Chapter 21

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Chapter 21: That Ray of Light

“Clang—”

The crisp sound of a long sword cleaving through air rang out as a brilliant sword light flashed like a rainbow, its sword energy splitting the dark curtain apart. The sudden radiance spilled down onto Ming He’s eyelids.

Startled, Ming He opened her eyes to see a woman in white robes that were no longer snow-pure. Emerging from some unseen path behind the blood-red vines, she descended from above with a sword in her right hand, her expression sharp and formidable. Encircled by sword light, her figure shimmered in the darkness like a bright moon.

“Get up!” Qin Chu Yi commanded sharply, her blade sweeping through the blood-red vines. The sword light blazed as brightly as before, piercing through layers of darkness to illuminate Ming He’s vision.

As her sword completed its arc, Qin Chu Yi bit her left finger and formed a blood-sealed palm print which she sent floating toward the vines’ roots. Her face visibly paled, yet her aura surged powerfully enough to shake off dust particles, dimming the very world around them.

Ming He watched as the constricting vines recoiled instantly as if threatened, retreating so rapidly they vanished within moments.

Were it not for the chaotic scene on the ground and the lingering pain throughout her body, Ming He might have believed the entire ordeal had been an illusion. Those blood-red vines had come swiftly, but departed just as fast.

“You’re unharmed?” Qin Chu Yi sheathed her sword and turned, her bright eyes reflecting Ming He’s image with subtle concern barely visible in her expression.

“I’m fine,” Ming He replied quietly, struggling to her feet as she retrieved her white long sword from the ground. Though emotions churned within, her face remained impassive.

Her gaze traveled to the distance where the coldly composed young man in black clothes, Duan Wu, was withdrawing his hand gestures to calm the disturbed energies. The swaying trees and shifting winds betrayed the lingering effects of his formation.

It was this formation that had enabled Qin Chu Yi to easily repel the blood-red vines and rescue her.

No—it wasn’t just the formation.

Ming He’s eyes focused slightly as she noticed the continuing trickle of blood from Qin Chu Yi’s self-inflicted wound on her left hand, the source of the blood-sealed palm print that had intimidated the vines into retreat.

She had assumed that when faced with life and death, Qin Chu Yi would abandon her—a perfectly reasonable expectation. One was a lofty young mistress from a great family, the other a common disciple from a minor sect. With such disparity in status and the threat of death, what significance would abandonment hold?

She had, after all, tasted the bitterness of abandonment before.

This would simply be another experience to add to the collection. Such matters no longer disturbed her; death was merely death—who in this world was exempt from it?

She had already resolved to stop struggling, prepared to embrace the darkness, which proved less terrifying than imagined.

Yet Qin Chu Yi had come to save her!

With her sword, she had cleaved through the darkness, allowing Ming He to glimpse the dawn hidden within. In that boundless silence, she had appeared like the bright moon in the night sky—that distant, cool ray of light whose luminous glow dispelled the shadows with detached grace.

As Ming He studied Qin Chu Yi, she realized that while her initial agreement to this unknown journey might have stemmed from coercion, most of her reluctance had now dissipated.

“Why did Sister Qin return?” Ming He asked, lifting her head to meet the other woman’s gaze steadily.

The light was real. The return was real. Qin Chu Yi had saved her life, though she must have hesitated initially—there had been no absolute determination to rescue her at first.

Ming He understood this perfectly, yet such understanding didn’t diminish her gratitude and astonishment toward Qin Chu Yi. Nor did she find anything objectionable in it. A choice made after careful consideration was moving enough—why demand perfection? Only the outcome mattered.

“I said I would do my utmost to ensure your safety,” Qin Chu Yi replied, scanning their surroundings warily as she spoke with casual indifference.

No other emotions colored her words—just calmness edged with cool detachment.

To her, promises were meant to be kept. Ming He was here because of her, had faced danger because of her, and therefore rescuing her was simply an obligation.

