Chapter 46

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Chapter 46: Title

Bai Ye felt his expression would’ve been truly dreadful were he not trapped in this illusion, having been entangled in a "romance" with the so-called "Wen Qingyan" before him.

Just wait until he discovered the mastermind behind this illusion – they’d pay dearly.

When Bai Ye spotted the ever-dashing Daoist Priest Li Canghai in his Taoist robes, relief flooded through him like morning light.

This relief shattered when the priest performed a unity divination and cheerfully wished them "a lifetime of marital bliss."

…Since when did Daoist Li become unhinged? Was this some illusion-born imposter?

Li Canghai had initially ignored the trivial illusion, being a Tier One practitioner far beyond such petty magic. Only lingering concern brought him inside eventually.

The illusion radiated no malice – perhaps observing its intentions through this spiritual painting might prove instructive.

What harm could come from a minor spirit born during the Awakening of Spiritual Energy?

Yet the illusion unexpectedly cast him as a wandering Taoist, thrusting him before Bai Ye and Wen Qingyan.

Seeing their unchanged appearances through his spiritual sight, Li Canghai nearly cracked his composure maintaining a straight face.

After hastily concluding the divination predicting lifelong partnership, he beat a swift retreat beneath Bai Ye’s murderous glare.

The Taoist priest coughed internally. This illusion grew stranger by the moment.

Seasons wheeled unnaturally fast within the magic. Snowflakes swirled around Li Canghai as he exited the courtyard post-divination.

"Best locate the spirit core before more… complications arise," he mused, recalling the awkward reading.

Though divination fascinated him, he’d never practiced on others. His debut? A union reading for two men.

This memory would haunt him till his dying day.

"Hu Mei?"

Tracking the spiritual residue led him to Hu Mei standing beside an ethereal figure.

"Taoist Priest Li!" The fox-woman brightened, darting to his side. "I feared you’d been ensnared too!"

Li Canghai offered a faint smile before studying the beautiful apparition. "Yun Niang?"

The spirit curtsied, her form flickering like candlelight. "This humble one answers to that name, as I wear her visage."

"She keeps babbling about making Wen Lang and Yun Niang grow old together," Hu Mei complained, peeking from behind the priest’s sleeve. "Then the snow started…"

"I came from their location," Li Canghai remarked.

"Whose?"

"Bai Ye. Wen Qingyan."

"Are they safe?"

"Physically unharmed." The priest’s odd pause went unnoticed.

"Your power wanes," Li Canghai told Yun Niang. "Hu Mei’s donated spiritual energy nears depletion." His gaze lifted to the falling snow. "Is this your memorial ceremony?"

"It’s hope," Yun Niang murmured, her lips curving faintly.

Li Canghai responded, "Is that so?"

Hu Mei scratched her temple. "Why can’t I follow your conversation? Taoist Priest, explain properly!"

"Frost and snow upon our heads—still, we may call it growing old together," Li Canghai intoned as swirling snowflakes descended. He turned to pat Hu Mei’s head gently.

Behind him, Yun Niang’s silhouette dissolved into the thickening snowfall until the world seemed reduced to endless white.

Through the veil of snow came a scholar’s voice, weathered yet tender, reciting: "While you lie beneath the spring, your bones dissolved in the earth; I wander this mortal realm, my hair crowned with snow…"

"Taoist Priest," Hu Mei hesitated, "the illusion’s power feels… thinner. What now?"

"We depart."

At Li Canghai’s touch on her shoulder, they materialized in the study. Within moments, others tumbled from the painting’s surface.

"We were inside the artwork?" Hu Mei gasped, reaching toward the canvas. Flames erupted across its surface.

"Not my doing!" She jerked back her hand.

Wen Qingyan stared numbly at the smoldering scroll. Centuries of heritage reduced to ashes—the loss hung heavy in his trembling hands.

"Resolved obsessions leave no anchors," Li Canghai observed.

"Why didn’t we encounter you in the illusion? Everyone intact?" Hu Mei scrutinized the group.

"Fine," chorused Bai Ye and Yang Xingyu.

"Too casual by half," Hu Mei narrowed her eyes, shifting gaze to Wen Qingyan and Qiao Feiyu. "Your paths?"

"I became… the ancestor," Wen Qingyan said slowly, pressing fingers to his temples. "The boundaries between truth and fantasy…"

"House servant," Qiao Feiyu clipped.

