Before Yu Ci even entered the main hall of the mountain cavern, he heard laughter and conversation from within:
“Back when I was in the East Sea, I had already heard of the renowned ‘Soul Master’ of the Great Passage. When you, Elder Zhu, publicly shared your ‘Refining Intent and Manifesting Thought Method’, I had long studied this difficult problem but made little progress. Upon reading your profound insights, I felt as though a veil had been lifted—truly, I benefited greatly.”
“Merely exchanging knowledge with fellow practitioners of the world.”
Elder Zhu’s voice still carried a hint of stiffness, but after spending so much time together, Yu Ci could tell that this irritable, bald-headed cultivator was actually in quite a good mood.
Over the past two months, Yu Ci had come to understand that this Elder Zhu was an eccentric figure within the Great Passage. Though his own cultivation level wasn’t particularly notable in the wider world of practitioners, his research and mastery of soul refinement were extraordinary, making him a rare theoretical master. The Great Passage had invited him as a guest elder, providing him with substantial resources for his studies, and his status was anything but ordinary.
The old man had a terrible temper but was quite fond of fame. The earlier words had clearly stroked his ego, and the visitor’s distinguished status had further lifted his spirits.
At that moment, Yu Ci stepped into the hall. His gaze immediately fell upon the female cultivator seated across from Elder Zhu—her hair was styled in an elegant high bun, her robes as light as clouds, and her skin as smooth as fine jade. She was undeniably beautiful. When she noticed Yu Ci entering, her eyes brightened. She excused herself to Elder Zhu, then rose with a radiant smile.
“You must be Daoist Yu Ci of the Rifting Earth Sect. I am Bi Chao of the Mysterious Moon Sect, newly arrived in this land to pay respects to its esteemed talents. I only learned yesterday that you were recuperating here, so I came today specifically to meet you.” (G: changing Bichao to Bi Chao)
As she spoke, she gave a slight bow. She was not particularly tall, but her figure was full and well-proportioned—delicate yet dignified, like a noblewoman accustomed to luxury. Her presence was refined, yet her smile was warm and inviting. A faint mole at the corner of her lips, paired with her gentle demeanor, made her entire expression lively and vivid.
So this is Immortal Chi Yin’s successor as the Mysterious Moon Sect’s High Priestess?
Even before entering the hall, Yu Ci had sensed that this woman was nothing like Chi Yin. Now, seeing her in person, the differences were even more pronounced.
Logically, since he had killed Chi Yin, his relationship with the Mysterious Moon Sect should have been irreparably damaged. If her successor were straightforward, she might have attacked him on sight. Even if she were scheming, she should at least have concealed her emotions. Yet here she was, smiling and paying him a visit—did she not know that overdoing it would backfire?
For a moment, Yu Ci couldn’t grasp her intentions. After a brief response, he also greeted Elder Zhu. The bald elder gave a nod but then stood abruptly.
“High Priestess Bi Chao has come specifically to see you. I won’t intrude—you two talk.”
With that, he gave Bi Chao a slight nod and left.
Now, only Yu Ci and Bi Chao remained in the hall. Once they were seated, Bi Chao’s bright eyes swept over him. Seeing his indifferent expression, she smiled and spoke first:
“I imagine Daoist Yu has some preconceptions about my visit. Let me first clarify—the Mysterious Moon Sect’s main branch in the East Sea has already reached a conclusion regarding Chi Yin’s ambush against you. Her reckless actions nearly sabotaged our sect’s mission of spreading the faith due to personal grudges. The outcome was her own doing and has nothing to do with anyone else.”
Yu Ci let out a soft “Oh?” “Even so, a life was lost. Your sect truly bears no resentment?”
Bi Chao shook her head slightly, the pearl inlaid in her swaying hairpin glimmering faintly, accentuating her noble aura and making her smile appear even more serene.
“Elder Ming Lan recounted the events of that day to me, describing the shifts in behavior and temperament of both Chi Yin and yourself. Such transformations are precisely what our Divine Lord favors most. Since the Divine Lord does not blame you, we, as devout followers, naturally have no reason to hold a grudge.”
What kind of reasoning is that?
Yu Ci had heard similar words from Ming Lan before, but hearing them again from Bi Chao still struck him as absurd. Yet, since two core figures of the Mysterious Moon Sect had now said the same thing, he couldn’t help but feel that while the reasoning was ludicrous, it might also be the most genuine explanation.
With such preferences, the Rakshasa Ghost King truly lives up to her name—profoundly sinister.
Ignoring Yu Ci’s internal criticism, Bi Chao continued:
“I know Daoist Yu is sharp-eyed and clear-minded, so there’s no need for me to speak in circles. My mission in Cliff City is none other than to spread our teachings. Our doctrine has flourished in the eastern regions, yet the western frontier remains largely unaware. Ten years ago, our sect dispatched Chi Yin westward with a divine avatar of our Lord, hoping to make progress. However, due to various reasons, the results have been far from satisfactory.”
“Now, thanks to your efforts, Cliff City has been revitalized. Though I lack talent, I am determined to devote myself to spreading our teachings, ensuring our sect’s essence becomes known to the world. To demonstrate this resolve, I intend to host a banquet at the Sky Wing Pavilion on the fifth day of the fourth month, inviting fellow practitioners to make our westward mission known and to dispel past misunderstandings. Today, aside from visiting you, I also came to extend this invitation. It would be my greatest honor if you could grace us with your presence.”
As she spoke, she stood once more and retrieved a dark golden invitation from her sleeve, presenting it respectfully with both hands.
Yu Ci did not immediately reach for it.
To him, Bi Chao’s words were practically brazen lies. The collusion between the Mysterious Moon Sect and the Pure Water Altar—who else knew of it if not him?
