Chapter 38

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Chapter 38

When Gong Wu saw that the Fox Ancestor could walk freely, she curiously asked about the whereabouts of the wheelchair.

Qin Cuohua smiled and said it was still there; on days when he was too lazy to walk, he could still be pushed around to play.

"The Celestial Ancestor looks to be nearly a thousand years old, but sometimes he still has the temperament of a Child."

Hu Fengyu tilted his head to the side. "Let’s go to the Bamboo Theatre."

She remembered the important task at hand and quickly followed him, clutching her silver crane ink-dipping umbrella.

Spirit weapons are generally categorized into four realms: Extreme, Heavenly, Earthly, and Human.

Although forging shops are found everywhere, the major sects often maintain their own furnaces to craft various items. However, the final grade of a spirit weapon depends partly on the materials used and partly on fortune.

Even the poorest quality stones can transform into top-tier unique spirit weapons if they are blessed with a sliver of good fortune, attracting the protection of the world’s spiritual energy.

Most people use Earthly or Human grade tools, while only esteemed figures like the Palace Lord or elders have the privilege of selecting from Heavenly Grade items.

If one is particularly generous, they can further enhance these spirit weapons, amplifying their utility.

However, in later stages of crafting… it is said that nothing can reach the Extreme grade.

Only natural spirit weapons, such as the Sea Stabilizing Needle, can attain such a rare level.

As Gong Wu entered the Bamboo Theatre, she hadn’t yet seen the staff inside, but her eyes were immediately drawn to the numerous Celestial Stairs spirit weapons adorning the high walls, each glowing with spiritual light.

Some of the swords, even while sheathed, radiated brilliance, as if surrounded by an aura of dragon energy.

She hugged her umbrella tightly, thinking that if a sword enthusiast were to see this, they would surely spend a fortune to acquire it.

The business inside was bustling, with many cultivators traveling to the capital just to catch a glimpse of these heavenly treasures.

Often short on funds and unable to afford such exquisite items, they gazed longingly, reluctant to leave.

A sharp-eyed staff member, detecting the monster energy, quickly summoned the manager to greet the distinguished visitors.

"It’s been a long time; my apologies!"

Hu Fengyu smiled and said, "I am accompanying a benefactor to have an umbrella crafted."

Gong Wu presented the silver crane ink-dipping umbrella, and the staff member immediately opened it, spinning it around with evident admiration.

"The material may be simple, but it’s crafted with great care. It’s rare to see such a finely made umbrella; it’s clearly the work of a master."

Gong Wu silently thanked her master once more, then asked uncertainly, "Is there anything else that needs to be changed?"

"Oh, there is quite a bit," the staff member replied, noticing her hesitation. "Don’t worry; the umbrella’s shape won’t change. Even with a few adjustments, it will only become more splendid."

"Please, take a seat and enjoy some hot tea. We’ll take the umbrella inside for the masters to evaluate the necessary changes, and afterward, we will provide you with a detailed bill for your review."

Gong Wu nodded in agreement, but Hu Fengyu remained.

"Have you not yet touched a Celestial Grade spirit weapon?"

Gong Wu looked at him. "What do you usually use?"

"Candles," the fox immortal answered calmly. "But I haven’t returned home in a long time; they’re still at Rainbow Ridge."

He stretched out his hand, and a Celestial Grade sword descended from High Up, causing all the onlookers to turn their heads in unison, astonished.

The treasures of the Bamboo Theatre held no control over this Great Demon. Who was he in this place?!

"Try it."

"I rarely use a sword."

"No problem."

Gong Wu took the immortal sword, cradling this precious item for the first time, her heart racing with excitement.

She was not a sword cultivator, yet as she drew near, her heart stirred, and her spiritual energy began to merge swiftly with the sword, as though her Cultivation was being reinforced and solidified.

What a magnificent sword, truly magnificent!

The sheath was alive with swirling dragon energy, and as it was slightly opened, the clear cry of a young phoenix could be heard!

She merely opened it a crack, and the entire hall erupted in applause.

Gong Wu placed her fingertip on the icy blade, instantly feeling as though she had plunged into the depths of freezing ice, nearly losing herself.

She quickly withdrew her hand, never imagining she could be so captivated by a sword, and promptly returned the immortal sword to the big fox.

"Thank you, please put it back."

Hu Fengyu casually unsheathed the sword, performing a graceful flourish with ease, savoring the moment with composure.

