Chapter 89

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Chapter 89: Phoenix Fire Seed

Deep beneath the sea, within the ancient palace,

Ming He’s aura settled, gradually becoming calm. Her cultivation at Dust Dispersal Stage Seven was as solid as a mountain, and the bone book floated in mid-air before slowly descending into her outstretched hand.

With ethereal light shimmering, and the Great Path suspended around her, Ming He opened her eyes and saw the vast stars gradually fading, the starry night giving way to endless light.

At the intersection of night and light, at the moment the stars disappeared, she thought she saw a mysterious and warm woman standing beneath the starry sky, performing seals amidst the chaos of rising smoke, pointing to stabilize the shattered mountains and rivers with the means of soul mastery.

Through layers of time and space, Ming He felt dazed. As the starry night completely vanished, she sensed the woman slowly turning towards her, her gaze warm with hope and anticipation. It felt as if she could make out the woman’s features, yet they remained elusive and difficult to behold.

It was the same kind of profound haziness as the word "stars," an unparalleled charm that could not be captured in words.

“Ming He.” Qin Chu Yi’s gentle and resonant voice echoed in her ears.

Ming He regained her focus, smiled slightly at the bright yet concerned expression in the woman’s eyes. “Senior Sister, I’m fine.”

She turned her gaze inward, surprise blossoming within her. “My cultivation…” She realized she had broken through to Dust Dispersal Stage Seven, as if propelled by a rocket.

“You’ve encountered a tremendous opportunity.” Qin Chu Yi smiled softly and briefly explained the significance of the Soul Mastery Baptism to her.

Soul Mastery Baptism.

Ming He was momentarily taken aback; she knew she had gained much within the ancient palace, but she hadn’t expected it to be so profound.

Filled with admiration and gratitude, Ming He bent her upright form like a pine tree and solemnly bowed once more before the shrine.

The black curtain before the shrine fluttered slightly, as if it had accepted Ming He’s reverence across the vast distances of time and space.

“Ming He.” After bowing respectfully, Qin Chu Yi rose with Ming He. “Next, we should go look for the Phoenix Fire Seed.”

In this journey to the Donghua Realm, among the young prodigies in the know, she took the lead. Despite her severe injuries, she never once forgot her mission for being there.

Previously, she had been too weak to protect herself, but the opportunities granted by the ancient palace were too substantial, naturally healing her wounds along the way.

In the unseen realm, you have protected us once again. Please assist the human race in finding the Phoenix Fire Seed.

Qin Chu Yi looked at the black shrine, her eyes shining with endless respect and hope.

“Senior Sister, your injuries…” Ming He paused slightly, her expression blossoming with a joy more vibrant than discovering her cultivation breakthrough. “You’re healed!”

“Yes.” Qin Chu Yi’s smile brightened, gazing at Ming He with a mix of pride and confidence. “While your soul mastery baptism illuminated the path, I may not be as skilled in this matter, but I have not left empty-handed.”

She understood Ming He’s extraordinary talent but never underestimated herself. Her pride as a heavenly girl remained intact, and she believed they should stand side by side.

“The injuries I had are completely healed, and I have even faintly grasped the concept of the Heaven Origin realm.”

As Qin Chu Yi spoke, she stepped out of the hall door, gazing at the tranquil deep sea waves, and then turned to Ming He, breathing out softly like orchids. “Or are you feeling regret that Junior Sister Ming He can’t continue to cling to me?”

As she said this, her brow slightly lifted, her eyes holding a smile, though her heart raced, betraying a touch of unease and mild fluster.

“Yes, it is quite a pity.” Ming He followed closely behind, a smile playing at her lips. “After all, Senior Sister is a stunning beauty, the heart’s desire of the Demon Race’s guardian.”

She teased lightly as she pulled the approaching Qin Chu Yi into her embrace, intentionally lowering her gaze and whispering softly into her ear, “But who says that just because Senior Sister is healed, I cannot hold you?”

Her words were filled with a lingering tenderness, and as they leaned in close, it appeared like lovers sharing a secret.

Qin Chu Yi, already slightly delighted by her previous comments, nearly lost control of her emotions when Ming He drew close. Her ears flushed bright red, and her body trembled slightly.

But regretfully, after Ming He spoke, she lifted her head and didn’t look at Qin Chu Yi again, thus missing the charming beauty’s shy expressions.

“Senior Sister, let’s go!” Ming He laughed lightly, one hand holding the black compass and the other wrapping around Qin Chu Yi. The Mermaid Pearl glowed with white light in the deep sea, and with a gentle push of their toes, they left the mysterious ancient palace where the powerful of the Soul Clan lay to rest.

Qin Chu Yi did not resist Ming He’s embrace, though her eyes lowered with a hint of disappointment. She had once again mistaken it for mere jest and playful banter.

Lifting her gaze, she was met with Ming He’s earnest and focused profile. It wasn’t a visage of unparalleled beauty, but to her, it was the most enchanting sight at that moment.

It’s alright, Qin Chu Yi reassured herself.

Ming He simply hadn’t yet grasped what it meant to truly like someone. She knew that Ming He’s primary focus was on cultivation and growing stronger, which had always been her own top priority.