Yet as he mulled over her words, he sensed deeper implications beneath her speech. Phrases like “various reasons,” “revitalized the situation,” and “Cliff City has been renewed” all seemed laden with meaning. Was this… a test?
With that thought, a spark of inspiration flashed in his mind. Through a hidden channel, he sent out a message before finally accepting the invitation, which still carried the faint fragrance of its bearer. A quick glance revealed the time and location, worded with utmost courtesy. After a brief pause, he said:
“Cliff City is under the oversight of Elder Xie Yan, who manages the broader situation, and Senior Bao De, who coordinates affairs with ten times my ability and virtue. Why seek the distant when the near is at hand?”
Bi Chao smiled. “The current state of Cliff City was shaped by your efforts. Both Immortal Xie Yan and Daoist Bao De have repeatedly stated that all matters should adhere to the rules you established. In truth, you are now the most pivotal figure in Cliff City. Without your presence, any banquet would lose much of its significance—if not all of it.”
So Xie Yan and Bao De are propping me up.
That being the case, he couldn’t easily agree. He shook his head.
“I understand your intentions, High Priestess. However, my sect has assigned me duties here, and I cannot leave my post without reason.”
Bi Chao pressed him twice more, but seeing his resolve, her delicate face showed clear disappointment. With a sigh, she stopped insisting. Instead, she changed the subject:
“I’ve heard that your soul has suffered injuries requiring prolonged recuperation. Our sect’s eastern holdings produce many fragrances, among them a type called ‘Tranquil Incense.’ When burned indoors, it soothes the mind and nurtures the soul, which may aid your recovery… Xiang Nu!”
At her call, a shadowy figure glided forward soundlessly, as if floating.
Yu Ci was slightly startled. The person was draped in a hooded cloak, their face and hands completely concealed—even their fingers were sheathed in thin black silk gloves. Not an inch of skin was visible. Their attire was eerie, yet they carried an exquisitely crafted Boshan censer, about two feet tall, shaped like a crane standing on a turtle’s back, its head supporting the censer’s body. The lid was mountain-shaped and perforated with intricate designs of birds and beasts.
Despite such a striking appearance, Yu Ci hadn’t noticed their presence in the corner of the hall earlier. Now, as they drew near, he realized this person emitted almost no aura—no scent, no presence. If he closed his eyes, he might have thought no one was there at all.
What is this creature?
As he puzzled over this, Bi Chao instructed the figure to place the censer on a nearby table.
“This is a replica of the renowned treasure ‘Turtle-Crane Censer.’ Though it lacks the original’s divine properties, burning incense within it still yields marvelous effects, especially when paired with Tranquil Incense. A humble gift, but I hope you will accept it.”
For a High Priestess of the Mysterious Moon Sect to go to such lengths in etiquette was truly unusual. After a moment’s thought, Yu Ci smiled.
“It would be impolite to refuse.”
Seeing him accept, Bi Chao’s smile bloomed like a flower, as if she had already forgotten her earlier rejection. She then took her leave. Yu Ci didn’t stand on ceremony, merely nodding in farewell—though given her status, he still had to escort her to the docks.
Walking side by side through the narrow passageway, neither spoke until they reached the exit, where a boulder shifted aside, letting in daylight. Bi Chao turned her face slightly and spoke softly, her breath carrying a faint orchid-like fragrance:
“If you find leisure in the future, Daoist Yu, you are welcome to visit the Mystery Seeking Palace…”
Her gentle tone, echoing in the passage, carried an unusual charm. Just as Yu Ci was savoring it, a distant tremor shook the air.
The two stepped out just in time to hear a muffled roar. Bi Chao seemed surprised, gazing into the distance before remarking:
“The demonic beasts here are indeed fierce.”
Yu Ci’s hearing wasn’t as sharp as hers, but upon closer listening, he discerned the roars of wild beasts within the tremors. He gave a noncommittal hum, though inwardly, he was puzzled. The commotion was unusually intense—in his two months here, this was the first time he’d heard such ferocity.
It was but a minor episode. By then, the Xiang Nu had already reached the carriage, lowering wooden steps.
“No need to see me further.”
With a radiant smile, Bi Chao lifted her skirt slightly and ascended gracefully. Before the curtains closed, she waved once more. Then, as the curtains fell, the Xiang Nu guided the Cloud-Treading Beasts, and the carriage slowly departed.
Yu Ci stood for a while, watching the luxurious vehicle fade into the distance before returning to the passage. The distant disturbance seemed to linger, but unlike before Bi Chao’s arrival, Yu Ci now had more pressing matters to attend to.
Back in his room, he sat cross-legged on the bed, calming his mind in just a few breaths. Then, his ears twitched as a faint sound reached him through a special channel—the rolling of carriage wheels.
Bi Chao undoubtedly possessed Core Formation cultivation, and that Xiang Nu was equally unfathomable. Yet no matter how formidable they were, they would never suspect that beneath their carriage, a tiny creature the size of an earthworm now clung, its senses spread to envelop the entire compartment.
It was the Dragon Fish.
Through the Spirit Control Technique, embedded with a Soul Imprint, this little creature had become the perfect spy. The only regret was that as its grade declined, so too did its sensory range—now only about ten feet. Still, with careful planning, it was more than enough.
By refining the imprint’s form, embedding it within the soul, not only could it last longer, but with adjustments, it could also receive more layers of information. Such as—Sound!
As Yu Ci fine-tuned the distant Soul Imprint’s structure, filtering information layers, the visual field provided by the Dragon Fish dimmed, but the sounds from the carriage grew clearer. The first words he heard were:
“After all this time, do you now see the difference between you and me?”
It was Bi Chao’s voice, but now heavy with authority, starkly different from her earlier tone in the hall.
Yu Ci was taken aback—was there someone else in the carriage?
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