Then, he dismissed the idea, "That's not possible."
Xie Lian glanced in Hua Cheng's direction, "Ashes are the life source of those in the
ghost realm, it's their fatal weakness. How can something so important be so easily
displayed out in the open?"
This fact was something Hua Cheng told him himself when they first met. For some
reason, he said it so matter of factly yet in his mind he subconsciously remembered the
other things Hua Cheng had also said. Hua Cheng was also watching him intently and
Xie Lian lost himself for a moment. He then immediately turned his head away and
cleared his throat softly.
"Then... whose bones could this belong to?" Shi Qingxuan wondered.
The group of them surrounded that haunting skeleton and started examining it. Xie Lian
spoke up, "First, it's a man."
"We see that." The group said.
Xie Lian continued, "Second, this man's hands and feet should be fairly dextrous,
especially his fingers. He should have practiced some sort of martial arts but his skills
might not be strong. Majority of exceptional martial artists trained in a pure body, the
bone structure shouldn't be like this."
Shi Wudu however, only swept his eyes over the corpse a couple times before turning
away, "As long as that thing won't stand in our way, it doesn't matter who he is. Lord
Earth Master, where do you think we can cast the Distance Shortening..."
However, before he finished his sentence that skeleton suddenly raised its head and
lunged at him without warning!
Fortunately, Xie Lian reacted swiftly and chopped it down with his hand, and that
skeleton fell to the ground into a heap of broken bones. Shi Qingxuan exclaimed, "Ge!"
In the group of five, Hua Cheng would never give a helping hand to protect anyone else,
and Xie Lian, being the only martial god, suddenly appeared extremely important.
Although Shi Wudu was attacked, he still remained rather calm, and had only backed
one step earlier too. "What's with this skeleton? Does it still have lingering souls
possessing it?"
Xie Lian squatted down and turned over the bones, studying the pile, then shook his
head, "That's weird."
"What's weird?" Shi Wudu asked.
Xie Lian rose to his feet, "This skeleton clearly doesn't have a single piece of a soul left,
otherwise when we came close earlier we would have noticed any odd movements."
"If that's the case, then how can it still savagely rise and harm so suddenly?" Shi Wudu
asked.
Humming for a moment, Xie Lian answered, "I think, it's terminal lucidity."
Shi Qingxuan was puzzled, "Terminal lucidity? Doesn't that only happen to the living? I
mean, those on the verge of death... still counts as the living."
"The dead is the same," Xie Lian explained, "For example, the Seventh Day* is also a
form of terminal lucidity, when the souls of the deceased return to greet family on the
seventh day. In fact, it's the same for anything. I think, Lord Water Master must've
provoked it earlier, which was why it suddenly gathered the last of its strength and made
such a move."
Because it made sense, Shi Wudu was valuing his words more and more, "Then
according to Your Highness, what was the provocation?"
"It was either something you said or something on you." Xie Lian said.
"What did I say?" Shi Wudu wondered.
Ming Yi blew out a breath, "...'As long as that thing won't stand in our way, it doesn't
matter who he is'."
Shi Qingxuan scratched his head, puzzled, "Was there something wrong with that?
Could this good brother have a bad temper?"
Nothing conclusive could come from further discussion, so Xie Lian said, "Either way
the souls have dispersed, so let it go." He then picked up the bones and placed them
upon the altar anew, clapping his hands in prayer and bowed a few times. Shi Qingxuan
came over too and randomly bowed a couple times.
The five of them then wandered about the Nether Water Manor. There wasn't anyone
there so it seemed that legendary Black Water Demon Xuan wasn't home. The
framework of the Water Manor was complex; there were many big and small side
chambers within, but there was one that was particularly hidden and narrow, its doors
had strange spells drawn upon it, the very leftover trace of having the Distance
Shortening spells casted.
It seemed that on this Black Water Island, there was indeed a place that the Distance
Shortening array could be used, and that place was this tiny side chamber. To set a
chamber specifically as a connection point, the amount of spiritual powers required
would be much less than if one was to draw a completely new array. Since they didn't
have much spiritual powers at their disposal, this was perfect. Ming Yi was the expert,
and with just a glance he stated, "This array only allows for one direction."
