journey through the cavern's vast and echoing depths soon uncovered a troubling truth: there was no alternate exit, just an endless expanse of rock and shadow.

Meanwhile, back at the observation point, Xue Xinyu was watching the unfolding events with an ever-growing sense of trepidation, his thoughts a tangled web of suspicion and doubt. "Xinyu da ge, you should drink less," Li Tao suggested gently, his voice laced with concern. Yet, Xue Xinyu remained transfixed, his gaze glued to the drama playing out on the screen before him, his mind churning with unease.

As the tension escalated, Xue Xinyu's disquiet deepened, fueled by the realisation that the cave had only one entrance. The presence of Yuan Jiayi, combined with the cave's singular egress, cast a long, dark shadow of doubt over the entire scenario. It was becoming increasingly clear that there was more to the girl's story than met the eye, and Xue Xinyu's instincts screamed that something was amiss.

Liang Zhiguan's return journey through the cavernous expanse was punctuated by distant sounds of commotion, echoing through the stone halls like the ominous harbinger of a storm. Hastening his pace, he soon stumbled upon a startling and rather alarming tableau: Yuan Jiayi, her eyes alight with a menacing gleam, brandishing Junjie's sword and pressing the blade menacingly against his calf.

The realisation hit Liang Zhiguan like a bolt from the blue, a confirmation of both Xue Xinyu's suspicions and his own growing doubts. Without a moment's hesitation, he sprang into action, commanding his sword with a flourish that would make even the most jaded swordmaster green with envy. With a swift and decisive strike, he knocked the weapon from Yuan Jiayi's grasp, the clang of metal echoing through the cavern as if to herald the onset of an even greater drama.

The other disciples, seizing the moment like kids scrambling for candy at a piñata party, launched an enthusiastic assault on Yuan Jiayi. But she, displaying the finesse of a seasoned dancer dodging wayward partners, swiftly evaded their clumsy strikes and retaliated with an agility that left them gawping. 

Liang Zhiguan, recognizing the escalating danger and the general ineptitude of his comrades, hastily erected a shimmering barrier to shield himself from the chaos. With a dramatic flourish that would make any stage actor proud, he dispatched his sword to flank Yuan Jiayi, hoping to catch her off guard.

Despite Liang Zhiguan's tactical manoeuvre that would have made Sun Tzu nod in approval, Yuan Jiayi deflected the incoming blade with a flick of her wrist, her dexterity bordering on the supernatural. The Hongyan disciples, not to be outdone, unleashed a torrent of flames upon her, transforming the cave into a veritable inferno. Yet, like a cat casually sidestepping a puddle, she dodged their fiery onslaught with practised ease.

With a dramatic burst of energy that sent debris flying like confetti at a chaotic birthday party, Yuan Jiayi blasted a hole through the cave wall. The sudden escape route was like a red carpet rolled out just for her. She made her getaway with the elegance of a figure skater, disappearing into the night as the disciples stumbled and tripped over each other in hot pursuit, looking more like a troop of disoriented penguins than skilled warriors.

Meanwhile, Xue Xinyu watched the unfolding spectacle with a bemused smirk, his eyebrows inching ever higher in disbelief. Who would have thought their day would involve chasing down a shapeshifting demon of such unexpected flair? Fortunately for them, it seemed her strength lay more in deception and acrobatics than in raw, brute force. 

The group, now united in their frantic pursuit, chased after Yuan Jiayi with the fervour of kids chasing an ice cream truck. Despite their best efforts to launch mid-air attacks that looked impressive in theory but less so in execution, they struggled to maintain their balance, ending up in a haphazard jumble that resembled a chaotic circus troupe rather than a cohesive attack force.

Undeterred by their clumsy antics, they devised a cunning plan to trap Yuan Jiayi. They would converge from different angles, hoping to corner her like a particularly elusive rabbit. Yuan Jiayi, sensing their intentions, veered towards the familiar forest they had traversed earlier. She touched down amidst the trees with a graceful landing that belied her evident exhaustion. Despite her fatigue, she prepared for a fierce counterattack as the disciples, swords gleaming, closed in on her like a pack of determined hounds.

Sensing her vulnerability, the disciples intensified their assault, their strikes coming faster and more furiously than before. They pressed forward relentlessly, their confidence bolstered by the sight of her laboured breaths and faltering movements. 

After what seemed like an eternity of relentless strikes, Yuan Jiayi finally fell to her knees, her breath ragged and laboured. With a defiant glare that could have melted ice, she bellowed, "YOU!" Her attempt to rise was valiant but ultimately futile, as she faltered and fell back to the ground, her strength clearly waning.

Believing victory to be within their grasp, the disciples advanced, their swords poised for the final blow. Liang Zhiguan, ever the cautious strategist, maintained a watchful distance, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential surprises. 

It was amid this tense standoff that he heard it—a faint yet unmistakable sound, like the distant rumble of thunder on a clear day. A series of heavy footsteps echoed ominously from behind, each thud resonating through the ground and causing it to quiver subtly, as if in anticipation of some great and terrible force approaching.

With each step, the earth seemed to tremble a little more, hinting at the impending arrival of an unknown threat. Liang Zhiguan's heart quickened, his mind racing through possible scenarios. Could this be a new adversary, or perhaps an ally come to turn the tide? Whatever the case, the thundering footsteps grew louder, each one a harbinger of something monumental and imminent, promising to change the course of their confrontation with a force that neither he nor his companions had anticipated.