Chapter 103 - The New and Old Flames Appear Together
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina, Kitty
4. The New and Old Flames Appear Together
The Immortal Sect was the number one sect under the Heavens. They had countless disciples, three mountains, and eighteen valleys. With the fog and mist surrounding it, it looked like a mystical land.
Atop a rugged, precipitous mountain peak, Yun Huaiyu pushed open a small bamboo door and walked out. He had a head of long black hair and was refined, like jade. His eyes were as bright as stars, and he was clad in a light green changshan. His clothes swayed gracefully in the wind. He looked like a very powerful immortal.
In a trifling two hundred years, he had risen above the innumerable ordinary disciples and gradually become a rather influential Elder. Twenty years ago, he had become the master of the Northern Mountain, one of the three important mountains of the sect.
Right now, his cultivation was already at the peak of the Divine Connection stage. He was but a step away from entering the Spiritual Fusion stage.
However… it had been so long, but he still could not cross this one step.
Closed door cultivation was no use. He had encountered an internal demon… and this internal demon was Ji Xing.
Yun Huaiyu had not left the Immortal Sect for a long time. He pursued the Great Dao with single-minded concentration. People said that he was merciful, and that he was a person of noble and unquestionable character. Only he knew just how indifferent and selfish he truly was… no… there was another who knew.
Only, he didn’t even know if this person was dead or alive. Since Ji Xing had come back and then left the sect a hundred years ago, he had never seen him again.
But it was this person… that had become the obstacle he could not overcome, standing in the way of his pursuit of the Great Dao.
During these two hundred years, he had never forgotten the way Ji Xing had looked at him while falling into the abyss. At that moment, Yun Huaiyu understood that Ji Xing had truly wanted to give the Holy Fruit to him…. Unfortunately, it was already too late. If he had another chance, he wasn’t sure whether or not he would make the same choice. On the road of cultivation, the only person he could trust was himself.
But why can’t I forget? Why do you always appear in my mind?
Yun Huaiyu shut his eyes. If you are still alive, you must be extremely happy, no? You finally took revenge on me.
It was at this moment that a paper crane flew over and landed on Yun Huaiyu’s palm.
He opened it up and a faint smile appeared on his lips. It seemed that a divine weapon would soon appear on Three Spirits Mountain. The Immortal Sect must obtain this divine weapon. Therefore, the Sect Master was sending him to lead the sect’s disciples to retrieve it. Fine. There was no way he could advance by staying in the sect anyway. He might as well go out for a stroll.
………………………………
Xie He happily went on his way. He really wanted to go on a scenic tour, but he didn’t want to make the Desert Mountain’s Old Demon too anxious while waiting for him. Therefore, he rushed over to Three Spirits Mountain in less than ten days. Xie He took out the token that the Desert Mountain’s Old Demon had given him in the past. It was one of the Old Demon’s teeth. Xie He inserted a bit of spiritual force, and the tooth lit up. Very quickly, a fatty dressed in gaudy clothing jumped out. He seemed to be in high spirits and wanted to give Xie He a hug. However, Xie He avoided him in disdain.
The Desert Mountain’s Old Demon was not only a fatty, but he also liked to dress like a rich old man. He gave himself the name Huang Shan and had built a manor in his territory. He specialized in suckering lone cultivators. He liked the taste of human cultivators the most. It was said that their flesh was very delicious.
“Dongyangxiong, you’ve finally arrived. I, Old Huang, have been waiting for you for a long time.”
Huang Shan beamed as he patted his own chest.
Xie He’s expression was cold and reserved. He said indifferently, “How long until the divine weapon emerges?”
Huang Shan said, “Looks like it will emerge within the next few days.”
Xie He asked, “Did those human cultivators come?”
A sparkle appeared in Huang Shan’s eyes. He licked his lips, “They’ve come. Many of them have come. Only, I don’t dare to startle the enemy. I only secretly ate two.”
Xie He gave him a cold glance.