Xie Lian understood, "Which means that it can only send forth, but one cannot be sent
here from elsewhere, correct?"
Ming Yi nodded, "So the spiritual powers needed can be further cut down."
"Isn't that exactly what we need?" Shi Qingxuan said, "We only need to leave. This is
great! Let's get outta here, don't let that Black Water master discover us." Then, with
Ming Yi in one arm, he was about to push open the doors with his other hand when
Ming Yi shouted sharply, "Stop! There's a trap!"
Hearing this, Shi Qingxuan stumbled back three feet, "What trap?!"
Ming Yi was also dragged back for three feet along with him and was speechless for a
moment. Then he gestured for Shi Qingxuan to assist him again and they went back to
the door. Ming Yi looked over the spells on that door for a while before stating firmly, "It's
a trap. Arrays drawn in this chamber at most can only send one person away at a time."
"That's a thing?" Shi Qingxuan exclaimed, "Then what happens if two people are sent
together???"
Ming Yi answered coldly, "When those two reached their destination, you'll find they will
have been crushed into one person."
"..."
Among those present, only Ming Yi was the expert when it came to this. The rest was
one water god, one wind god, and one martial god, none of them particularly familiar in
this area. Xie Lian's first reaction was to look at Hua Cheng, and seeing that he was
only watching that array with a dark look but didn't voice any objections, it seemed Ming
Yi wasn't lying. Xie Lian hummed, "If that's really the case, then should ignorant
intruders try to use this array to escape, they'd result in an... atrocious end. No wonder
it's a trap."
Just then, there was rumbling in the skies outside. Twisted lightning crawled across the
gloomy clouds, flashing white and blue upon the faces inside the Nether Water Manor,
making them appear like five menacing ghosts. The group all looked at each other and
Shi Qingxuan said, "Ge, it's another..."
Shi Wudu's face was dropping and he didn't respond. However, everyone knew that this
was his Heavenly Calamity in pursuit of him again. Pei Ming's casual words faintly
echoed in Xie Lian's mind again, "Water Master-xiong, you're really unlucky this time..."
"Since we can use the Distance Shortening array here, then let's hurry and get out of
here." Shi Qingxuan urged, "If a Heavenly Lightning is to strike here and destroy the
Water Manor, then..." Then this would surely cause greater animosity. To dismantle a
heavenly official's temple was to destroy their brand, it would build deep hatred.
Although it's unclear whether the ghost realm held the same taboo, no one would want
to have their house demolished for no reason.
"Then Lord Earth Master, you must go first. You're wounded." Xie Lian said.
However, Ming Yi shook his head, "The array will need to be redrawn after every use.
None of you know how to draw it so I have to stay behind to repair the array."
"Then Ming-xiong, I'll stay with you and go second last." Shi Qingxuan said.
"What are you saying?" Shi Wudu said, "If you... even if you stay you'd be of no use.
Leave now and go to the East Sea!"
However, Shi Qingxuan countered, "Everyone's about equally useless right now, so it
doesn't matter. This whole thing had nothing to do with Ming-xiong but he had to suffer
like this, I..." He sighed, "I feel really bad."
"We're all being sent to the same location anyway, it won't take long, so what are you
afraid of?" Shi Wudu said.
If this was before, Shi Wudu had only needed to say a few words and Shi Qingxuan
would listen. Yet things weren't the same now, and Shi Qingxuan wasn't listening,
asking instead, "If we left first, what about General Pei? Wouldn't he be left behind?"
Shi Wudu also noticed that his younger brother wasn't as obedient anymore and his
expression grew complicated. A moment later he replied, "It's fine, Pei-xiong's
stubbornly resilient. He can hang on until we get reinforcements from heaven."
"..." Xie Lian didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Although his instincts told him the
Water Master wasn't wrong and didn't mean any harm, but still he suddenly felt pity for
Pei Ming. After a pause, he said, "Wait."