"It still lacks something."

"This sword has been displayed high up for too long; it hasn’t tasted enough blood and isn’t fully honed."

"At present, it’s merely a beautiful vessel."

His remarks left several in the audience feeling envious, while others hadn’t even had the chance to touch such treasures, let alone select among the Celestial Stairs spirit weapons.

The Fox Ancestor continued to toy with a few more items, shaking his head and saying, "I should find you something better."

"My master gave me this umbrella, and it’s quite sufficient," Gong Wu replied lightly. "There’s no need to replace it."

Before the two could engage in further banter, a staff member approached with a list, smiling broadly as he said, "We’ve just received new materials from the East Sea, including woven yellow jade and twilight iron from Yin Mountain. Each is perfect for enhancing your magical umbrella!"

"Please review the list for the proposed modifications; in fifteen days, we will present you with a Heavenly Grade umbrella!"

Gong Wu, recalling her earlier strange experience, murmured in astonishment, "Can my umbrella really be upgraded to Heavenly Grade here?!"

"It seems to be your good fortune," the staff member replied with a bow. "This gentleman beside you, Hu laotai, has visited us many times for forging, and on eight occasions, he came without complete materials, apologizing and leaving."

Hu Fengyu nodded in acknowledgment.

"You are truly fortunate, dear benefactor."

"I’ll add something." He raised his sleeve and revealed a spirit jade the size of his fists, saying casually, "A few hundred years ago, I ventured into Night Poison Mountain and found a pair of treasures. One was given to Little Cuo yesterday, and the other is for you."

The staff member nearby watched with envy. "We can’t even procure goods from Night Poison Mountain with money… We always have to go through the black market, and still, it’s thanks to Hu laotai’s prowess!"

Gong Wu hesitated. "Is this really necessary?"

She was content with what she had and felt this was somewhat extravagant.

The Fox Ancestor tossed the large spirit jade to the staff member.

"Carefully carve it into thin slices and attach them to those crane feathers to create numerous delicate plumes; your master will know what to do."

"As for the scrap pieces… consider them a gift for all of you."

The staff member was overjoyed, bowing repeatedly while holding the heavy jade.

"Yes! Thank you, sir, thank you, dear benefactor!"

As Gong Wu examined the list, she noticed something amiss and lowered her voice, asking, "Why is there Demonic Energy mixed in?"

"It seems to be from a bird," the fox said, carefully discerning, not turning around rashly.

At that moment, Ji Yang stepped forward, and the black phoenix on his shoulder let out a joyful cry, catching a familiar scent that reminded it of the days when it had been attached to an egg.

He sensed a shift in Little Orange’s emotions and, simultaneously, detected a surge of powerful monster energy.

In the next instant, Gong Wu, her appearance altered by the Disguise Technique, turned her gaze through the crowd, locking eyes with the young man who bore a phoenix on his shoulder.

Time seemed to freeze.

The young man stood beneath the pear blossom tree, like a painted demon amidst a flurry of snow.

His brows were as fine as ink strokes, his eyes brimming with a heroic radiance. Despite his striking beauty, he exuded an aloofness born of the Path of Emotionless.

This path was devoid of emotion, like a heart carved from rose quartz.

To him, the world’s passions, desires, sorrows, and grievances were but fleeting clouds, allowing him to cultivate a transcendent aura, untouched by the mundane.

—It could only be him, it had to be him.

Her eyes widened in an instant, and before a sound could escape her throat, she was already running toward him.

The crowd between them parted as Gong Wu navigated her way, pushing past the throng, rushing toward the one she had longed for.

Just as she was about to reach Ji Yang, she remembered the Disguise Technique masking her true appearance and hesitated, staring at his face in a daze.

The young man noticed her abrupt gaze and lowered his eyes, his voice soft but teasing, "Where did this little fox demon come from? Aren’t you afraid I’ll capture you?"

Gong Wu was nearly speechless, her emotions threatening to explode like fireworks.

"Do you capture everyone you see? So even a Daoist of the Path of Emotionless enjoys teasing a little girl!"

Slightly annoyed, she turned to leave, but in the next moment, his hand closed tightly around her wrist, his grip firm and unyielding.

"Where do you think you’re going?" Ji Yang murmured, his voice low. "Do you know how long I’ve been searching for you?"

Tears welled in Gong Wu’s eyes as she let out a soft "Mm," then threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly. After a long moment, she pulled back, rubbing her eyes as she asked, "You recognized me like this?"