Huang Shan didn’t mind. He chuckled mischievously and came close to Xie He. “But the Immortal Sect has yet to come. I heard that they’ve already reached the river’s mouth. They ought to arrive tonight.”
Xie He’s eyes became more focused. He then nodded, “Many thanks.”
Huang Shan rubbed his hands, curious. “No need for thanks, it is a mere trifle. Right, Dongyangxiong, what grudge do you have with the Immortal Sect?”
“You ask too much.” A sliver of displeasure appeared in Xie He’s eyes.
“Alright, ba. Since you don’t want to say it, I won’t ask,” Huang Shan laughed, “How about you stay at my place for a few days? I’ve taken a good spot. When the time comes, we will definitely plunder some good things!”
Xie He shook his head, “You go first, ba. I will come find you later.”
Huang Shan nodded. He knew that Xie He had always been solitary. He was only friends with Xie He due to a fateful chance. One of them was a demon while the other a demonic cultivator. Neither of them bothered with civilities. In any case, there were still a few days left. It was normal for them to go about their own matters. After giving Xie He a jade strip that contained his location, he left.
Xie He watched as Huang Shan wobbled along before leaving.
Huang Shan’s intelligence was accurate. Xie He waited at the entrance to Three Spirits Mountain until nighttime. Indeed, he saw the disciples of the Immortal Sect arrive. The Immortal Sect’s disciples were clad in white uniforms. The only one in different attire was the tall man in the back. He was wearing a light green changshan. He had both hands behind his back, and he flew on his sword, expression tranquil.
【Xie He：Baby, help me check his Favourability Value.】
【444：OK. Yun Huaiyu’s Favourability Value is 20.】
【Xie He：OK. 🙂 】
Xie He was a bit surprised at this Favourability Value. In his memory, Yun Huaiyu had always exploited Ji Xing. Even in the end, he didn’t hesitate to kill the other in order to steal the treasure for himself. He had once wondered if Yun Huaiyu hated Ji Xing. But now it seemed like&#k2026; Yun Huaiyu wasn’t completely without any goodwill towards Ji Xing.
The reason why he could mercilessly act back then was not because he hated Ji Xing, but because he cared about his own interests above all else. Therefore, he did not hesitate to throw away his friend.
Xie He secretly tailed the Immortal Sect’s disciples. He did not dare get too close. He only watched from afar as they entered Three Spirits Mountain and settled in the center.
That was an extremely good position. It was the most advantageous spot to steal the treasure. If a wandering cultivator or another sect were to take it, they would certainly be torn to pieces by the other cultivators until nothing remained. However, when the Immortal Sect settled here, no one dared to utter a sound, as if this was only logical. This was the might of the number one cultivator sect under the Heavens.
Yun Huaiyu was the master of the Immortal Sect’s Northern Mountain, and his cultivation was high. Many people from other sects came to greet him and exchange pleasantries. Yun Huaiyu smiled while speaking to them, not showing even a hint of impatience. No matter what the other’s cultivation was, he would treat everyone the same, making others feel as if they were being bathed by a spring breeze.
One should know that the temperaments of the majority of cultivators were not good. There were quite a number of them who focused only on cultivation and had low EQs. Yun Huaiyu had such a high status but was also amiable and approachable. No wonder he was famed for having good relationships with others.
Xie He watched, clicking his tongue and sighing. He was simply a high-levelled hypocrite, ah. To have to put on an act everyday must be quite exhausting.
He didn’t watch for long. After gaining an idea of the situation, he left. Since Yun Huaiyu didn’t hate Ji Xing, it would be rather easy to raise his Favourability Value.
……………………………………
Xie He walked around Three Spirits Mountain for a few days. When he got a general gist of the situation, he went to meet up with Huang Shan.
Huang Shan had come very early. He had found a hiding spot really close to the main peak. Because he was but one person, no one discovered him.