“Oh.” Ming He nodded, then glanced at her still-blackened right hand. “Then let’s go.” The words rang true—promises should indeed be honored.

“Roar—”

Here is the polished English translation while strictly adhering to your guidelines:

The distant roar shook the heavens, and in the next instant, a powerful tremor surged forth. This was—

“It’s Kuei!” Duan Wu cried out urgently. “Run! It’s broken free from the illusion array!”

“Kuei?” Ming He gasped involuntarily. If her understanding was correct, that one-legged beast that had pursued her relentlessly for nearly half an hour was actually Kuei?

The Liu Yun Sect’s library held a Record of Fierce Beasts which described Kuei as a single-legged creature resembling an ox, black as night, hornless, with a body massive as a small hill. Supported by only one leg, it was also called the One-legged Kuei.

Kuei was a vicious beast recorded in ancient texts, one of the legendary fierce beasts said to emit radiance like the sun and moon while producing thunderous roars.

This ancient cave dwelling truly lived up to its dangerous reputation – from blood-sucking bees to blood-red vines, and now the fierce beast Kuei. Ming He couldn’t help wondering what treasure Qin Chu Yi was risking her life for that could possibly justify such peril.

As Ming He fled desperately, three figures scrambled without dignity before death’s approach, their panicked flight creating an unexpected harmony amidst the chaos.

“Boom—”

A fireball streaked past them with lightning speed, impacting the rocky ceiling above. The strained rockface began shedding fragments intermittently as the fireball arced through the air with the beast in close pursuit.

“It breathes fire too?” Ming He exclaimed, once again confronted with her own limited knowledge. The ancient records had never mentioned Kuei possessing this ability – this was clearly beyond documented parameters.

While mentally protesting, she activated Phantom Steps, her body becoming wraithlike as she dodged the cascading boulders.

“Split up!” Qin Chu Yi commanded decisively once they cleared the collapsing rocks. “Regroup outside the cave entrance.” Her voice carried sudden gravity as she formulated their strategy.

The beast couldn’t chase all three simultaneously. If it pursued anyone, it would be her – after all, she carried the Star Lock.

They were close to the exit now. Going all in, she still had a fighting chance.

The Star Lock was hers. It could only ever be hers.

“Understood, Young Master. Go ahead – I’ll delay it.” Duan Wu spoke solemnly before turning to Ming He. “Miss Ming He, head due east – that’s the cave exit.”

During that life-and-death moment earlier, he had opposed his Young Master risking her life for this woman and didn’t regret his stance. But that was separate from current circumstances – with Ming He still alive, he had no reason to sabotage her now.

“Understood.” Ming He shot a surprised glance at the young man’s retreating back before orienting herself eastward, deliberately allowing Qin Chu Yi to gain several paces.

Surrounded by towering trees, Ming He swung her sword in a clean arc, felling one massive trunk before darting toward the falling tree.

Consider this repayment for saving my life, she thought, feeling her turbulent emotions settle into calm.

Unfamiliar scenery blurred past as Ming He raced along her chosen path. While not entirely uneventful, the journey proved more startling than truly dangerous.

The biting wind howled as Ming He gripped her white long sword, relief washing over her at the sight of the cave entrance. Finally!

She slipped through the exit where warm sunlight instantly dispelled the clinging shadows. The pervasive chill evaporated as golden light bathed her surroundings. Ming He squinted in the sudden brightness, savoring the warmth.

At the grand formation’s center stood the old man in gray, his expression grave as he maintained the ancient, sweeping gestures. Others stood at their designated positions – some sweating profusely, others visibly straining.

These were the ones who had forced open this sunless ancient cave dwelling for one full hour using the formation’s power.

Qin Chu Yi’s subordinates.

After scanning her surroundings, Ming He positioned herself in a sunny spot to await Qin Chu Yi and Duan Wu’s arrival.

Her combat skills might be lacking, but escaping? That she could manage. Had she actually outrun those two?