The group looked to him. Xie Lian said, "Lord Earth Master, are you sure this chamber
can really start up the Distance Shortening array? Won't there be any issues? I don't
think it's wise to just use it so carelessly, why not test it first?"
Ming Yi's hand really did stop, "How? If we must test it we'll still need a volunteer."
Shi Qingxuan raised his hand, "Then I volunteer."
Hua Cheng hadn't spoken throughout the whole thing but now he crossed his arms and
said, "Sorry to interrupt. Have you all never thought of a problem?"
"And what esteemed opinion does My Lord have?" Ming Yi asked.
"How would you know if the volunteer has reached the predetermined destination?" Hua
Cheng pointed out.
Xie Lian blinked, "That's right. Lord Earth Master did say this array only goes one
direction."
Which meant, once sent out, that person would not be able to return and let the others
know whether if they've reached the destination safely. Where they were now was also
isolated from the outside world, the spiritual communication arrays blocked, so it
seemed they've come to a dead end. It seemed they've all forgotten that fact just now.
Hua Cheng concluded, "So, it's completely meaningless to keep discussing this issue.
It's just one word: go or leave. End this swiftly. Scared? Then stay behind."
Although he was smiling, Xie Lian could sense that Hua Cheng was slightly restless as
if he wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. This restlessness should've been
around ever since they were brought back by Shi Wudu's water dragons, and it was
only getting worse.
Shi Wudu didn't want to wait anymore either. That Heavenly Thunder was exploding
next to his ears, and if he didn't leave it would strike sooner than later, and no one
would have a good time. Thus, he charged into that side chamber and slammed the
door. Ming Yi immediately completed the array. When the door was opened once more,
faint smoke wafted from the inside but it was empty within.
"Done. Next." Ming Yi said.
"Then, Your Highness..." Shi Qingxuan started, but before he could finish Ming Yi had
already grabbed him and stuffed him inside, closing the door, completing the array. The
second time the door opened, Ming Yi looked at the remaining two. Xie Lian spoke up,
"San Lang, why don't you go first?"
However, Hua Cheng pulled him along and said darkly, "Gege, we go together."
Xie Lian was taken aback, "But couldn't this array only allow for one at a time..."
"I'm not alive, don't worry." Hua Cheng said.
Xie Lian still felt rather concerned for some reason but he couldn't put his fingers on it.
Hua Cheng brought him through the door and said to the Ming Yi outside, "Puqi Shrine."
Ming Yi nodded silently. That set of doors slowly closed before Xie Lian, and through the
closing crack, he glanced at Ming Yi's dark expression, wondering in spite of himself,
"Can Lord Earth Master really hold on?"
Hua Cheng closed the door with his own hand, waited for a moment, then reopened it.
What appeared before the two was already the interior of Puqi Shrine. It was the middle
of the night; Qi Rong was sleeping sprawled out like he died a violent death, and he
hogged all the blankets, his snores roaring to the skies. Guzi used to have a good
sleeping form, but perhaps with his cheap dad's bad influence, now he was also spread
out on top of Qi Rong's stomach like a dead fish. Lang Ying himself was curled neatly in
the corner and was covered by a few shirts. Xie Lian lifted the blanket covering Qi
Rong, suppressed the urge to smother his face, and covered the two small children.
"So... we're back?" He whispered.
Hua Cheng closed the door behind him, "En. It's over."
"Not yet, I don't think." Xie Lian said, "We don't know if Lord Wind Master and the others
have returned yet."
He lightly pushed the door open and only raised his voice once he was outside the
shrine, calling the spiritual communication array that was temporarily set up from before,
"Lord Earth Master? Are you all back?"
There was no response. Thinking that Ming Yi might not have acted that quick, Xie Lian
entered the communication array of the Heavenly Court. He wouldn't have known had
he not entered, but once he had he jumped in surprise. It was complete chaos inside.