When Xie He found him, he was gorging himself. The other turned to face him in a perfunctory manner and said, “Dongyangxiong, you’ve come, ah. I discovered that the Three Spirits Mountain snow hoof deer are really delicious. Do you want to have a taste?!”
Xie He’s expression changed slightly as he sniffed the air. The fatty suddenly seemed much more pleasing to the eye. After all, it was rare to find someone with the same hobby as him! Only, the other’s method of eating was a bit too crude. Xie He had many spices that he had exchanged from the system store. If it cooked it, it would definitely be even more delicious.
Unfortunately, he still had to maintain his air of aloofness even before these delicacies. Xie He profoundly felt that this capture had become much more difficult. He made his expression colder and said indifferently, “No need. You eat it, ba.”
Huang Shan still didn’t give up. He tore off a delicious roasted deer leg, dripping with oil, and brought it over to Xie He. He giggled, “It’s really delicious. Are you sure you don’t want to give it a try? One must enjoy the present. The desire for good food is the most important, ah. If you spend all day, every day, free of mortal desires, then what’s the difference between you and those righteous cultivators who are always putting on such an act? Come! Don’t be courteous and take it!”
Xie He’s gaze on him was unwavering. That fatty must be someone sent by the system to test his willpower, hm? He was truly dangerous!
A long time later, he slowly stuck his hand out. His slender, fair fingers pinched the greasy deer leg. With an apathetic expression, he said, “I’ll eat it. Quit quibbling.”
Huang Shan rubbed his hands together, “Heihei, I assure you that you’ll want to eat more after eating this.”
Xie He’s expression was frosty, as if he didn’t want to pay him any attention. He walked over to the side with the deer leg. He seemed to hesitate for a moment but still bit down with a face full of disdain.
【Xie He：The meat is delicious and just melts in my mouth. It’s amazing!】
【444：Host dada, you’ve OOCed, ah! Right now, your OOC is at 5%! It’s currently at 5%!】
【Xie He：Can’t I OOC up to 10%?】
【444：Although that’s the case….】
【Xie He：Privileges are meant to be used. If I don’t use my privileges, then I’m just wronging myself. Do you think I’m that kind of person? Smile.JPG】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Baby, calm down. 🙂 】
444：No…he had just suddenly felt a bit bad for those men Host dada had been a scummy man to. They couldn’t even be compared to a single deer leg in Host dada’s eyes…._(:зゝ∠)_
Xie He ate his deer leg in a composed and elegant manner. He then used a technique to conjure up water and use it to wash his hands. He thought, “Indeed, it’s delicious.” Before leaving, he had to capture a few of these deer and bring them back.
But suddenly, the earth shook!
Huang Shan threw the meat he had not yet finished eating and jumped up. He shouted, “It’s begun!”
As he said that, he rushed out at the speed of light!
Xie He’s movements weren’t slow either. He followed closely after on his sword!
These movements were like a level ten earthquake. The mountain peak that seemed to pierce through the Heavens suddenly split open. The earth caved in and soil and debris filled the air all around! However, those brave enough to come to Three Spirits Mountain to hunt treasure were at all at least late stage Soul Condensation cultivators. All of them were easily able to fly upon their swords.
Xie He chased after Huang Shan. He sent a telepathic message to the other, “You steal the treasure. I don’t want any of it.”
These words startled Huang Shan, making him nearly fall down. With a trembling voice, he asked, “What did you say?”
They were a self-centered demon and demonic cultivator, ah! Xie He wouldn’t even risk his life and help him plunder treasure even in his daydreams. How could he be so kind? It couldn’t be that he was planning to first lull him into bringing down his guard, before silencing him and stealing the treasure for himself? Although he, Old Huang, had a low IQ, he still wouldn’t be tricked so easily!
Xie He said indifferently, “Don’t be nervous. I don’t plan on killing you.”
Huang Shan patted his chest and carefully asked, “Then why?”
It better not be that the other liked him. That would be even more frightening!