Ji Yang handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears, his voice warm and steady. "I knew it was you the moment I saw your demeanor."

"You can change your appearance, but not your essence."

One resembled a demon, the other a monster, yet in that moment, they simply smiled at each other, their turbulent past momentarily forgotten.

As they spoke, the little black phoenix fluttered onto Gong Wu’s shoulder, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.

Gong Wu reached out to feed it crumbs from a Moon Palace Pastry, her curiosity piqued. "I remember the letter said its name was Little Orange?"

What a coincidence, pairing it with Little Orange!

Just as Ji Yang was about to reply, his gaze shifted to the Red-haired Great Demon approaching from behind her. He raised his eyes and asked, "And who is this?"

Gong Wu, still playing with the little black phoenix, quickly explained the situation, briefly introducing both parties.

For some reason, she felt the atmosphere grow oddly tense.

When Ji Yang heard about her rescue from the Deep Cave and learned she had entered Opening Sun, the warmth in his eyes faded significantly.

Hu Fengyu, understanding the situation clearly, chuckled and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"I am the instigator in this matter. I dare not ask for your forgiveness, but I will do everything in my power to make amends in the future."

Ji Yang’s grip on her wrist remained firm, his voice now cold and distant.

"This ill-fated entanglement must be severed."

Gong Wu paused, reflecting on the life-and-death trials she had endured, and realized she could not plead for this Fox Ancestor.

"You have finally found your close relatives, so I can rest easy now," Hu Fengyu said, still gazing at Gong Wu with a gentle smile. "It’s time for me to bid farewell as I prepare to return to Rainbow Ridge for a long period of cultivation."

He took out half a shell and handed it to Gong Wu, parting with a light-hearted demeanor.

"If you encounter any danger, call for me at any time, or send someone to the Satin Red Workshop to relay a message. Do not hesitate."

Gong Wu nodded softly.

"Safe journey."

The fox immortal smiled at her and then, with a wave of his sleeve, took flight, leaving no trace behind.

Gong Wu casually took out the two halves of the shell and explained their use to Ji Yang.

She split the intact pair of Calling Shells and handed one to her senior brother.

"Last night, I was still talking to Master in the shell, wondering when I would meet you."

"I didn’t expect you to arrive so quickly; I thought I would have to wait a long, long time."

Ji Yang nodded as he took it, then asked softly, "Is there a lot of Demonic Energy on me?"

Now that they could reunite, it felt as if they both had endured countless trials in the past six months.

He didn’t care what others thought, but he did care about how she saw him.

Demonic Energy… in the end, it was still tainted.

Gong Wu leaned closer and sniffed, shaking her head. "There’s hardly any."

"Yet Little Orange has a lot of Demonic Energy. When you brought her to the temple, many people were startled."

She opened her palm, letting the little bird continue to peck at the pastry crumbs, her curiosity piqued. "So that six-eyed leopard actually stole the Demonic Egg to use as snacks for its cubs, and later Little Orange hatched from it?"

"It ate many insect corpses, picking up a lot of Demonic Energy."

"If we change her diet and let her adjust gradually, she’ll lose that aura."

"Then we don’t need to rush back to the valley," Gong Wu said with a smile. "I’m also in the middle of forging a magical umbrella. I need to observe the fasting rules for fifteen days, and then offer incense and worship before I can fetch her."

Ji Yang had come for the same reason. He unfolded his folding fan to show her the pattern of the unicorn treading flames.

"My senior sister’s old sword was shattered by a sand worm in one bite, and I only found a few fragments later. I will have to apologize to her."

He recounted many tales from the Demon Realm, allowing Gong Wu to examine the fan closely.

The handle was a deep ebony color, and the ribs were long and light like sparrow feathers, glimmering coldly with each fold and spread.

But more importantly, no matter how tightly it was folded, it still revealed a flowing snow-white radiance that made the dark colors appear even deeper.

Gong Wu recalled the icy repulsion she felt when that immortal sword swept past her earlier and carefully opened the fan again, afraid of being drawn into the flames once more.

As she flicked her wrist to unfold the fan, the unicorn sprang forth, its fiery strokes radiating an immortal aura.

In an instant, the snow-white light diffused, and a strong wave of spiritual energy enveloped her wrist. Soon after, a warm, gentle heat wrapped around her, first warming her palm, then her heart and lungs.