Every heavenly official was yelling, and even Ling Wen was throwing a fit, "DON'T
THROW EVERY USELESS INFORMATION MY WAY, HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK I
HAVE TO GO THROUGH EVERYDAY? DON'T YOU ALL KNOW TO USE YOUR
BRAINS A LITTLE BEFORE ASKING ME?!"
"Ling Wen!" Xie Lian called out hastily, "Have Lord Water Master and the others not
return?!"
As if she changed into a completely different person, Ling Wen instantly caught hold of
him, "Your Highness! Why is your voice suddenly so loud... have you returned from the
East Sea? Where did Lord Water Master and General Pei go?? How come there's been
no communication?"
"I came back from the South Sea." Xie Lian said.
"The South Sea?"
"The South Sea, Black Water Demon Lair."
Ling Wen was dumbfounded, "But... how did you all end up over there?! We never
touch that place. Are ol' Pei and the others there too?"
"It's a long story," Xie Lian said, "Lord Water Master was fighting the trial and
accidentally entered the Black Water Demon Lair. We finally escaped. He and Lord
Wind Master returned before I did, so they should've reached the East Sea by now, did
you not see them?"
"No!" Ling Wen said, "The East Sea had calmed down a long time ago, and those two
hundred something fishermen have all been rescued, but there's no trace of them on
the shores or in the sea!"
"How can that be?!" Xie Lian exclaimed, "Unless..."
Unless what?
Ling Wen asked anxiously, "Unless what? Your Highness? Your Highness do you still
have something to say? Should we send heavenly officials to the South Sea right now?"
Xie Lian muttered, "It's too late."
He shut down the communication array and whipped around, "San Lang."
Hua Cheng seemed to already expect what he was going to ask and was silent with his
hands clenched at his sides, watching him solemnly. "Did you and that person reach an
agreement a long time ago?" Xie Lian asked.
Hua Cheng didn't immediately respond but just as he moved his lips, Xie Lian quickly
said, "No no no, don't tell me! You don't have to answer me. If you had long reached an
agreement with someone else, I certainly wouldn't want you to become someone who'd
go back on their word because of me. It's my fault for asking you so suddenly, I didn't
mean to put you in a difficult situation."
"I'm sorry, Your Highness." Hua Cheng said.
Xie Lian shook his head, "Don't apologize. I should've figured this out a long time ago. It
must be due to some sort of agreement that you couldn't interfere and couldn't tell me
the truth directly."
It wasn't like Hua Cheng hadn't tried to stop him but he didn't obstruct Xie Lian's desire
either, and only accompanied him on the trip, protecting him the whole way, even with a
plan to break away already prepared. Only, there was always something that dragged
Xie Lian deeper into the heart of the affair.
"I should be thanking you instead." Xie Lian said.
"You've figured everything out?" Hua Cheng asked.
Xie Lian nodded. "Pretty much. In fact, I should've figured it out a long time ago, but he
really is incredible. I'd often think too much too, dismissing my own suspicions, and
always end up overlooking the most straightforward possibilities."
After a pause, he continued, "And, that person really gave you a lot of face. To
peacefully send me away, he put in considerable effort and wasted much time
detouring."
"Your Highness," Hua Cheng said, "This whole thing ends here. It's over."
Xie Lian sighed, "I also wish that's the case. But, he might have crossed the line."
After some silence, Hua Cheng said gently, "But you've come back and there's no way
for you to return to the Demon Lair. Let them take care of their own affairs now."
"Don't be so sure." Xie Lian said.
Hearing this, Hua Cheng froze.
"I suddenly thought of an idea just now. I've a way to connect with Lord Wind Master."
Xie Lian said.
He raised his hands and started forming a hand seal, "So, sorry, San Lang, but I have to
go back for a bit."
Seeing that hand seal, Hua Cheng instantly understood. Clearly he hadn't expected this
move and his eyes widened, "...gege?"
Xie Lian enunciated: "SOUL–SHIFTING–SPELL!"
After closing his eyes, that familiar weightless sensation invaded, like his soul was
pulled out and whipped into the air before plunging, and when he opened his eyes
again, what was before him wasn't Hua Cheng's face but an endless black night and
mountainous woods speedily backing away on either sides. Xie Lian could also hear
harsh breathing coming from his own mouth and violent heart beats.