Xie He shifted his gaze over, “I want you to help me hold up the other Immortal Sect disciples while I go kill Yun Huaiyu. If you are not willing to, it doesn’t matter. We can part ways now.”
Huang Shan immediately heaved a long sigh of relief. He narrowed his eyes into a smile, “I’m willing, I’m willing! We’re old friends, how could I not be willing to do such a small thing?”
He didn’t think that the grudge between Xie He and Yun Huaiyu was actually so deep…. For the sake of his revenge, he was willing to give up on treasure. Huang Shan actually felt like he had the better deal.
While speaking, the two of them arrived. Swords flashed one after another as countless cultivators flew over here!
Don’t underestimate Huang Shan with his fat exterior, he was actually very astute. He did not plan on stealing that Heaven ranked divine weapon. After all, he was just a single cultivating demon, that’s all. No matter how strong he was, he could not compare to those large sects. He understood that he would only get in trouble over this one item. Therefore, his targets were set as the other Heavenly treasures from the start. A place that could give birth to a divine weapon would certainly have other Heavenly spiritual items!
Indeed, as soon as they entered, they saw that the floor was covered in an expanse of the highest quality spiritual crystals. These were definitely good things. Not only could it be used in cultivating, they were also worth a lot!
Xie He was by the other’s side the whole time. His flame sword circled around his body, forcing away the other cultivators. In the blink of an eye, Huang Shan had gathered up all the spiritual crystals. The other people who had been a step too slow could only watch this as it happened before leaving. They could tell that these two fellows would not be easy to deal with with just a glance. At this time, it would be better to go grab some other treasures.
The two of them cooperated very well. With little effort, Huang Shan had already reaped a great amount of treasures. He was smiling so widely his mouth couldn’t close.
Xie He helped him plunder for treasure while keeping track of the situation in the middle.
That Heaven ranked divine weapon was a pitch black, simple sword. It looked average and unremarkable but no one would underestimate it. The battle around the sword was the most intense! Countless cultivators were fighting in close quarters. The cultivators that had originally been exchanging pleasantries with amiable countenances were now all seeing red as they killed.
Yun Huaiyu was clad in green garb and his expression was calm. However, he was merciless! He directly stabbed a cultivator with his sword and was the first to rush over to grab the sword!
The sword buzzed in his hand. Yun Huaiyu broke out into a sweat.
The Immortal Sect disciples following behind him immediately surrounded him upon seeing this, protecting him. At this point, it seemed like the matter had already been settled. It had landed in the hands of the Immortal Sect…. Everyone exchanged glances. Although there were some who were still unresigned, the majority of them thought they might as well leave now.
Xie He and Huang Shan exchanged glances. They had already gotten most of it. Right now, they ought to leave as well. Otherwise, when the righteous cultivators come back to themselves, they will definitely kill the two of them, the evil spirits, and rob them ‘on behalf of Heaven’s will’.
………………………………
When Yun Huaiyu obtained the sword, he did not dare act careless. He called for the disciples of his sect to return at once.
Xie He and Huang Shan secretly followed after them.
Three days later, Xie He watched as Yun Huaiyu and co. rested in the countryside. He felt that it was about time and said to Huang Shan, “It’s your turn.”
One must return the favour. Xie He had painstakingly helped him obtain so many things and did not want a single one in return. Huang Shan did not dare decline to do such a trifling thing. He giggled. “No problem! I, Old Huang, will get this done!”
As he said this, he transformed to his original form. He became a wild boar that was several hundred meters long! All over his body were sharp, black fur. Two tusks protruded out of him, dense and cold. When he stamped his feet, the earth shook. He faced the Immortal Sect’s camp and rushed over!
Those Immortal Sect disciples had already gone to sleep but were suddenly awoken by the shaking. They thought it was just an earthquake. However, when they looked up, they were startled into trembling! What a huge wild boar!
Yun Huaiyu sat by the bonfire. He reached out to caress the black sword. The black sword slightly shook in his hands. When he heard signs of activity, sword looked up, concentrating at once.