The thought brought a fleeting smile that instantly transformed into a wince as fresh pain shot through her injuries. Blood still seeped from wounds, her right hand throbbing relentlessly.

A glance at her tattered blue clothes made her avert her eyes. These injuries required proper treatment back home.

Ming He sighed softly, her gaze drifting toward the cave entrance with growing concern. The hour was nearly up – where were Qin Chu Yi and Duan Wu?

Given their cultivation levels and backgrounds, even accounting for complications, they shouldn’t be this delayed. Had something else gone wrong?

Ming He’s heart clenched with foreboding, as the next moment’s voice confirmed her suspicions.

“Miss Ming He, hasn’t the Young Master emerged yet?” The Black Figure swooped from the cave’s depths, his expression darkening when he saw Ming He standing alone outside. His voice rasped with urgency, blood staining his black clothes.

Qin Chu Yi hadn’t come out!

Ming He parted her lips to explain she was alone, but the young man’s knitted brows showed he’d already deduced the truth. “Could the Young Master’s cold poison have…” Duan Wu muttered under his breath, unable to complete the dreadful thought.

Turning back to Ming He, he spoke hoarsely, “We’re grateful for your assistance, Miss Ming He. Since the Young Master remains inside, I must return for her. You’re free to go now.”

Free to go.

The implication was clear – she could choose to leave first.

Understanding dawned on Ming He as she watched Duan Wu whirl back into the consuming darkness.

Should she depart?

Hesitation gripped her. She’d fulfilled her promise to Qin Chu Yi, personally delivering the artifact into her hands. What followed truly wasn’t her concern anymore.

Her gaze swept over Elder Lin and the others, their entire beings focused on maintaining the grand formation, immobile yet radiating palpable anxiety.

The sky above, though still cerulean, had begun darkening. Nearly an hour had passed – soon the cave would sink back into the earth, vanishing without trace.

Staring into the cave’s abyssal darkness, Ming He imagined monstrous shapes waiting to ensnare her. This darkness had always been her deepest terror, yet…

Before this void, her mind’s eye suddenly recalled that brilliant sword light – cleaving through blackness like a galaxy’s radiance. That luminous streak had illuminated the darkness’ horrors, banishing them in an instant.

Very well – one final gamble!

Addressing Elder Lin with resolve, Ming He declared, “I’ll search for your Young Master. Hold the formation as long as you can.”

An hour would never suffice – everyone must push beyond limits.

“Understood.” Elder Lin’s voice scraped out the single word as his left hand formed an arcane seal. Invisible energies rose from him, merging with the grand formation overhead, its translucent patterns gaining substance.

Ming He smiled grimly, swallowing several pills before charging sword-first into the darkness, her blue figure dissolving into the void.

Within the cave’s ink-black depths, she flew past shadowed landscapes with hurricane speed – not fleeing for life now, but racing to save one.

After an immeasurable time, she reached the familiar fork where towering trees lay fallen by her blade – where she and Qin Chu Yi had separated in their escape.

Qin Chu Yi must be… that way?

Vaulting over the fallen tree, Ming He sprinted toward the other path as bestial roars grew from whispers to thunder.

The shrieking fury of the sounds made her ears throb – were they bleeding again?

The blue figure skidded to a halt before a massive silhouette, revealing a surreal scene: a floating cliff edge bridged sporadically by black stones above nothingness.

At the center stone knelt Qin Chu Yi, head bowed over the star-shaped spiritual artifact from the palace.

The once-pristine white robes were now soiled with blood and dirt, her cascading dark hair creating an uncharacteristic illusion of fragility.

But fragile? Qin Chu Yi? The inscrutable Young Master of a great family, especially one of her lineage?

That moon-cold beauty of their first meeting – could she ever lower her pride to appear this vulnerable? Perhaps before Su Cheng Feng?

Watching her, Ming He wondered – what would love look like on someone like Qin Chu Yi?