"Curious. You two seem unaffected." Hu Mei leaned toward Yang Xingyu and Bai Ye. "That spirit mentioned Yun Niang and Wen Lang—"

"Phantom realms breed phantom tales," Yang Xingyu shrugged with forced nonchalance.

"Brother Yang speaks wisdom," Bai Ye nodded vigorously.

"Then… the painting’s matter concludes?" Hu Mei eyed their guarded expressions.

"Concluded," Li Canghai affirmed.

Wen Qingyan cradled the charred remains, carefully boxing the ashes for ancestral interment. He’d only glimpsed the person in the painting once before nightmares clawed at his sanity, driving him to the Special Bureau.

Hu Mei inspected their camera equipment. "This survived, but if future broadcasts involve spontaneous combustions…" She trailed off, eyeing her companions.

"Should we linger? The food street’s renowned…"

Yang Xingyu glanced from his phone to Li Canghai. "Our mountain journey approaches. Perhaps one final night in civilization?"

Li Canghai nodded, and the others voiced their assent.

"Why don’t I act as your guide? I know all the finest eateries nearby and can show you the most picturesque spots," Wen Qingyan suggested, rising to stow the box before addressing the group.

Bai Ye and Yang Xingyu hesitated, but Hu Mei clapped excitedly. "Perfect! Having a local companion makes everything easier!"

Jiangnan Ancient Town unfolded its charms effortlessly under Wen Qingyan’s navigation. The cobblestone paths led them past willow-draped canals and whitewashed buildings with swooping eaves, their journey unimpeded by crowds.

"Did you handle the live stream explanation?" Yang Xingyu inquired, observing Hu Mei adjusting her equipment to frame the lantern-lit streets and steaming food stalls.

Walking without illusionary disguises initially drew stares, but soon curious tourists settled for discreet photographs rather than approaches. Qiao Feiyu and Bai Ye lingered at the rear, their rare public appearance still novel enough to cause whispers. This celebrity-like attention, they knew, would fade as extraordinary individuals became commonplace.

The night market thrummed with energy, stalls lining the thoroughfare like glowing pearls on a string. Aromatic clouds rose from sizzling takoyaki spheres and simmering oden pots, mingling with the sweet tang of candied fruit skewers. Chocolate-dipped bananas glistened beside pungent stinky tofu blocks, while regional specialties like Jiangnan-style wontons and delicate flower pastries tempted passersby.

"Are they attempting to sample every vendor from start to finish?" Bai Ye chuckled, watching Hu Mei juggle a bamboo skewer of fish balls while thrusting her flying camera into Wen Qingyan’s hands.

"Priest Li! These wontons are divine!" Hu Mei called between careful blows to cool her steaming bowl, cheeks glowing with culinary delight.

Their chosen riverside stall offered rickety wooden tables along the water’s edge. Above them, paper lanterns swayed in the breeze, their golden light reflecting off black-lacquered Wupeng boats gliding through the canal. Tourists in flowing Hanfu robes leaned over vessel rails, their silhouettes picturesque against the nightscape.

Most patrons carried their bowls while exploring, leaving the waterfront seating nearly vacant. The group squeezed around a single table – Li Canghai and Qiao Feiyu on one bench, Hu Mei and Yang Xingyu opposite, with Bai Ye flanking Wen Qingyan.

Hu Mei produced her prized flying camera, its humming rotors drawing envious glances. The device had become legendary since its castle documentary debut, now impossibly scarce due to speculators hoarding shipments.

"Ten wonton bowls here, please!" Hu Mei announced, already halfway through her second serving. "One each to start," she added cheerfully, though their table already groaned under assorted street food – Yang Xingyu valiantly tackling fried delicacies while the Daoist Priest and Qiao Feiyu balanced stacked containers.

【FOOD ASMR AT 3AM?! CRUELTY!】

【Sprinting to the market after seeing Mei’s feast!】

【Yang’s enabling Hu Mei’s snack rampage lol】

【Who’s the silver-fox hottie with the stern face?】

【New extraordinary alert! Check Spiritual Network!】

【SPIRALING – that "uncle" is 24?! Qiao Feiyu??】

【Dude’s got immortal cultivation aging】

【More like Mei’s strict chaperone 😂】

【Speaking of Spiritual Network…】

【DEMON WEB naming drama trending!】

【Is it that the demon web was scared away by the Jiuzhou Barrier?】

After Zhongxia obtained official explanations from foreign parties, the information was promptly published on the Spiritual Network – the sudden emergence of the Jiuzhou Barrier had indeed caused widespread alarm.