Success!
The Soul Shifting Spell wasn't used often and burns an abundance of spiritual power. It
was stronger than spiritual communication and also more wicked and rare, so spiritual
barriers generally wouldn't include that spell in its blockage.
That day, he and Shi Qingxuan had used the Soul Shifting Spell, and since then Shi
Qingxuan hadn't yet had time to seal his spiritual consciousness before he lost his
powers and turned into a mortal. This was like the two had exchanged the keys to each
other's house and made use of each other's home. After switching back, Shi Qingxuan
should've immediately change the locks on his door so Xie Lian wouldn't be able to
re-enter, but he didn't. So, Xie Lian could still use the key from before and open Shi
Qingxuan's door. Only, Shi Qingxuan could no longer open Xie Lian's door. Thus, the
two were now using the same body, and Xie Lian's body should've gone limp and
collapsed. Maybe Hua Cheng caught him?
Shi Qingxuan was breathless as he ran, terrified, as if something was chasing him and
he was fleeing. Xie Lian listened intently and against the wind, a series of howls and
wails came from behind – it was that band of insane crazies that were locked up at the
iron prison. They seemed to really like Shi Qingxuan, or rather, it should be described
as 'yearning for'. They pursued relentlessly with their eyes rolled back and their tongues
out, and Shi Qingxuan's ribs and lungs were burning, wanting to cry but no tears,
wanting to scream but no voice. Xie Lian could sense the way he ran was without
method, and if it continued, he wouldn't last long, so he took over the control of the body
directly. "Lord Wind Master!"
He was using Shi Qingxuan's mouth to speak, and Shi Qingxuan was so surprised he
almost bit his tongue, "WHO?! WHO'S IN MY BODY?!?!?"
"My Lord, calm down!" Xie Lian said, "I've come back to find you using the Soul Shifting
Spell! Give me the body, I'll help you run."
Xie Lian felt the corners of Shi Qingxuan's eyes stream two lines of hot tears, "YOUR
HIGHNESS?! WHAT A COMFORT!!! YOU'RE SO RELIABLE!!! THANK YOU!!!"
"No need for thanks!" Xie Lian said, "Listen to me, Lord Wind Master, run away!"
"AM I NOT RUNNING RIGHT NOW?!" Shi Qingxuan exclaimed.
"I don't mean like this," Xie Lian explained, "I meant, you need to escape..." Just as he
spoke, several insane, filthy maniacs jumped out from the woods next to them and
lunged at Shi Qingxuan all at once. Xie Lian cracked his knuckles and he leapt, giving
them thirty rounds of power kicks, knocking those lunatics onto the ground unable to
rise. Shi Qingxuan was shocked with eyes wide, "Did I do that? That's amazing. Martial
gods are so awesome! I want to be a martial god too, now."
Xie Lian however, killed his joy earnestly, "My Lord, you can't. Your body isn't cut out for
becoming a martial god..."
The two conversed using the same body, as if it was one person asking and answering
their own questions, and from another's perspective, it was truly bizarre. "Lord Wind
Master, where's Lord Water Master?" Xie Lian asked.
Shi Qingxuan scanned around and said, "I don't know where both Ming-xiong and my
brother went. Earlier when I opened the door, I found I was still at the Nether Water
Manor, and I was only sent to a different chamber. I don't know where things went
wrong..."
Suddenly, Xie Lian tipped his foot and leapt up, flying into a tree. Shi Qingxuan didn't
understand why but having his body lift and move so freely was a curious feeling, so he
allowed Xie Lian to control his body as he will, lightly and skillfully climbing atop a tree
branch. "Your Highness, why did you so suddenly..."
Before he finished his sentence Xie Lian covered his mouth.
Actually, it was also his own mouth. Xie Lian quickly climbed to the tip of the branch and
sat, hiding within dense leaves. Soon after, a slender shadow stumbled into view at the
end of the road. Looking closely, it was Ming Yi.