This living, radiant woman bore no resemblance to the scantily sketched character from the original tale.

“Young Master!” The distant cry shattered Ming He’s thoughts.

Here is the polished English translation while strictly adhering to your guidelines:

She glimpsed Duan Wu sprinting from afar and suddenly recalled her original purpose for returning to the cave – to retrieve Qin Chu Yi. Ming He smacked her own forehead while scanning for the beast’s presence.

The one-legged Kui paced agitatedly before the cliff edge, its restless movements punctuated by occasional roars that echoed through the air.

Strange indeed!

Qin Chu Yi remained half-kneeling, immobilized for unknown reasons. The beast could easily capture her with a single step – whether crushing her underfoot or obliterating her with a fireball, the distance was negligible.

Yet that single step remained untaken. Was there something peculiar about that cliff?

Observing how Kui’s murky eyes showed wariness when gazing at the precipice behind Qin Chu Yi, Ming He confirmed her suspicion. Whatever lay beyond that cliff was extraordinary.

Extraordinary often meant escape – a potential lifeline.

Kui stomped its massive foot, sensing unfamiliar presence approaching. A fierce glint flashed in its dark eyes as it noticed the star-shaped spiritual artifact clutched in the kneeling woman’s grip. Ultimately, its ingrained purpose overcame fear.

The mountain-sized creature began its lumbering charge toward Qin Chu Yi, determined to trample this human thief of its master’s artifact into pulp.

Qin Chu Yi remained motionless, head bowed, either oblivious to the danger or too exhausted to react as the beast advanced.

“Duan Wu! Hold off the beast while I get your Young Master out!” Ming He roared, recognizing this life-and-death moment demanded action. Emerging from behind towering trees, she activated Phantom Steps, her form becoming ghostly as she darted past Kui toward the Woman in White.

Duan Wu’s eyes widened briefly at Ming He’s sudden appearance, but he quickly nodded, pivoting toward the beast with desperate determination.

His life belonged to the Young Master – he’d gladly sacrifice it for her. The Young Master must survive, at least until his last breath!

“Sister Qin!” Ming He reached the pale-robed woman instantly. As she grasped Qin Chu Yi’s arm, an unnatural chill seeped into her fingers, making her old burn wound from the star-shaped spiritual artifact throb anew.

No matter – survival came first in this critical moment.

Ming He hauled Qin Chu Yi upright, shocked by her deathly pallor. The woman’s lips had lost their rosy hue, her eyebrows dusted white like frost, transforming her into an ethereal cold beauty.

Literally cold!

Was this… a resurgence of some old poison?

Ming He shoved aside random thoughts and swept Qin Chu Yi’s waist into her arms, black hair spilling over her shoulder. Activating Phantom Steps, she blurred toward the cliff’s opposite side and vanished.

Returning would mean facing Kui – impossible with Qin Chu Yi in this state.

The cliff’s far side held unknown dangers, perhaps worse than Kui. But humans always gamble on mysteries over certain doom.

Ming He, being thoroughly human, proved no exception.

As for Duan Wu… Ming He glanced back while disappearing into the deep forest. The black-clad youth was vomiting blood, sent flying by Kui’s fireball into rubble – his fate uncertain.

He’d have to fend for himself. Saving one person already stretched her limits.

Ming He tightened her grip on the icy figure and plunged deeper into the forest without looking back, gradually leaving the beast’s territory.

The deep forest lived up to its name – dense trees choked all rays of light, amplifying the cave’s natural darkness. An ominous silence permeated the air, pregnant with unseen threats.

Ming He pushed forward, mentally mapping escape routes through the uneven terrain toward the cave’s exit.

“Haaah—”

She exhaled sharply. Unbearable! The cold intensified – Qin Chu Yi felt more like an ice sculpture than a person, nearly numbing Ming He’s arms.

Spotting a relatively safe area, Ming He reluctantly set her burden down. Her original plan – carrying Qin Chu Yi to safety and dumping her on subordinates – proved overly ambitious.