She believed she held a special place in Ming He’s heart.

Even if it wasn’t the case before, it surely would be in the future.

A steadfast determination shone in Qin Chu Yi’s eyes. The path ahead was long, and she and Ming He had ample time. As long as she remained patient, she was confident she would win her heart.

"Senior Sister," Ming He called softly, abruptly halting her steps. She used the surrounding rocks and the deep, dark currents to conceal their forms, then whispered into Qin Chu Yi’s ear, "The auras ahead feel very familiar."

Qin Chu Yi’s body trembled slightly in Ming He’s embrace, her eyes flickering with shyness and uncertainty, while the skin behind her ears warmed with the intimate breath.

She lowered her gaze, feeling a touch of irritation. Before realizing her feelings for Ming He, she had never reacted this way. Yet now, her emotions were so transparent, and Ming He remained completely oblivious, showing no restraint.

She raised her gaze and shot Ming He a sharp glare, then listened intently to her words and released her spiritual sense, her expression turning grave. "It’s the Soaring Snakes."

Seemingly driven by a sense of retribution, she straightened slightly and whispered into Ming He’s ear. The warmth of her breath brushed against her skin, watching as Ming He’s complexion flushed, feeling somewhat vindicated while simultaneously exuding an unconscious charm and allure.

Ming He, caught off guard by the glare, rubbed her nose absentmindedly, instinctively refraining from asking the reason. She simply thought that women were indeed complex and unpredictable, especially those as breathtakingly beautiful as Qin Chu Yi.

"Is it Mo She?" she asked in a low voice, mirroring Qin Chu Yi’s tone. After receiving another glare from the woman, she finally heard the response, "It is her, but not just her."

Not just her?

Ming He furrowed her brows. She recalled seeing Mo She over the East Sea, draped in dark green robes, proudly holding two alluring women in her embrace, and later transforming into her Soaring Snake form, also belonging to the Soaring Snake Clan.

So, what Qin Chu Yi meant was that there were three Soaring Snakes?

That certainly posed a challenge.

The Soaring Snakes held an advantage in the Deep Sea, especially with three of them, plus Mo She.

Being one of the ten great guardians of the Demon Race, it would not be a simple matter. When she and Qin Chu Yi were swept into the dark currents of the Deep Sea, Mo She had also been struck by Qin Chu Yi’s punch, her form shifting chaotically between her original and human shapes, likely suffering severe injuries as well.

But while she and Qin Chu Yi could count on fortune to heal their wounds and even achieve breakthroughs, who could say the same for Mo She?

Still, she felt reluctant to take a detour with Qin Chu Yi.

Furrowing her brow, Ming He felt indecisive; this was not just her situation, and she could not make the decision alone.

"Let’s go check it out," Qin Chu Yi said, immediately understanding Ming He’s inner feelings. The sword cultivator was fierce and unwilling to back down, and she didn’t want Ming He to avoid it either.

Moreover, she herself was also a sword cultivator!

"Okay." Ming He stared into Qin Chu Yi’s dual gaze of sharpness and gentleness, momentarily stunned, then took her hand and led her through the dark cave, hiding behind a sea stone and concealing their forms before peering out with Qin Chu Yi.

What they saw were three young women holding each other closely. More specifically, a woman in dark green robes embraced two others, their garments half covering them.

Mo She tenderly stroked the faces of the two human-shaped women, her expression warm and affectionate, exuding a deep, emotional connection. They floated in the azure waves, the sounds of their movements blending with the gentle ripples of the sea.

"Guardian!" one of the women murmured softly, their atmosphere exuding a profound and teasing intimacy. The seawater was frigid, yet they burned with passionate warmth.

"Cough!"

Ming He coughed softly, clearly not expecting to witness such a scene. A rush of warmth surged within her, and she instinctively averted her gaze, unable to stop the blush that spread across her face.

In the cultivation world, strength was esteemed above all. If two women shared a deep bond, there was nothing wrong with becoming Dao partners.

She had only heard tales before, but now she was witnessing it firsthand, and not alone.

Ming He glanced at Qin Chu Yi, whose snow-white complexion resembled the fiery hues of sunset clouds, instantly reminding her of the day she had tended to Qin Chu Yi’s wounds in the grand hall. It was just like this.

The sound of fabric tearing as she healed Qin Chu Yi seemed to echo faintly in her mind.

As Ming He pondered this, warmth spread across her cheeks, and a surge of emotions stirred within her, though she remained oblivious to their true nature. All she felt was the weight of their predicament.

In the Deep Sea, dark currents swirled ceaselessly. Retreating now would surely alert Mo She and her companions, but staying put meant enduring the uncertainty of when they would… cease their departure. Ming He and Qin Chu Yi could only watch or listen.

Truly, the nature of snakes was inherently lustful, and their impatience knew no bounds! Ming He seethed with resentment toward the three of them… the three serpents had thrust her into this awkward situation, and she couldn’t help but vent her frustration.