His face still looked ashen, adding an air of gloom to his handsomeness, but he could
still somewhat walk. Shi Qingxuan was overjoyed and dropped his hands ready to call
out to him when Xie Lian raised his hands again and covered his mouth. This time he
used both hands, smothering so firmly he could hardly breathe. Shi Qingxuan wasn't
someone rash, and knew that Xie Lian must've acted for a reason so he stopped
struggling. He watched as Ming Yi walked past them down that little path before Xie
Lian loosened his hands slightly and stealthily slipped off the tree, sneaking through the
thick woods.
Having dashed for a while, Shi Qingxuan looked back around and whispered, "Your
Highness, why didn't you let me call out to Ming-xiong earlier?"
Xie Lian didn't respond but his body suddenly froze. Shi Qingxuan turned his head back
again and his pupils violently shrank.
Ming Yi, who had clearly been long gone, was standing right in front of him. Or rather,
them.
Ming Yi seemed to be supporting himself up with an arm on a tree and he frowned,
"...Why are you here too?"
Shi Qingxuan blurted, "I..."
Xie Lian didn't say a word but moved a hand behind his back and waved, gesturing for
him to absolutely not give away that there's a third 'person' present. Shi Qingxuan
understood but Ming Yi's brows seemed to knit tighter, "What's your hand doing behind
your back? Are you hiding something?"
Shi Qingxuan immediately flipped open both hands to show him, "NO!"
Xie Lian could feel that his own blood run cold and his knees go weak. It seemed,
although Ming Yi was also very dependable in Shi Qingxuan's mind, this sudden
appearance also gave him quite the fright.
Ming Yi looked bewildered, "I didn't mean for you to actually show me."
Although his expression was one of disgust, it was nevertheless something familiar, so
Shi Qingxuan sighed a breath of relief, the goosebumps popped up on half his body
slowly fading away. While Xie Lian was hugely anxious, he didn't dare to speak rashly
right this moment.
"Where's Lord Water Master?" Ming Yi asked.
"You haven't seen my brother either?" Shi Qingxuan asked, "I'm almost looking for him
everywhere. Didn't you say you can send us out of the Black Water Island? How come
His Highness went back but we're still here?"
Xie Lian listened and grew even more apprehensive. Although he did his best to
suppress the "hahaha, hahaha" that'd no doubt appear when Shi Qingxuan was overly
nervous, but to speak so calmly wasn't like Shi Qingxuan either. Thus, he pulled at his
hair wildly and pointed at Ming Yi, yelling, "MING-XIONG!!! Didn't I tell you to practice
more when you've got the time? You didn't draw wrong cause you're rusty, did you?!!"
Although slightly exaggerated but it was pretty effective. Sure enough, Ming Yi didn't
notice anything amiss and his face dropped, "Get lost! Draw it yourself if you've got the
skills."
Although that's what he said, still he walked over. Shi Qingxuan was still frozen on the
spot so Xie Lian quickly moved for him, grabbing Ming Yi's shoulders, "Ming-xiong,
how's your injuries? The poison isn't manifesting further, is it?"
Ming Yi shook his head, "It's fine. Let's find Lord Water Master first."
Shi Qingxuan nodded and the two slowly made way. Xie Lian couldn't find any chance
to warn him, feeling more distressed and uptight with each step. Suddenly, he felt his
mouth open slightly, and it was Shi Qingxuan who was soundlessly moving his lips. Xie
Lian immediately became spirited and carefully discerned the shapes he was forming.
He had said: 'Just what exactly is going on?'
Xie Lian was afraid Ming Yi who was so close by would notice so he lowered his head
slightly and responded with simply lip movement too: 'He's fake.'
The moment the words left his lips Xie Lian could feel a thin layer of goosebumps
popping on his arms.
Shi Qingxuan's eyes bulged and asked with his lips, 'Fake?! Then who is he?!'
Xie Lian gave his answer wordlessly.
He said: 'The Reverend of Empty Words."