The girl felt as if she were suddenly filled with the gentle breeze of spring, and it took her a long time to remember to put the fan down.

When she opened her eyes again, Gong Wu murmured, "I thought it would burn me."

Ji Yang laughed. "It seems like it resonates with your spirit; others couldn’t hold it for this long."

As they spoke, they approached the counter. The young attendant had just finished reminding someone about the spirit jade and turned back, staring for a moment. "Hey? Who is this?"

As he turned to gaze at Ji Yang, his expression shifted dramatically, and his earlier eloquence stumbled: "Y-You, who are you?!"

Gong Wu, accustomed to the Disguise Technique, glanced at her senior brother’s handsome visage, her confusion evident.

"Has he been wanted as well?"

The attendant didn’t dwell on the word ‘also’ and rudely stared at Ji Yang, seemingly in disbelief.

"Impossible, it can’t be true?!"

Ji Yang replied with calm composure, "Speak plainly. What happened?"

"Please, both of you come with me to the inner room and have a look!"

With that, the attendant opened a hidden compartment in the counter and invited them into the Bamboo Theatre’s inner sanctum.

—Even Hu Fengyu had never received such an honor here!

No shop would easily let outsiders into the back, let alone a precious place like the Bamboo Theatre!

Gong Wu hesitated, tugging at her senior brother’s sleeve warily. "This isn’t a trap, is it…?"

"I might even have to bow to you, sir," the attendant said, feeling awkward. "Please, come in, you’ll see for yourselves!"

The three individuals then ventured deeper inside. Indeed, there were various rooms for forging and several storage rooms stacked with materials, filled with a dazzling array of precious gems and magical symbols.

But the attendant surprisingly led them through these and to a deeper area, where he knocked on a door twice before pushing it open to reveal the tea room of the theater’s master.

"This is a portrait of my master and his deceased wife. Please take a look."

The yellowed portrait depicted a couple standing beneath green bamboo. The young woman smiled gently and kindly, while the man had sword-like brows and sharp eyes, looking strikingly outstanding.

Although he had a long beard, it was clear that he resembled Ji Yang as he would appear in middle age!

Gong Wu stared in astonishment, comparing several times before hesitantly asking, "May I ask who your esteemed master is…?"

"He is the greatest sword cultivator in Jiangnan, Master Wen Zhu!"

"And when did this late wife of his pass away?"

The attendant repeatedly exclaimed a blessing, showing respect as he glanced at the portrait, unsure. "Probably two to three hundred years ago?"

That was nothing to worry about; her senior brother was only twenty-one this year. How could he be the son of someone who had lived for hundreds of years?

Ji Yang thought of this as well, lowering his gaze and saying, "It’s just a coincidence."

The attendant had never encountered such a strange phenomenon before. He even stealthily covered his master’s long beard with two fingers, showing them a beardless version. "Look, doesn’t it look just like him?!"

"It’s a pity that the master travels frequently. The last time he returned was twenty-two years ago; otherwise, I would have definitely reported this!"

After viewing the portrait, the attendant led them back to the outer room and couldn’t help but marvel at their good fortune.

"They really look like a father and son. I wonder if I’m just overthinking it."

Gong Wu felt a sense of regret and asked, "Subei, last time you faced the trial in the Illusory Sea, did you perhaps see what your parents looked like? Do they resemble the people in that portrait?"

"It’s hard to recall."

He always remembered that in his dreams, his father was a woodcutter from the countryside, and his mother was a gentle weaver.

They lived with him in the countryside for a long time, and together, they had drawn three little ducks on the wall with small stones.

But their faces… the unfamiliar faces from his dreams faded away upon waking, and after such a long time, it was even more difficult to remember.

When the attendant mentioned a good connection, he even waived the bill. He took Ji Yang’s magical fan and excitedly chatted about the master.

Ji Yang had already prepared gold and silver, but when he pushed it towards the attendant, the latter repeatedly refused, as if afraid the person before him might be the future young master.

Gong Wu, concerned that the attendant might be scolded later, advised, "My brother is only twenty-one; how could he have a familial connection to the master?"

The attendant chuckled, "It’s fine, it’s fine! This treat is on me!"

Both bills were to be paid in fifteen days, during which the owner of the magical tools needed to fast and meditate daily to enhance the growth of the tools’ spiritual essence.

Gong Wu had initially wanted to taste the famous fruit wood roast duck in the capital, but she temporarily dismissed the idea and didn’t dare touch even the oily soup.

