Yu Ci was the one who entered with Zheng Yan.
After escaping the chaos caused by the demons, he didnât delay and began ascending to the top of the valley. With the help of the Divine Map, while the others from the Sun Light Sect were still struggling to find their way up, battling fierce birds and beasts, he was able to choose the fastest and safest route, moving at a speed ten times faster.
Thus, even though he set off nearly a day later than Huang Tai and the others, he arrived only a short while after them. Because of this, he witnessed the conflict at the top of the valley.
However, Tu Du appeared too suddenly and struck quickly and ruthlessly. Yu Ci didnât have time to use the “One Breath, Three Calls” technique before the two sides separated. He wasnât too clear on what happened during that period, but he saw the strange conversation between Ming Lan and Zheng Yan clearly.
Out of consideration, Yu Ci took the initiative to greet Monk Zheng Yan and asked him to guide him to the Thousand Spirit Gateâs camp. Surprisingly, Zheng Yan agreed without hesitation, leading to the current scene that startled Cheng Rong.
“Daoist Cheng, how is your health?”
Yu Ci’s attitude was much warmer than during their first meeting. After all, todayâs events were partly due to him, and there was also an innocent little girl who got hurt because of Old Monster Tuâs attack.
Cheng Rong glanced at Monk Zheng Yan beside him, realizing that Yu Ci was already aware of the situation. Of course, he claimed to be fine, but Yu Ci didn’t bother with pleasantries and directly asked:
“How is the Ninth Miss?”
Cheng Rong had only briefly checked on the little girl when he first woke up. Now, filled with worry, he couldnât explain much and invited Yu Ci and Zheng Yan to visit her together.
Inside the Ninth Miss’s tent, there was only a maidservant from her home, who had average cultivation and was at a loss. The little girl was having a delirious episode, her face pale, muttering nonsense, and her body restless. The maid didnât know whether to hold her down or not. Just as she was panicking, Yu Ci and the others lifted the tent flap and entered.
“Ninth Miss.” Despite everything, Cheng Rong’s concern for the Ninth Miss was undeniable. Seeing the little girl in such a state, he was so shocked that his soul nearly left his body. He hurried over to comfort her, momentarily forgetting the two guests behind him.
Yu Ci said nothing and approached the bed, kneeling beside it. He gently stroked the little girlâs forehead, finding it cold to the touch.
From behind, Zheng Yan spoke softly, his voice becoming more serpentine and eerie, “It seems her soul has been damaged by the Yin Spiritâs demonic nature. It’s not too severe, but she will need at least a year or more of proper care, and she must avoid any further scares.”
Zheng Yanâs words pointed out the key issue. The Yin Spirit is cultivated by refining hidden senses and purging heart demons, but human heart demons arise and dissipate naturally, even after forming a Yin Spirit. Ordinary cultivators would frequently refine their Yin Spirit to keep it pure. However, some people use specific methods to harness their heart demons for their own purposes, releasing them to harm othersâ souls in battle, which is extremely vicious.
Tu Du likely practiced this kind of technique. After his Yin Spirit took shape, it was wrapped in heart demons, exuding Yin energy. Against a child with such weak cultivation like the Ninth Miss, no special means were neededâjust the touch of the Yin Spirit would instantly invite heart demons, damaging her soul.
Cheng Rong gritted his teeth so hard that they creaked. “Tu Du, I will never rest until you’re dead!”
Yu Ci remained silent, but Zheng Yan let out a disdainful snort, clearly unimpressed with Cheng Rong’s threat. He likely didnât mean any harm, but that was just his nature.
Cheng Rong knew this, but seeing the Ninth Miss in such a state, he couldnât bear it and glared at Zheng Yan with bloodshot eyes.
Zheng Yan, of course, wasnât afraid, giving Cheng Rong a sidelong glance, as if daring him to make a move right here in the tent.
Yu Ci frowned but hadnât said anything when the little girl suddenly stopped moving. Her eyes shot open, filled with fear, and then she let out a piercing scream.
The scream shattered the tense atmosphere in the tent. When the three came to their senses, the little girl had already latched onto Yu Ciâs arm, like a drowning person clinging to a piece of driftwood, holding on for dear life.
Her mind was clearly in disarray. At one moment, she treated Yu Ci as a safe harbor, crying in his arms, and the next, she saw him as a mortal enemy, scratching and biting him. After much struggle, she finally calmed down a bit.
Cheng Rong, standing to the side, was torn between heartache and embarrassment, afraid to speak for fear of disturbing her. He could only express his gratitude to Yu Ci with his eyes.
Before Yu Ci could respond, the little girl, who had buried half her body into his chest, seemed to become a bit more lucid. She opened her eyes, groggily glanced past his clothes, and saw Yu Ciâs face. It was clear she recognized him, but for some reason, she called him:
“Brother Ci?”
Her voice was as soft as a lamb, gently echoing in Yu Ciâs ears and slowly spreading out like a breeze from a distant past.
Yu Ci froze.
A long time ago, many people had called him by that name. But almost everyone who did eventually fell into the abyss of the Twin Immortal Sect, succumbing to death in that bottomless demonic pit. All those bright memories were eventually clouded by a shadow that suffocated him.
During their chat on the Sky Rift Valley, Yu Ci had casually mentioned some things about the Twin Immortal Sect. He hadnât expected the Ninth Miss to remember, let alone use that nickname. It was a childish thought, but that one soft call seemed to let the sunlight shine back in!