Shi Qingxuan sucked in a breath and Ming Yi's voice came from overhead, "What is it?"
Shi Qingxuan sucked that breath in all the way then exhaled, his voice trembling, "I'm
scared."
After a moment of silence, Ming Yi said, "It's too early to be scared now."
If this was before, then his words would no doubt be interpreted as a twisted form of
comfort. However, right now it reeked of an unspeakable chill, like it was some sort of
threat.
Shi Qingxuan lowered his head and lipped to Xie Lian, "No way. The Reverend of
Empty Words can't shapeshift!"
Truthfully, when the words left Xie Lian's mouth he also felt 'Reverend of Empty Words'
wasn't quite appropriate. Rather, it was too disrespectful; too impertinent. A few days
ago, the 'Reverend of Empty Words' Shi Qingxuan bumped into was no more than a
minion or a pathetic clone, or, some leftover crumbs. Thus, he gave a second answer:
'Black Water Demon Xuan.'
Shi Qingxuan tripped. "What's with you now?" Ming Yi demanded.
Shi Qingxuan's teeth were chattering, "I want to die..."
Ming Yi responded coldly, "Dream on."
That again. That same frosty tone of voice with those equally icy, cruel words. It was no
different than before, yet now, they took on a completely different meaning. However,
this was far from over. Xie Lian soundlessly gave a third name:
'He Xuan.'
Shi Qingxuan seemed to not be able to take anymore.
His heart was beating like drums and Xie Lian noticed too. Coincidentally, they were just
crossing a small creek, and making the decision on the spot, he said, "Ming-xiong, I
think you best rest a bit before we continue our search!"
"What time do we have to rest right now?" Ming Yi said.
"You're poisoned. The more you move the more the poison will fester." Xie Lian said,
"And even if you won't rest, a mortal like myself gotta rest. Sit down, I'll go get you some
water."
Thus, keeping his hands and feet steady without revealing any shivers, he made Ming
Yi sit down on the grass and he himself went by the creek, borrowing the sounds of the
current to speak with a low voice. Shi Qingxuan cupped a palm full of water and
splashed it on his own face, calming down. Then he whispered, "Your Highness, what
are you saying??? Just who is the person behind me??? Did one of the three shapeshift
into Ming-xiong??? Or did they all possess Ming-xiong???"
"Lord Wind Master, calm down!" Xie Lian said, "It's not them, it's him! The one that's
next to you right now is only one person. From the very beginning it had always been
the one person. No one shapeshifted. No one was possessed!"
Shi Qingxuan mumbled, "But, but Ming-xiong, he..."
"Don't call him Ming-xiong anymore. The real Ming-xiong is already dead!" Xie Lian
said.
Shi Qingxuan exclaimed, "How do you know? Did you see?"
"I wasn't the only one who saw," Xie Lian said, "You saw it too. The real Lord Earth
Master was that skeleton worshipped inside the Nether Water Manor! Why did you think
he couldn't control the Earth Master Crescent Moon Shovel well? Because that didn't
belong to him in the first place! The one behind you, several hundreds of years ago his
original name was He Xuan. He cultivated into a Supreme and changed his name to
Black Water Demon Xuan. He devoured the Reverend of Empty Words and sent that
creature to find you. He imprisoned and murdered the real Earth Master, and took on his
name, assuming his position in the heavens!!!"
Just as the words left his lips, his entire person suddenly froze.
A hand had slapped onto his shoulder without warning.
———-
● Seventh Day - It's a common belief that spirits of the dead returns home
on the seventh day of death.
●MXTX Author Notes: So Black Water had actually already shown up, and he's
been hanging around before everyone's eyes.
The Wind Master had never met the real Ming Yi; the one before him had always
been the one person, and it's the same for all of you too.
Certified number one best actor of this book!
I've held this back for so, so long, now I feel great. Please don't spoil this for
others who haven't read it yet!!! Don't hint at it or spoil this in the forums! It
really affects the reading experience!! It won't be fun then. Don't spoil! Don't
spoil!! Important things must be said three times!!!