“They are engaged in dual cultivation,” Qin Chu Yi murmured, instinctively pulling Ming He’s hand to shield her from the sight of the three women’s unclad forms.

Dual cultivation.

Ming He’s gaze faltered for a moment; she understood what dual cultivation entailed. It was the intimate practice through which Dao partners sought to transcend their cultivation limits.

Mo She and the other two soaring snakes were certainly not Dao partners, so their dual cultivation was… Ming He met Qin Chu Yi’s steady gaze and realized, “It’s for healing!”

Mo She’s injuries had not fully healed; here in the Deep Sea, she was engaging with her consorts to mend her wounds.

Ming He glanced again at the trio, now so entangled that it was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began. Their gentle voices rippled through the water, their forms shifting fluidly between human and serpent.

Healing and indulgence intertwined.

Ming He averted her gaze, steadying her emotions, then exchanged a silent look with Qin Chu Yi. No words were needed; their connection was as natural as the meeting of two souls.

With her inner spiritual energy flowing, Ming He swiftly drew the earth-tier blue sword from the Domain Lord’s mansion in the Eastern Region. The hilt felt warm in her hand, its surface etched with the name of the long sword: Blue Sea.

“Clang.”

Ming He and Qin Chu Yi sprang from behind the sea stone. With the Unsheathing Style, Ming He drew the sword, its blade slicing through the deep sea waves as the Blue Sea sword made its debut in the depths, its blade as sharp as the sword cultivator wielding it.

“Mo She, catch!”

Ming He’s voice rang out, bright and resolute, carrying the unyielding spirit of a sword cultivator as she swung the blade, cleaving through the azure waves to strike directly at Mo She through the dark currents.

Lost in the throes of passion, Mo She was jolted by Ming He’s commanding voice. Panic surged within her as the sword technique bore down, leaving her no time to react. The blade struck true, and blood spilled from her lips, reopening wounds that had barely begun to heal.

Qin Chu Yi followed with her own sword technique, sending azure waves rippling through the icy depths like a flash of lightning. The strike shattered Mo She’s heart in an instant.

“Pff!” Mo She coughed up blood once more, her gaze filled with venomous hatred. “You dare ambush this guardian? You seek death!”

Supported by her two unclad companions, Mo She’s spiritual energy surged backward, forcing another mouthful of blood. As it spilled, the three figures dissolved into mist and vanished.

“That was the Demon Race’s life-saving technique, the Demon Spirit Curse. It can only be used once in a lifetime,” Qin Chu Yi explained, a hint of regret in her voice. She had hoped to end the three demonesses then and there.

Though the two races were bound by a pact, in this matter, Qin Chu Yi held both righteousness and strength. Killing them would have been justified.

But their escape mattered little. Once she returned to her clan, she would exert pressure on the Demon Race as the Young Master of the Qin Clan.

The banner of righteousness was not the Demon Race’s to wield alone; it could also serve to avenge her Master’s grievances.

Qin Chu Yi turned to Ming He with a radiant smile, her eyes soft and brimming with affection.

“It’s fine. She escaped this time, but there won’t be a next time,” Ming He declared, her fist clenched with determination, oblivious to Qin Chu Yi’s gaze.

“Senior Sister, let’s find the Phoenix Fire Seed.” She took Qin Chu Yi’s hand, retrieving the black compass and following the direction indicated by the profound iron stone needle.

As Qin Chu Yi was pulled along, she glanced down at their intertwined fingers, unable to suppress the joy and warmth in her eyes. Her usually icy demeanor melted like snow under the sun, transforming into spring’s gentle flow.

“Sister Chu, you’ve finally arrived!”

Ming He’s heart leapt with joy as the profound iron stone needle pointed closer. She looked up to see a grand hall, its architecture as exquisite and ancient as the mysterious palace they had left behind. Its eaves were adorned not with dragons but with phoenixes.

The red bricks and blue tiles harmonized with the deep sea waves, exuding an air of mystery and depth. It was another world beneath the ocean, untouched by the dark currents.

Ming He landed with Qin Chu Yi on the flagstone outside the hall’s entrance, greeted by Qu Yanran’s cheerful voice.

“What are you doing here?” Qin Chu Yi asked, a touch of embarrassment coloring her tone as she stepped away from Ming He’s embrace, her expression slightly flustered.

Ming He didn’t notice, but Zhan Qing Yi and Qu Yanran certainly did.

“Tsk, tsk,” Zhan Qing Yi remarked, her gaze lingering on the pair with a knowing smile. “After escaping the black-clothed man that day, Yanran and I headed south.”

The black compass had pointed south. Though they lacked precise coordinates, a general direction was enough.

After all, Qu Yanran was a sound cultivator; while they didn’t have the black compass, they had the entire ocean’s fish to gather information.

“We searched the palaces in the southern region, but there was no sign of the Phoenix Fire Seed. The only possibility left is this grand hall,” Zhan Qing Yi explained, still holding Qu Yanran’s hand. It was clear that this underwater journey had revealed more than just their destination.

Qin Chu Yi smiled faintly. “So you didn’t enter because you couldn’t?”

“Exactly,” Zhan Qing Yi replied, her gaze knowing.