For years, international communities had casually referred to their networks as "demon webs," but fell conspicuously silent when the authentic "Magic Web" manifested. After all, historical records proved Zhongxia had coined the term first.

When the demon web began its aggressive expansion across borders, internet users humorously dubbed it the "Great Demon Web Invasion," only to witness its hasty retreat upon encountering the Jiuzhou Barrier.

Numerous captured images revealed the tense standoff between the two forces, with the Jiuzhou Barrier appearing poised to consume the trespassing demon web strands. The confrontation dissolved when the demon web withdrew too swiftly for pursuit, leaving the conflict unresolved.

Hu Mei alternated between munching wontons and scrolling her phone – typical behavior for her generation. Those who didn’t multitask during meals seemed almost antisocial by comparison.

The exceptions sat across from her: Daoist Priest Li and Qiao Feiyu consumed their wontons with monastic focus, their phones notably absent from the dining table.

"Listen to this!" Hu Mei blurted mid-chew, not waiting for acknowledgment before continuing. "Since yesterday afternoon, multiple witnesses report a massive catfish in West Lake that rescued a drowning child!"

"What a missed opportunity! Had we visited yesterday…"

"A child-rescuing catfish?" Yang Xingyu nearly choked on his soup. "How enormous must it be?"

"Since when does West Lake sustain such giants?" Bai Ye mused, swirling his spoon through the broth.

Li Canghai’s smile didn’t reach his twitching brow. "Its waters remain undrained for centuries. Who knows what lurks beneath?"

【That West Lake catfish looks positively majestic!】

【Monster fish confirmed?】

【Any historical catfish legends for West Lake?】

【Spiritual Network officially denies paranormal entities. Stop fearmongering!】

【Since when does the Network share full truths?】

【Check Weibo user @LakeWatcher for HD photos!】

【Decades-old specimen suddenly appears? Must connect to the Awakening of Spiritual Energy.】

【Lowkey… wonder how it tastes grilled.】

【To the foodie commenter: I salute your death wish.】

"Look at that azure speck on its forehead!" Hu Mei enlarged the viral photo. "Like a sapphire scale!"

Bai Ye leaned across the table. "Huh. Nature’s jewelry."

…

"Your hospitality shames our inadequate assistance," Li Canghai told Wen Qingyan during farewells.

"Nonsense. My vacant rooms surpass any hotel." Wen Qingyan’s gaze flickered between Yang Xingyu’s playful tussle with Hu Mei and Bai Ye’s solitary silhouette. "The limousines will expedite your airport transit." He gestured to the idling vehicles, their engines purring like contented beasts.

They were headed to the Greater Khingan Mountains in northeastern Zhongxia. The anomalous report had come from hikers claiming they’d encountered a juvenile Siberian tiger while lost in the wilderness, which subsequently escorted them to safety.

After nearly a full day’s flight, they arrived at the closest airport to the mountain range. Given the need for deeper penetration into the remote terrain, they coordinated with the recently established local branch of the Special Bureau to secure necessary preparations.

State resources prioritized the Special Bureau’s operations, with regional branches established nationwide to ensure rapid response capabilities during emergencies. Despite the scarcity of extraordinary individuals, selected personnel from various areas had been reassigned to perform preliminary screening and analysis – a crucial measure preventing the Bureau’s internal task list from multiplying exponentially.

The branch’s person in charge greeted them at the airport, organizing transport to the trailhead where the hikers had begun their fateful journey. This robust forty-year-old man embodied the hearty demeanor typical of northeasterners, maintaining spirited conversation throughout the drive.

"Here’s our compiled dossier," he announced, handing over documents. "We’ve also secured an experienced wilderness guide for your expedition. Just a precaution against potential disorientation in the mountains."

"Our teams have made multiple reconnaissance attempts," he admitted, scratching his beard. "Neither the hikers’ described location nor these clustered Siberian tigers have been found."

Qiao Feiyu examined the provided photographs. Though grainy, one image clearly showed an adult Siberian tiger of unusual proportions. Other shots depicted juveniles, including a striking white tiger specimen.