Her spiritual energy was failing despite multiple innate spirit-nurturing pills consumed earlier. The cave exit remained impossibly distant.

Here is the refined English translation with improved flow and natural phrasing while strictly adhering to the original content and preserving all proper nouns as instructed:

Thinking of the ten innate spirit-nurturing pills in the small porcelain bottle – three already used for Qin Chu Yi’s sake – the girl in blue winced in dismay before retrieving the bottle and swallowing four more.

There was no alternative. Without spiritual energy, she couldn’t possibly escort Qin Chu Yi to safety, nor even escape herself.

Ming He studied the woman whose eyebrows had frosted over with dense white crystals. After hesitating briefly, she recalled that fleeting sword light that had once illuminated her path and sighed softly. Shaking the small porcelain bottle, she poured out two of the three remaining pills and slipped them between Qin Chu Yi’s lips.

The innate spirit-nurturing pills dissolved upon contact, eliminating any concern about swallowing.

Placing her left hand over the recumbent woman’s chest, Ming He channeled spiritual energy into her body. After maintaining the transfer for some time, she withdrew her hand.

The frost, pallid complexion, and stagnant spiritual energy – along with that hot spring they’d encountered in the outer sect – flashed through Ming He’s mind as she considered Qin Chu Yi’s condition. Her thoughts turned to the black-clad youth’s muttering outside the cave dwelling earlier. Though his voice had been too faint to discern, his lips had clearly formed the words…”cold poison”?

Cold poison? What could that be?

Ming He blinked away her speculation. After today, Qin Chu Yi’s affairs would no longer concern her.

Well…unless her path crossed with Su Cheng Feng’s in the future. Then there might be some connection.

She wondered if she might profit from such an encounter. The thought of Qin Chu Yi’s status as a top clan’s Young Master stirred Ming He’s ambition momentarily before she dismissed it.

This was Dragon Hero’s mother after all – better not scheme against her.

“What are you thinking?” A weak, breathy voice came from below.

Ming He started, looking down to find the cold beauty awake and watching her with inquisitive dark amber eyes.

“Sister Qin, you’re awake?” Ming He responded, both surprised and slightly abashed. She rubbed her nose without answering – being caught mentally criticizing someone was…rather embarrassing.

“Mmm.” Qin Chu Yi didn’t truly care about her thoughts. Pushing herself up, she scanned their surroundings. “Where’s Duan Wu?”

“Duan Wu went to lure away the beasts. We’re to meet outside the cave.” Ming He answered concisely. “Are you well enough to walk? We should leave immediately if possible.”

Remaining in this dangerous place meant gambling with their lives.

While Ming He found the thrill exhilarating, her current strength was too meager – the risk of dying was too great. Better to wait until she grew stronger before adventuring freely.

Yes…best to restrain herself for now.

“I can manage. Let’s go.” Qin Chu Yi noted Ming He’s restraint in questioning her circumstances, and a glimmer of approval surfaced in her dark eyes.

Perhaps this girl would indeed become an extraordinary sword cultivator someday.

Qin Chu Yi’s eyes curved slightly, their warmth undimmed by the frost dusting her brows. Leaning on Ming He, she rose unsteadily, only to stumble after a few steps. Ming He swiftly caught her.

“Never mind, Sister Qin. Walking is too strenuous for you now – I’ll carry you.” An hour had already passed, and who knew how much longer the old man in gray could hold out? The sooner they escaped, the better.

Without ceremony, Ming He gathered Qin Chu Yi into her arms and resumed their journey through the deep forest.

The sudden motion unsettled Qin Chu Yi – never before had she been carried like this. Whether training or exploring secret realms, she’d always been surrounded by guards. This expedition with Ming He to the ancient cave dwelling was undoubtedly the most perilous experience of her life.

In this life-and-death situation, being carried didn’t seem so undignified after all – they were both simply fighting to survive.