An Immortal Sect disciple staggered over to him in a run, “Peak Master, there’s a demon!”
Yun Huaiyu’s finger twitched. He carried the sword on his back and stood up. He slightly narrowed his eyes. With one glance, he could tell that the wild boar’s cultivation was at late stage Divine Connection. Although it would be a bit tricky, defeating it would only be a matter of time.
A mere demon dared to find trouble for the Immortal Sect.
Yun Huaiyu raised his sword and was about to brandish his sword when a chilly wind whipped at his profile! That cultivating demon has an accomplice— Yun Huaiyu instantly realized this and turned, raising his sword to block! At this moment, he was startled and forgot to react. He was pushed back several hundred meters by the impact of Xie He’s attack!
Yun Huaiyu stood back up. His smile that would never change had frozen at this moment. His gaze was fixed on the man walking towards and slowly parted his lips, “It’s you.”
Xie He strode over to Yun Huaiyu. There was bone-chilling hatred in his eyes. He said, “It’s me.”
Yun Huaiyu stared at Xie He. This was the person that appeared countless times as his Internal Demon. He was a bit different from how he remembered him. That face was even sharper and colder than before and there was a faint red light flickering in the other’s black pupils. He was clad in black and had black hair. He looked like a sharp blade.
He finally saw him again.
“Did you come here for me or the sword?” Yun Huaiyu asked, eyes not leaving Xie He.
The corner of Xie He’s lips rose and he smiled icily. His voice was frigid, “I came to take your life!”
Yun Huaiyu suddenly smiled. His voice was like a rock striking the surface of a clear spring. “So, you came for me.”
His expression was gentle, as if he was thinking of something that had happened a long time ago.
Two hundred years: things remain the same but people tend to change. But this person was the same as back then. He still differentiated clearly between who he liked and who he didn’t. However much he loved him back then was how much he hated him now…. He had obviously set foot on the merciless road that was cultivation and yet he still acted so impetuously.
His life…how could it be more important than this Heaven ranked divine weapon? What use was it to kill him? It was such a simple calculation, but this person still couldn’t compute it.
【Ding, Yun Huaiyu’s Favourability Value +20. The current Favourability Value is 40.】
Yun Huaiyu nodded slightly at Xie He, his voice clear and melodious, “I’ll keep you company to the end.”
This was his Internal Demon. He had to settle it.
The flames on the long sword in Xie He’s hand blazed. The extremely high temperature turned the vegetation around him to ashes. He raised his sword and went in for the kill without holding back! Yun Huaiyu raised his own sword to block, calm and unruffled. He could see that Xie He was a late stage Divine Connection cultivator. Xie He had left by himself at that time but was still able to achieve such success…he was truly an astonishing talent, but….
Over these last two hundred years, as one who had a high position in the Immortal Sect, he enjoyed the resources of the number one cultivating sect under the Heavens. He had an endless supply of treasures and the best collection of techniques. He also had a magic treasure bestowed to him by the Sect Master. He was no longer that ordinary disciple that had to be taken care of.
Yun Huaiyu’s gaze fell on Xie He’s face. Right now, he no longer had to look up to this person. He was even stronger than he was!
Xie He wanted to take his life but Yun Huaiyu did not retaliate. He only blocked and dodged. Upon seeing this, Xie He became furious and shouted, “What are you doing? It couldn’t be that you think I don’t dare to kill you?!”
Yun Huaiyu fought while retreating. He looked up and said, “That’s not it.”
“Then why don’t you fight back?!” Xie He roared angrily, cold light shooting out of his eyes.
Yun Huaiyu’s eyes were fixed on Xie He’s. There was a struggle in his eyes.
I am just hesitating whether or not I should kill you…if I kill you, will you stop appearing in my dreams and stop disturbing my frame of mind? If by killing you, this matter will be settled from here on out, then I will kill you again without any hesitation….
But this time, I’m unsure.
When I saw you again, you still looked the same…you haven’t changed at all. Only then did I realize that I missed you….
