Chapter 54

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Chapter 54: A Salted Fish Turns Over

In the camp, cultivators from the major sects observed the strange scene unfolding on the mountain. Confusion spread among them as they tried to understand what was happening.

A few brave souls were sent to investigate and soon returned with their findings.

“The crack in the mountain has closed, but a gap remains wide enough for three people to pass through. Red light continues to flicker inside,” reported one of the scouts.

The leaders of the major sects gathered to discuss their next steps. Su Muyu, curious about their plans, joined the conversation and returned to Yi Qianmo after about half an hour.

“They’re preparing to enter the mountain to investigate,” Su Muyu said with disdain. “Fools. Risking their lives for treasure. If they encounter the Fire Demon, they’ll be reduced to ashes in an instant.”

Yi Qianmo chuckled. “Do you know why the Fire Demon retreats to the mountain at night?”

Su Muyu was taken aback. “Do you know why?”

Yi Qianmo stepped out of the tent and pointed to the moon in the sky. “Because of this.”

“The moon?” Su Muyu tilted her head in confusion. “Are you saying the Fire Demon is afraid of the moon?”

“The moon represents the great yin. While ordinary fire spirits aren’t affected, the Fire Demon, born from the pure essence of fire, is inherently restrained by the power of the great yin,” Yi Qianmo explained. “Under moonlight, the Fire Demon’s strength diminishes significantly. That’s why it hides in dark places during bright nights.”

Su Muyu stared at him in amazement. The sect leaders had debated this for hours without reaching a conclusion, yet Yi Qianmo explained it so clearly.

“Where did you learn all this?” Su Muyu asked.

“It’s knowledge passed down in my family,” Yi Qianmo replied with a small smile. “We have an ancient tome on spirit beasts that contains detailed information.”

“Can I see it?” Su Muyu’s eyes lit up with curiosity.

“I’m afraid not,” Yi Qianmo said firmly.

Though slightly disappointed, Su Muyu wasn’t upset. Family secrets weren’t meant to be shared lightly, and she understood his caution.

“So, is the Fire Demon at its weakest now?” she asked.

“It is,” Yi Qianmo nodded. “But if it absorbs the Anomalous Fire, it will evolve into a Drought Demon. When that happens, Green Dragon Mountain and everything around it will become a sea of fire.”

The gravity of his words made Su Muyu shudder. “You’re planning to go in, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” Yi Qianmo said decisively. “If we wait any longer, the Fire Demon will evolve. The entire Yan Kingdom could be in danger.”

Su Muyu hesitated. “Shouldn’t we wait for reinforcements from the Golden Core Stage?”

“There’s no time,” Yi Qianmo said. “We must act tonight.”

He wasn’t lying, but he had his own reasons. If those Golden Core experts arrived, he’d lose any chance of obtaining the Anomalous Fire for himself.

“What should we do?” Su Muyu looked lost.

“You stay here. I’ll go with the others,” Yi Qianmo said. “They’re already sending people in. Recommend me.”

“Why are you so eager to go?” Su Muyu asked suspiciously.

“I want treasure too,” Yi Qianmo replied with a grin. “What if I’m the lucky one? It could change my fate.”

Su Muyu sighed, half-believing his words.

In the main camp, the sect leaders were arguing over who should enter the crack. When Su Muyu suggested Yi Qianmo, the room erupted into murmurs.

Minister Professor Yu frowned. “Your Highness, this is unwise. After all, he is your—”

He left the word “fiancé” unsaid, but the implication was clear.

Su Muyu smirked. “To be my man, one cannot be a coward.” She glanced around the room. “Since Tianyuan Academy is sending an important figure, surely the other sects won’t hesitate to do the same?”

Her sharp words struck a nerve. The leaders reluctantly agreed, though no one seemed eager to send their best disciples into danger.

In the end, each sect chose their most talented Qi Refining Stage disciples to enter. From Tianyuan Academy, Yi Qianmo and Liu Qingfeng were selected. Unexpectedly, a young monk named Yu Xiu from the Tianlong Sect volunteered, much to his sect’s dismay.

Fifteen cultivators climbed Green Dragon Mountain under the pale moonlight. As they approached the crack, an eerie wailing sound filled the air, sending chills down their spines.

Suddenly, a shadow darted past, vanishing into the darkness. The group froze, their courage faltering.

Yu Xiu, however, remained calm.

Yi Qianmo glanced at him. “Why aren’t you afraid?”

“If you’re not afraid, then I won’t be,” Yu Xiu replied with a smile.

“Don’t call me senior,” Yi Qianmo muttered. “And don’t rely on me to save you again.”

“You admit you saved me!” Yu Xiu’s grin widened.

Ignoring him, Yi Qianmo slipped into the crack.

Yu Xiu followed without hesitation, leaving the others scrambling to decide whether to retreat or press on. One by one, they reluctantly entered the glowing fissure.