Her gaze lingered on Ming He’s profile. Among all the beauties Qin Chu Yi had encountered, Ming He’s features were merely ordinary. Yet now, streaked with blood and dirt, there was an unexpected dignity in her determined expression, a stubborn refusal to surrender to fate.

Qin Chu Yi observed her with uncharacteristic softness in her eyes. Ming He had saved her life, after all.

Two life-and-death moments in a single day – each saving the other. How extraordinary.

Hmm? Why had they stopped?

Qin Chu Yi looked up questioningly to find Ming He regarding her with unusual gravity.

Ming He lowered her gaze to Qin Chu Yi, her voice grave. “Sister Qin, it’s the blood-red vines.”

Barring their path were the blood-red vines – the very same that had entangled her earlier, nearly claiming her life, before being severed by Qin Chu Yi’s sword and forced into retreat by the display of blood.

“Set me down first,” Qin Chu Yi spoke softly from within her embrace.

“Understood.” Ming He carefully lowered her, simultaneously drawing her sword to point at the blood-red vines, adopting a defensive stance as if facing a formidable enemy.

Qin Chu Yi stood with sword planted firmly, her expression frosty, left hand forming a hovering palm print ready to strike.

“In this life-and-death situation, we should each prioritize our own survival. You needn’t concern yourself with me anymore.” Qin Chu Yi’s heart ached at the sight of the girl’s blood-soaked garments, yet her resolve remained steeled. If absolutely necessary, she would risk blood reversal to escape with the Star Lock.

Deep within the forest depths…

The woman chained upon the blood-red altar chuckled darkly. “The Star Lock! Heaven hasn’t abandoned me after all!”

“Chasing Wind, retrieve it for me,” she commanded, pointing at the black cat lounging lazily in the artificial sunlight nearby.

Had Ming He been present, she would have noticed the sun’s glow and warmth seemed oddly small and unnatural.

With a discontented whimper, the black cat named Chasing Wind reluctantly rose, stretching languidly before setting off with elegant, unhurried strides.

“Clang—”

Ming He gathered sword energy at her blade’s tip, cleanly severing an approaching vine. Seizing the opening, she darted through with ghostlike grace, her movements as slippery as an eel as she navigated the near-total encirclement of writhing vines.

As she twisted and turned through the chaos, Ming He realized her comprehension of the innate-level Phantom Steps had deepened considerably. This dark-aligned footwork truly suited her, particularly in shadowy environments.

Swinging her blade again, she cut down another blood-red vine lunging toward her. Only when towering trees came into view did she realize she’d broken through the encirclement to safety.

But where was Qin Chu Yi?

Turning back, Ming He saw Qin Chu Yi standing tall at the center of the vine formation, her posture erect and gaze icy. With her sword planted for support and palm print hovering ready, she maintained a tense standoff with the blood-red vines, waiting to see which side would strike first.

Focusing intently, Ming He discerned the vines seemed more interested in the star-shaped spiritual artifact than in them. Her escape hadn’t been due to superior swordsmanship or agility, but because she wasn’t their primary target.

Pursing her lips, Ming He felt her earlier triumph fade into irrelevance. She watched intently, anticipating the vines’ first move, hoping to witness – and perhaps learn from – the impending clash.

“Screech—”

The tension mounted palpably, the blood-red vines clearly not impulsive attackers. Unfortunately, the observing cat saw no reason for prolonged standoffs – why not simply take the prize and flee?

The black cat moved like shadow through darkness, nearly invisible as it leapt onto Qin Chu Yi’s shoulder. It slid effortlessly down the girl’s arm toward the star-shaped artifact, emitting a warning growl when sensing resistance.

“Meeoowwl!”

Though not particularly loud, the sound froze Ming He’s blood solid. A primal terror surged from her very soul, icy dread shooting from soles to crown. She found herself paralyzed, completely at the predator’s mercy.

Qin Chu Yi too seemed affected, standing motionless as the cat absconded with their treasure before snapping back to awareness.