"The analysis states the adult measures over six meters?" Yang Xingyu interjected, reviewing the attached expert report. "Even juveniles at two meters? These dimensions far exceed normal parameters." He tapped the paper thoughtfully. "At that size, they’d verge on becoming spirits without formal cultivation."

The person in charge hesitated before lowering his voice. "There’s another factor. Since the Awakening of Spiritual Energy… certain transformations have manifested in the mountains."

"Lost Space emergence?" Li Canghai’s calm interjection drew surprised glances.

"Precisely." The official nodded grimly. "Satellite imagery remains unchanged, but those penetrating the interior find expanded spatial dimensions. Our Bureau has designated these zones as Lost Space."

"How dangerous is this?" someone asked. The Daoist Priest stroked his beard before responding:

"After investigating disappearances at Changbai Mountain, I witnessed similar phenomena. Danger levels remain unclear. Wildlife instinctively congregates in these Spiritual Energy-rich zones – Siberian tigers, possibly others. No confirmed spirit transformations yet, but prolonged exposure…" His voice trailed off meaningfully.

Hu Mei twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "Our era lacks the vibrant spirit realms of legend. Even Yun Niang we encountered acts more human than fox spirit since the end-time."

"Complete disappearance of spiritual entities implies greater forces at play," Li Canghai sighed, glancing at his equipment. "Even the Lan family’s orange cat shows only faint spiritual awareness now."

…

At the trailhead, each team member shouldered packs containing rations, water purification systems, and compact surveying instruments. They planned a seven-day reconnaissance window – any longer without locating the anomalous tigers would necessitate withdrawal. The guide checked his topographic maps one final time before leading them into the whispering pines.

The local guide appeared to be in his thirties, wrapped in a thick fur coat. Snow had already begun blanketing the Greater Khingan Mountains this season, a bitter cold that ordinary people could hardly withstand.

Amidst this frozen wilderness, Yang Xingyu’s group clad in mere thin shirts and light jackets seemed particularly peculiar.

"The Spiritual Energy here is remarkably dense, far surpassing urban concentrations," remarked Li Canghai, coalescing spiritual energy into an icy orb that shimmered with translucent azure hues.

The frigid climate seemed to imbue the energy itself with piercing coldness, its chilling currents seeping into meridians during refinement.

Since Spiritual Energy levels correlate with vegetation, Division 6 researchers were investigating botanical specimens to identify species that could amplify these energies for urban cultivation.

Modern civilization rendered humanity’s full return to wilderness impossible.

Urban Spiritual Energy enhancement constituted merely a minor project within Scientific Research Division 6 – their endeavors ranged as far as modifying large-scale weapons to maintain relevance during the Awakening of Spiritual Energy era.

Zhongxia’s hard-won cure for its firepower anxiety had recently relapsed, as conventional arms grew ineffective against extraordinary individuals.

"Call me Old Liu," said the guide who’d signed confidentiality agreements upon being recruited to assist Special Bureau personnel. His prior experience included multiple expeditions with local branch staff into these mountains.

After brief introductions for their seven-day collaboration, Yang Xingyu noted Old Liu’s tech-savviness unsurprising for 2045 – an era where everyone had been either silly internet users or keyboard warriors.

"Never thought I’d meet you here! Could I get autographs later? My son idolizes you all, especially Daoist Priest Li," Old Liu exclaimed, having anticipated arrogant extraordinary individuals rather than this approachable group.

Like ordinary people, extraordinary individuals displayed varied temperaments. The Special Bureau naturally attracted more amiable personalities who became increasingly diplomatic after months of training.

"Discipline shapes society," Li Canghai often said. "Earn respect through virtue first. When reason fails… well, righteous force remains an option."

The person in charge finalized arrangements: "We’ll retrieve you in seven days. Signal flares for emergencies."

As they ventured deeper into the wilderness, Bai Ye reviewed documents: "Hikers reported non-threatening cubs but hostile adult Siberian tigers."

"Litters of 2-4 cubs suggest these juveniles belong to that mature specimen," Li Canghai observed while scanning the anomalous terrain.

Reaching the hikers’ disorientation point by midday, Yang Xingyu shuddered at the intensified Spiritual Energy’s glacial bite.

"Not quite Lost Space thresholds yet," declared the Taoist Priest, unsheathing his sword to unleash Tier One cultivator pressure that sent wildlife scattering. Their trembling forms froze in place as he passed.