While he was lost in thought, the little girl, who had become a little clearer, finally realized that the person in front of her wasnât part of a dream. She let out a small gasp, and a blush like a faint pink powder appeared on her pale face. Even children had their own thoughts, messy like a tangled ball of cotton. But in the end, it was all washed away by pure joy.
“Mr. Yu, it really is you!”
the Ninth Missâs eyes sparkled, and that light seemed to fill her entire face, bringing her fully back to her senses, as vitality poured into her body. “When I saw Huang Tai’s expression, I knew Mr. Yu would be fine. Not even those people could…”
She didnât finish her sentence, as this matter had nothing to do with her. The calmest among them, Monk Zheng Yan, coughed. “Her soul is still damaged, so she must avoid extreme emotions.”
Yu Ci immediately came to his senses and gently comforted the Ninth Miss, coaxing her to close her eyes and rest.
The little girl clearly didnât want to sleep and glared at Monk Zheng Yan. But when she saw his ugly face, she got scared again and simply buried her head in Yu Ciâs chest, refusing to come out no matter what.
Cheng Rong finally thought things through. The Thousand Spirit Gateâs “Fertile Soul Fire” technique had significant expertise in treating soul damage, and he understood it better than Yu Ci or Zheng Yan. Realizing that none of them were skilled in treating soul injuries, he quickly sent someone to invite Elder Yu Xuan to come.
Although that elder had a rather mild temperament, he was very skilled in techniques like calming the spirit and enchanting the mind. After entering the tent, he performed several calming spells, which proved to be very effective.
The young girl made a few murmurs before finally falling asleep in Yu Ci’s arms.
Yu Ci didnât let go immediately; it was only after confirming that the Ninth Miss was fast asleep that he carefully set her down. The few people in the tent exchanged glances and then stepped out.
Outside the tent, Cheng Rong was the first to express his gratitude to Yu Ci. However, after this incident, his spirit appeared increasingly dejected. Elder Yu Xuan also mentioned that Cheng Rongâs spiritual injuries were far more severe than those of the young girl. If not properly cared for, it might take three to five years to recover, and his cultivation could even decline significantly. It was genuinely a major issue.
But at this moment, Cheng Rong had a newfound clarity. He no longer cared how the others would perceive him. After apologizing, he forced a smile and pulled Yu Ci aside, speaking in a serious tone:
âMr. Yu, thereâs a Tudu here in the Sky Rift Valley. Unless the Sect Master or Uncle Hu comes personally, no one can compete with him. Staying here would only bring humiliation. Moreover, since the Miss has been injured spiritually, she must return for treatment. My suggestion is to pack up and leave today.â
At this point, Cheng Rong no longer addressed Yu Ci as âFellow Daoist,â but instead referred to him as âMr. Yu,â showing a closer familiarity.
Yu Ci understood this but didnât grasp why Cheng Rong was sharing this information with him.
Cheng Rong continued, âAfter I encountered you that day, I spoke with the sect master regarding the matter of the Ghost Flower. The leader immediately agreed to send two Ghost Flowers from our sect as a gift for you. They are currently on their way, and I will leave someone to guard them in the camp. You can come and collect them when the time comes. Itâs just a small token of appreciation; you must accept it.â
This statement was unexpected. Yu Ci was taken aback; he hadnât anticipated that the Thousand Spirit Gate would be so straightforward in this matter, clearly demonstrating their intention.
Cheng Rong became even more open, speaking solemnly: âYou are an insightful person. Seeing the current situation of our sect, you must know how the Sun Light Sect has been so arrogant and overbearing these past decades. Our sect and the Sun Light Sect are irreconcilable enemies. However, we currently lack the strength to retaliate and can only endure for the time being. Once the opportunity arises, we will fight back even if it leads to mutual destruction. Until then, I ask you to take care and avoid the Sun Light Sect’s retribution. When we meet again, I will stand by your side to fight!â
Having said that, he cupped his hands in salute and turned to leave.
Before long, the campsite was bustling with activity as the personnel from the Thousand Spirit Gate began to pack up and prepare to leave. The sleeping the Ninth Miss was among them.
Yu Ci stood outside the camp and let out a sigh. To be honest, no matter how impassioned Cheng Rongâs words were, it was hard to stir his emotions. A prominent cultivation sect, instead of seeking immortality or longevity, was fighting over inexplicable interests, fully locked in their narrow viewpoint of Cliff City. Their perspective was indeed disheartening.
In this regard, the Sun Light Sect and the Thousand Spirit Gate were cut from the same cloth, hardly deserving of sympathy.
However, there was still the Ninth Miss involved…
Just as he was lost in thought, someone behind him chuckled softly, and he immediately recognized it was the monk Zheng Yan.
Zheng Yanâs laughter wasnât intended to showcase his poor voice but was rather his usual sharp tongue, challenging othersâ limits with glee: âLook at you, all indignantâŚâ
âIndignant?â
Yu Ci was puzzled about which eye Zheng Yan had seen him showing indignation. He thought this might be a test and didnât mind, as there was nothing inappropriate in his thoughts to share:
âIf the Thousand Spirit Gate were in the Sun Light Sectâs position, they might not do any better.â
Yu Ci pointed out the facts incisively, then shook his head: âIâm just curious why the old monster Tu Du would bother with a child.â
Zheng Yanâs laughter became even more grating: âDo you think itâs sensible to reason with a madman?â
âOh?â Hearing his interest in elaborating, Yu Ci listened attentively.
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