“Outrageous!” Qin Chu Yi’s fury erupted as she regained control. Her left palm print lashed out violently toward the fleeing cat while she gave chase, forcibly reversing her spiritual energy flow despite the risks.

She’d journeyed countless miles to Liu Yun Sect, survived deadly trials in this ancient cave dwelling for the Star Lock. Now that it was within grasp, she’d allow no one – human, beast, nor this insolent cat – to take it from her!

Abandoning her sword, Qin Chu Yi formed an identical palm print with her right hand – this one glowing the same ominous blood-red as the vines themselves.

“BOOM—”

Here is the polished English translation while strictly adhering to your guidelines:

As the blood-red palm print shot forth, the black cat’s form momentarily froze mid-air before resuming its original speed to flee.

Trying to escape?

Qin Chu Yi curled her lips in a cold smile, raising her hand to cast a restraint that trapped the black cat motionless in the air. With a wave, she summoned the Star Lock into her grasp.

“Mrow—”

The immobilized black cat struggled futilely, unable to even twitch its paws, forced to watch helplessly as the glittering prize was reclaimed by this woman. It let out a plaintive cry toward the sky.

Ming He, trailing behind at a distance, immediately clamped her hands over her ears. Her poor ears had already suffered enough abuse today – she couldn’t endure another assault. A few more of these and she’d be deaf for life.

Hmm… The mental image of a cool sword cultivator constantly asking “What?” was almost comical.

To her chagrin, despite her precaution, nothing happened. The black cat’s cry was just… ordinary. No soul-rending shockwave this time.

*Ahem.* No embarrassment here. Better safe than sorry!

Ming He rolled her eyes, relieved only she and Qin Chu Yi were present to witness this. No audience, no shame.

“What an amusing little fellow!” Deep in the forest’s depths, a woman bound in iron chains flashed a fleeting smile beneath her cold arrogance. “Such a stupid cat – utterly useless.”

Her gaze shifted to the aloof woman in white. “Qin Clan blood? Pity.”

“But blood reversal isn’t something to use recklessly,” her blood-red eyes turned icy as she traced a line in the air before reclining against the black stone pillar. “Especially before me.”

Qin Chu Yi prepared to act when suddenly the familiar loss of control returned. Her blood reversal ceased abruptly, leaving her powerless – barely able to breathe.

What force was this? An ancient cave dwelling?

Fury burned through her as the black cat absconded with the spiritual artifact. That infuriating helplessness again!

“Sister Qin!” Ming He cried, regaining mobility just in time to see the woman in white collapse again, the artifact now in the black cat’s possession. The creature lingered, casting a mocking glance backward.

Unacceptable! How dare this feline play her!

That star-shaped spiritual artifact had nearly cost Ming He her life in the palace. She could still see Qin Chu Yi’s radiant expression when accepting it – no way would she let some cat steal it!

With an indignant yowl, the black cat effortlessly dodged her Phantom Steps, melting into the shadows that served as its sanctuary.

Damn it!

After several fruitless exchanges, Ming He had burned through half her spiritual energy without touching a single whisker. The cat’s gaze had shifted from subtle contempt to open ridicule.

Calm. Composure.

Realizing she’d been played by a cat, Ming He repeated her mantra. The cat was black – darkness protected it. To defeat it, she must conquer the darkness.

Conquer the darkness.

The thought conjured a memory: being ensnared by blood-red vines, that brilliant ray of light piercing through closed eyelids – Qin Chu Yi’s sword light coming to her rescue.

Oppose the darkness.

Flickering Light!

The sword cleared its sheath, unleashing a sky full of starlight!

Here is the polished English translation:

Ming He gripped her long sword when suddenly enlightenment dawned upon her, as if blessed by divine inspiration. The perplexities that had troubled her for nearly a month unraveled in that instant.