They found an inn to stay in and immediately used the Calling Shells to leave dozens of messages for their master, stating they would return to the Moonfire Valley quickly after finishing the forging, so the sect could reunite soon.

Ji Yang remembered the old lady’s seemingly mad words, but he also recalled all the kindness his master had shown him.

He preferred to ask things directly instead of making assumptions.

That night at the hour of the rat, Tu Xuixin’s echoes traveled through the shell.

"Don’t leave the capital! I will come with your Uncle and Uncle Ji Ning!"

"It’s so great that we can finally meet. You all eat well and take care of yourselves. You’ve probably suffered quite a bit these past six months. It’s good to be back, really good!"

"I tell you, the Jin Yan Tuo went all out this time to maintain their ranking."

"Little Wu, do you still remember that lucky formation I told you about? They’ve actually used it as the grand prize for the Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly! This is huge!"

The Calling Shells could only send a message once a day, each for the duration of half an incense stick.

After receiving the news, Tu Xuixin urgently replied, his words flowing as he shared events from outside the valley over these past few days.

The Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly is held every sixty years, and this year’s host is the Satin Red Workshop, conveniently located in the capital.

According to the Yuan Xian Immortal Record, every Immortal Assembly has disciples from various sects competing for rankings, which determines their positions.

Jin Yan Tuo suddenly faced disaster; first, the old master was killed, and then the new master was cut down by Ji Yang, leading to such internal strife that it became impossible to mobilize additional forces to participate in the assembly.

—Without the name of their prestigious sect, they would surely face severe price cuts in many future dealings, risking the very existence of their sect!

After urgent discussions, they decided to put forth the Supreme Infinite Fortune Running Spiritual Formation as a bargaining chip, requesting to withdraw from the assembly while still keeping their sixth ranking in the three realms.

Among the six major sects, Jin Yan Tuo was willing to sacrifice a substantial amount for a low rank, and the other major sects were pleased with the exchange.

For prominent sects like the Bao Pu Mansion and Satin Red Workshop, being relegated to sixth place would be a tremendous shame; they always fought for first place and were determined to secure this lucky formation!

Upon hearing of this, the Moonfire Valley decided to drop by for the excitement. Although they didn’t plan to participate in the assembly, witnessing the operation of the lucky formation would greatly benefit the cultivation of everyone in the valley.

Tu Xuixin had originally wanted to plunge into the Demon Realm to find his disciples, but now he suddenly could find both of them in one day. His voice brimmed with joy as he urged them to hold back and wait until their sect gathered in three days.

"I’ll just say this much before it—"

The voice from the shell abruptly cut off.

Gong Wu’s eyes sparkled with excitement, revealing her boundless anticipation.

"Does that mean we can also go see it?"

"The lucky formation sounds super impressive! I heard that those blessed by it can be protected for twelve hours; it must be something precious when opening a secret realm!"

Ji Yang, holding a horn comb to smooth her long hair, casually said, "Do you prefer the exquisite secret realms or this lucky formation?"

"Um, can I say I like both?"

"Of course!"

"I love it all!" Gong Wu’s heart was light as she gazed up at him. "The last time I visited the plum forest with Senior Brother and Master, it was like a dream, so blissful!"

The landscape was breathtaking, and the plums were so abundant, it seemed impossible to eat them all!

Master had once remarked that entering such a rare place even once in a lifetime was a rare stroke of fortune.

"I truly envy the top disciples from the prestigious sects this year," she pondered, twirling her hairpin. "I wonder if they’ll end up at the Great Wuxiang Temple or the Satin Red Workshop…"

If given the chance, she longed to frolic once more in the Rare Secret Realm!

Ji Yang gently combed her long, dark hair until it gleamed with a soft luster, then slowly retracted the spiritual energy that had been lingering on the comb.

"It’s late; time to sleep."

"After you brushed my hair, my mind feels much clearer," Gong Wu chuckled. "Today might just be the happiest day of my year!"

"Not necessarily."

"True, seeing Master will also be wonderful!"

The young man deftly braided her hair into a side plait, perfect for sleeping.

His fingers, skilled with a sword, were still gentle and dexterous, warm as jade.

"Since Little Wu mentioned it, I’m inclined to give it a try."

"Try what?"

"The Yuan Xian Immortal Assembly." Ji Yang smiled serenely. "It’s merely about claiming the top spot."