But if I don’t kill you…how can I cross this step?
When Xie He saw this, he was extremely furious. He thought that Yun Huaiyu was looking down on him. He forced his power to rise! His sword light flashed and the raging flames broke through the spiritual force protecting Yun Huaiyu, burning strands of the other’s hair.
Heat swept pass his face. Yun Huaiyu’s expression changed slightly. His gaze was rigidly fixed on Xie He, lips paling from how hard he was pursing them.
Suddenly, his right hand shook and a short sword flew out, heading straight for Xie He’s abdomen! Although Xie He was extremely alert, Yun Huaiyu’s plot was too abrupt. He could not dodge it in time and was pierced through. Blood squirted out!
However Xie He didn’t care. He concentrated all the spiritual force in his body into his long sword and forced his way forward. He didn’t even care about his own life. He directly pressed Yun Huaiyu onto the ground!
Yun Huaiyu looked like he was in the disadvantageous position but his voice was still calm. He said, “You won’t kill me.”
“Says who?” Xie He raised an eyebrow. He suddenly smiled. That stern face seemed to become brilliant and vibrant, as if suddenly coming alive. he lowered his head, nearly touching Yun Huaiyu’s lips with his own.
”How about dying with me?”
Yun Huaiyu’s pupils constricted at once. He reached out, wanting to push Xie He away, but it was too late! Xie He didn’t care that his own body was being pierced through by a sword. He tightly held onto him!
“You’re crazy!” Yun Huaiyu shouted in a severe tone of voice!
Xie He smiled slightly and looked at him, gaze fixed. Two hundred years…this was the person he could never forget. He had once gouged out his heart and offered it to this person but the other disdained it. He had even tried to kill him.
He knew that he was weaker than Yun Huaiyu. It would be very difficult to kill him in a face-to-face match. But taking the other down with him was much easier.
The spiritual force inside of Xie He revolved like crazy inside of him. The air around him was like a hurricane and the spiritual energy in the surrounding area began to get restless.
Yun Huaiyu did his best to push Xie He off. However, Xie He had a death grip on him. He didn’t care about his own injuries. He steeled his heart, wanting to die together!
At such a close distance, Yun Huaiyu could practically see his reflection off of Xie He’s pupils.
Why? Why was it like this? Even if he turned his back on the other…did Xie He have to go so far as to pay with his own life? Did he hate him that much? Or rather, was it because he still loved him that he was willing to die together?
Yu Huaiyu knew he was a contemptible, vile person. How was he worth clinging onto, worth giving up everything for?
Since stepping onto the road of cultivation, Yun Huaiyu knew that it would be arduous and dangerous. Life and death would be ruled by fate. If he wanted to live, if he wanted the chance to obtain the Great Dao, he must use any method, and be heartless and abandon love. He had always been like this.
It was at this moment that he suddenly began to doubt. If he was right, then why would he die here today?
Why…would he die at the hands of the person who loved him?
Could he have been wrong?
【Ding, Yun Huaiyu’s Favourability Value +20. The current Favourability Value is 60.】
Xie He gazed deeply into the eyes of the person in front of him. He slowly shut his eyes, waiting for death. It was at this moment he suddenly heard a loud shout, “Shifu!”
Xie He abruptly turned his head and saw Mo Cang standing there. The other’s face was covered in injuries caused by the circulating air. Blood steamed down his cuts but he seemed not to notice them. He reached out, clasping his hand on Xie He’s shoulder. His black eyes seemed deathly still. “If you die here, I will also die here!”
Eve: Regretful supporting male lead. Interesting. Wonder if we’ll still get supporting capture target. Also, glad my typos make funny images (see sere’s comment)
sere: only thing that makes him ooc is FOOD.
ALSO THIS IS SO FUNNY BUT EVE WROTE ONE OF THE “other” AS “otter” AND I IMAGINED XIE HE AS AN OTTER OMG HHAHAHHA