In the endless darkness, for the first time, Ming He felt no trace of fear. She closed her eyes and visualized that ray of light repeatedly. Raising her sword, she thrust forward – the brilliant sword light cleaved through the darkness like a silver river. Her blade contained galaxies within, her eyes twinkled with starlight.

“Clang—”

Under the celestial radiance, the black cat’s form was laid bare. Ming He stepped forward in one swift motion, grabbing the feline by its hind legs and lifting it upside down while circulating spiritual energy to block her hearing.

“Caught you!” Ming He rasped in a low voice, her triumphant tone utterly unguarded.

“Meow!” Just as anticipated, the black cat tried its old tricks, but with her hearing sealed, it could do nothing to her.

Ming He glanced at the darkness above before bending to retrieve the star-shaped spiritual artifact clutched in the cat’s paws.

“Meow—” The black cat covered its face with its paws, emitting a pitiful whine.

“What worthless trash!” The woman with blood-red eyes straightened up, her expression dripping with disdain. The next instant, she closed her eyes – her body remained stationary, devoid of breath or movement.

“Little Fellow, you’re quite intriguing.” A voice as serene as the endless void echoed from above.

She looked up just in time to see a red flash vanish. When she regained her senses, both the black cat and star-shaped spiritual artifact had disappeared.

What kind of nonsense is this?

Ming He frowned in confusion but immediately prepared to pursue.

“Young Master, Miss Ming He – the cave will seal shut in fifteen minutes. Please exit immediately.”

The voice in her spiritual sense grew increasingly distinct, repeating the message three times.

Damn it!

Ming He clenched her fists in frustration, yet dared not take reckless action. She couldn’t guarantee retrieving the artifact and escorting Qin Chu Yi to the exit in time.

She could only imagine Qin Chu Yi’s disappointment upon awakening to find the spiritual artifact gone!

With a quiet sigh, Ming He carefully gathered the unconscious Qin Chu Yi in her arms and began her journey out.

The blood-red vines had retreated when the black cat appeared. Without the vines, the feline, or the mysterious red presence, the remainder of their journey proceeded smoothly.

“Here’s your Young Master.” Emerging from the cave, Ming He handed her precious burden to Duan Wu, the young man in black clothes.

Duan Wu accepted her and passed Qin Chu Yi to an elegant woman in green standing nearby. “Chu Yi, please take Young Master for treatment.”

Having given instructions, the young man turned to Ming He. “We owe our success to you, Miss Ming He!”

He bowed deeply – not simply thanking her for assistance, but for turning back to help rescue Young Master.

“Think nothing of it.” Ming He nodded demurely, her eyes shining with expectation. Having saved their Young Master, surely some reward was forthcoming?

Hmm… Ming He conveniently overlooked that Qin Chu Yi had previously saved her too.

“Miss Ming He’s virtue truly shines. I spoke out of turn earlier.” Duan Wu’s admiration overflowed as he lavished praise.

Ming He: “…”

(Serves you right for remaining a subordinate! Serves you right doing advance and rear guard! Serves you right getting chased by beasts!)

Deep within the cave’s forest, at the blood-colored altar:

The woman with blood-red eyes stretched lazily against a stone pillar. “Stupid cat, sunbathing all day – can’t even handle a Spirit Guiding novice. Why do I keep you?”

“Meow~” The black cat drawled, presenting the glittering star-shaped spiritual artifact in its paws.

“Tch. I retrieved this myself. What’s that to do with you?” The woman smirked, both alluring and dangerous at the boundary of light and shadow.

“Meow—” The black cat protested.

“Fine, just put it somewhere.” The woman waved dismissively, her crimson gaze drifting into the distance, lost in thought.

“Meow.” The black cat flicked its tail, then after consideration carried the artifact behind a stone pillar and settled in its favorite sunspot.

Neither noticed the drop of blood sliding down the star-shaped artifact as the cat moved. When it reached the center, the blood vanished abruptly. A brief glow flickered across the artifact, signaling subtle transformation.

That drop of blood belonged to Ming He.