Tracking Spiritual Energy currents toward potential Lost Space locations, the group knew discovering such phenomena would halfway fulfill their mission to confirm undiscovered Siberian tiger habitats.

Two days later.

For the past two days, Li Canghai had been leading the way. When they emerged from the mist-shrouded forest, the sight before them took their breath away.

Wild boars, moose, and elk stood or lay motionless before them, accompanied by numerous rabbits concealed in the grass. Rare birds native to the Greater Khingan Mountains perched on surrounding branches, their vibrant plumage glistening with dew.

"The entire space feels… expanded," Hu Mei murmured, inhaling wisps of mist that carried Spiritual Energy so dense it nearly coalesced into liquid.

"We’ve arrived," Li Canghai stated, his gaze fixed on the direction the animals avoided rather than the creatures themselves. Having witnessed similar phenomena in Changbai Mountain, he recognized the pattern. "As kings of beasts avoid rivals, that path might lead to our tiger. Better than wandering blindly through this wilderness."

Yang Xingyu nodded. "Let’s investigate."

Old Liu, despite his years of guiding experience, paled at the unprecedented congregation of wildlife. His trembling hands clutched his coat sleeves until Hu Mei approached.

"Daoist Priest Li’s with us," the fox-eared woman reassured, her tail brushing comfortingly against the guide’s arm.

The Special Bureau operatives recalled Leng Xingwen’s warning – Tier One cultivation represented the safe limit here. Exceeding this unseen barrier risked catastrophic backlash, a last-resort measure no Practitioner would employ lightly. This fundamental truth resonated instinctively with all who breached Tier One, whether through ascension or dimensional crossing.

Their group advanced unimpeded along the animal-free trail, discovering at its end a tiger cub sprawled belly-up, its golden fur striped with black. The meter-long feline matched their photographic records perfectly.

"Success!" Hu Mei’s nine tails fanned out in delight.

The cub flipped upright instantly, fur bristling as it fixed Li Canghai with amber-eyed defiance. Qiao Feiyu’s intense scrutiny of the creature made Yang Xingyu shiver – the usually reserved man burned with sudden fervor.

A warning growl rumbled from the cub.

"Your sword intimidates it," Bai Ye suggested. As Li Canghai sheathed the blade, the cub executed an about-face and bolted.

Qiao Feiyu gave chase before anyone could react, matching the tiger’s speed stride for stride.

"Since when do tigers retreat like frightened cats?" Hu Mei gaped.

Yang Xingyu chuckled. "Daoist Priest’s aura could startle dragons. Let’s follow before Old Qiao gets lost."

The pursuit led them through increasingly anomalous terrain. Though Spiritual Energy levels remained constant, summer blossoms now bloomed amidst snow-dusted pines. Old Liu wiped his brow, shedding layers in the unexpected warmth.

A thunderous roar shattered the peace.

"Yang Xingyu, guard Old Liu!" Li Canghai’s command echoed as he vanished in a blur. Bai Ye and Hu Mei followed, leaving Yang Xingyu sighing at their retreating backs.

…

The trio arrived to witness Qiao Feiyu standing transfixed before an enormous tiger – six meters from whiskers to tail-tip. The cub they’d chased nuzzled against the colossal creature’s flank while siblings watched disdainfully.

"Qiao Ge!" Hu Mei yanked the entranced man backward.

"Can you interpret their speech?" Bai Ye asked.

"That roar meant ‘Stay back,’" she deduced. When pressed about communication, the fox-woman shrugged. "Human speech won’t work. I sense intentions, not words."

Qiao Feiyu’s awed whisper broke through: "Magnificent."

Hu Mei’s ears flattened. "Only a battle-crazed lunatic would find that beautiful!"

"Approach it," Li Canghai urged. At her hesitation, he added, "My sword stands ready."

The reassurance worked. Hu Mei crept forward, vulpine features betraying nervous twitches. Three meters from the beast, she raised a tentative hand.

Li Canghai studied the tiger’s intelligent gaze, noting its prolonged attention on Hu Mei. More crucially, he detected crude but definite spiritual energy circulation within the massive frame – cultivation signatures in a non-human entity. Whether this qualified as demonic remained unclear, hence needing Hu Mei’s unique perspective.

"Greetings," she squeaked, acutely aware that neither sword nor sorcery might outpace claws at this range. The tiger’s nostrils flared, drinking in her scent.