Chapter 53 Sisters

The Ice Abyss people who manage to escape into the outside world are truly free.

Having seen the broader world and the various great sects, Qin Yue found himself understanding more deeply the words his master spoke to him before his departure.

The Zhaoyang Sect was indeed an imposing mountain!

For his kin, as long as they could successfully escape, establish themselves in the outside world, work diligently, and allow their lineage to flourish and continue, that was already a victory.

As for overthrowing Zhaoyang Sect’s oppression and changing the fate of their people, that was little more than a beautiful wish—or perhaps, the “faith” that the Ice Abyss people were obliged to pass down through generations.

Many steadfastly believed that day would come, but as to when, none could say.

Though he hadn’t spent much time in the Ice Abyss, Qin Yue knew that, in truth, the vast majority of his people had long grown accustomed, even numb, to their circumstances. They did not hold out much hope for the outside world.

Only those who had glimpsed the outside became true believers in freedom.

He had no idea how those who escaped before him were faring now, or whether they still clung to the resolve they once held.

In all his time among mortals, not even in the case files of Jin Kingdom’s Bureau of Thieves had he seen any mention of the Ice Abyss people.

Neither Mu Xingruo nor Feng Qianning had ever brought it up, as if, in this bustling and mundane world, the Ice Abyss people simply did not exist.

And yet, Zhaoyang Sect remained that aloof and supreme first sect, reigning above all.

Qin Yue was in no rush on his journey. By day he pressed forward; by night, he would find a place to stay and never ceased his cultivation.

It took nearly a month to follow the main roads from Jin Kingdom into Xia Kingdom, giving him a chance to witness all manner of customs and cultures.

For now, the kingdoms maintained a tenuous peace.

After all, each had a sect backing them. Even if conflicts arose, they were but the continuation of struggles between sects.

The underground fortifications in the northern city, though completed years ago, showed no sign of being utilized.

A typical strategy of the great sects—laying groundwork in advance, preparing for the unforeseen.

After entering Xia Kingdom, Qin Yue contacted Tang Qingxuan, who readily provided the location of her sect and gave him a warm welcome.

His identity as the inheritor of Bamboo Grove was truly useful!

His growing reputation in the martial world was entirely due to this sect of medicinal cultivation and pill refinement, which had been annihilated centuries before.

If even a descendant centuries later could be so valued, why was Bamboo Grove, so esteemed and honored by all the great sects, destroyed in the first place?

He had asked Feng Qianning whether she was merely slandering Zhaoyang Sect by accusing them of Bamboo Grove’s demise.

Feng Qianning assured him otherwise; there was a handwritten account left by an elder of Tianluo Sect, mentioning this very event.

Throughout history, whenever blame needed to be assigned for some disgraceful affair, it was customary to pin it on the so-called demonic sects—Tianluo, Bihuo, and the like.

So it was with the tragedy of Bamboo Grove, except the scapegoat was not Tianluo Sect, but a sect named Youyue.

After Bamboo Grove’s destruction, Youyue was quickly eradicated by an alliance of the other great sects, and the matter faded into obscurity.

Yet the Tianluo elder who left the account wrote that the actual culprits were several mighty figures from Tianluo Sect itself. The motive was a supreme spirit herb cultivated by Bamboo Grove; news of it leaked, inviting disaster.

According to Feng Qianning, that elder knew the truth because he, too, coveted the spirit herb at the time.

Before he could act, however, several powerful figures from Zhaoyang Sect beat him to it and seized it for themselves...

But there was no proof of any of this. Even if there were, as a member of a demonic sect, who would believe him?

Centuries had passed, and the truth was long since drowned in the river of history.

Qin Yue cared about this affair in part because of his assumed identity as Bamboo Grove’s inheritor—a karmic bond of sorts. If an opportunity arose, he felt obliged to investigate.

Moreover, if this truly involved Zhaoyang Sect, then he himself might become a target.

Though it was rare for mighty cultivators to live for centuries, who could say if one of those ancient ones still survived?

Ever since he discovered Zhaoyang Sect secretly harboring evil cultivators, Qin Yue knew—never overestimate the virtue of that crowd.

One day, he arrived at an exceedingly bustling town. Several dozen miles away, jagged peaks rose in layers.

Among them, the tallest stood solemn and majestic, towering above all.

Beneath the mountain, the midsummer sun blazed and the air was stifling, but atop the peak, a blanket of snow gleamed white.

There lay Zhaoyang Sect.

...

Northern Jin Kingdom.

Starlight Manor.

In the secret chamber of the underground palace, two women sat drinking tea. Both wore veils over their faces, their figures and bearing alike, even their voices nearly indistinguishable.

Though it was a secret chamber, the ventilation was excellent. The walls—of some ancient era—were adorned with vibrant and exquisite murals, while the luminous pearls set in the ceiling cast a gentle, bright light.

This was the most secret and central location of Starlight Manor. Other than the Lady herself, no one knew that, deep beneath the manor, there was an ancient underground palace.

The true reason for building such a luxurious manor in this remote, desolate place was precisely this palace. Outsiders, however, thought it merely convenient for trading with the Valley of Spirit Beasts.

“You really have the heart for it—letting a prodigy who’s surpassed the thirteenth layer go undercover at Zhaoyang Sect, and doing so with such trust and boldness?”

The Lady of Starlight lifted a corner of her veil and took a delicate sip of tea, gazing at Mu Xingruo opposite her.

“He’s still a child. Even with Linhuang Grass sap masking his skin, are you not afraid that, when he sees his people suffering in Zhaoyang Sect, he’ll be unable to restrain himself—acting out in grief and fury? Especially with his strength and the weapons he carries, he could easily be driven to kill. If anything happens to him, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”

Mu Xingruo’s voice was gentle and soft. “What alternative is there? Bringing him back to Tianluo Sect would be even more dangerous. Neither the orthodox sects nor the splinter groups would tolerate him! For now, with his identity as Bamboo Grove’s inheritor, he won’t be treated as an ordinary disciple at Zhaoyang Sect. Besides, he’s extremely clever, far more mature and composed than his age would suggest.”

“You might as well have brought him here. I have advanced cultivation methods and abundant resources. Wouldn’t it be better for him to train here in peace until he reaches Dao Realm?”

“And then?” Mu Xingruo asked.

“What do you mean, ‘and then’? So young, and already capable of rivaling the most outstanding scions of the great sects—by the time the Immortal Gate opens, he’ll be able to compete for supremacy. What more could you want?”

“I mean, even if he reaches Dao Realm here, how much can he truly help his people?”

“And joining Zhaoyang Sect will?”

“At the very least, he can cultivate using the enemy’s resources, observe them up close, and look for chances to sow discord or undermine them from within. For him and the Ice Abyss people, if they wish to turn the tables, this is their best chance!”

“Turn the tables... Do you really think that’s possible?” The Lady of Starlight sighed. “If Zhaoyang Sect were so easily dealt with, it wouldn’t be the number one sect under heaven. My foolish little sister, aren’t you overestimating this young man? Have we not seen countless prodigies over the years?”

“And what if he is that person?” Mu Xingruo replied.

The Lady of Starlight was momentarily stunned. “You still believe in that legend? Even if it’s true, it may not be someone from the Ice Abyss. There are other sealed races, and many who have escaped from the Abyss. There are plenty with great talent and high cultivation...”

“But only he emerged at a time that closely matches the mysterious phenomenon. If only we knew when he began cultivating...” Mu Xingruo murmured. “A few days ago, Hu Jiuyan sent me some insights into the Tianluo Sect’s heart method and sword canon. Guess what I found?”

The Lady of Starlight looked at her. “What?”

“She said Qin Yue gave them to her before parting, probably thinking her cultivation progress was slow, so he provided his own reinterpretation of the Tianluo Heart Method and Sword Canon. Both I and Ning Ning read them, and we agreed that Qin Yue’s versions were the most brilliant we’d ever seen!”

Mu Xingruo continued, “But that’s not even the most remarkable part. The most incredible thing is that, according to Hu Jiuyan, Qin Yue’s writing conveys powerful spiritual energy. Comprehending it is effortless—like being spoon-fed.”

“He can do that? Infuse spiritual power into his writing?” The Lady of Starlight was astonished. “And he’d only been in the sect a few days? Already able to reinterpret those methods?”

“Yes. From the time I gave him the heart method and sword canon to the time he left the northern city, it was only a few days.” Mu Xingruo smiled. “So he’s not only gifted beyond the thirteenth layer but also possesses a comprehension that is truly breathtaking!”

She didn’t mention being nearly shamed in public after Qin Yue’s single punch churned her qi and blood—this young Dao Realm prodigy of the seventh level of Boundary Breaking—though the woman before her was her own twin sister.

But even what she had said was enough.

The Lady of Starlight reflected, “I always thought the prophecy of the Holy Child’s arrival was just a legend. When you had Ning Ning stir up trouble recently, I thought it was foolishness. But now that you say this... it does seem possible. A seventeen- or eighteen-year-old youth from Ice Abyss simply shouldn’t possess such abilities. It is, frankly, astounding.”

Mu Xingruo nodded gently. “And his character is exemplary. That’s why I so hope he is the one!”

The Lady of Starlight’s tone shifted oddly. “And if he truly is, then we...?”

Mu Xingruo only smiled. “What do you think, sister?”

The Lady of Starlight was silent for a long moment, then smiled warmly. “Let’s wait and see.”

She looked at Mu Xingruo and asked, “When the phenomenon occurred and you held that meeting, did anyone mention the ancient covenant?”

“It was brought up, but everyone agreed it was too soon to consider that,” Mu Xingruo replied. “Even if he is the one, the time is far from ripe. Besides, since the sect split, I have held doubts about all the ancient sects and clans... Until I fully understand their true circumstances, I won’t act rashly. I’ve sent Ning Ning back to the sect to train in seclusion with her master. With her talent, she’ll soon reach Dao Realm, and our little junior brother will rise quickly as well!”

The Lady of Starlight nodded. “Good. Times change, mountains crumble and seas shift—how many still honor a vague and ancient covenant?”

Mu Xingruo smiled. “I will, at least.”

...

The majority of people in this town were connected to Zhaoyang Sect.

Walking its streets, it was obvious that the spirit and energy of its people differed from ordinary folk elsewhere.

Even the children seemed to train in martial arts from a young age. Their eyes were resolute, their strides purposeful.

Qin Yue messaged Tang Qingxuan, telling her to come out and meet him. She replied that he should wait in town for her.

He found a tavern, ordered a jug of wine and some simple dishes, and sat quietly in a corner to drink alone.

He hadn’t been there long when voices outside caught his attention. Two figures entered, one following the other.

“Senior Brother Xu, congratulations on entering the inner sect! Please don’t forget to look after your little brother from now on!”

“Haha, of course! We’re the best of friends, aren’t we?”

The voices were all too familiar. Qin Yue was astonished—what were the odds? He had just arrived at the foot of Zhaoyang Sect’s mountain and already run into “old acquaintances.”