BW Chapter 169

What is Sought (1)

Ning Buwei held Ning Xiu and stood in place, before them was dazzling and vast spiritual power, behind them was barren and scorched earth. The dry evening wind spiraled up from the ground, sweeping away countless dead serrated leaves from the vines. These leaves rose with the wind, and because they had been dead for so long, they turned to powder in mid-air, falling like scattered dust.

Scorched and withered vines covered the earth, under the dark and lightless sky, fierce winds howled. Countless souls who had died struggling could not find peace, unwillingly shrieking and weeping. They recognized the Suzaku Knife and desperately tried to squeeze into the blade, but were coldly shut out by the protective sword qi behind Ning Buwei.

The Chongzheng Alliance cultivators who had fallen to the ground gradually awakened one by one, seeing this shocking scene before them, they were equally astonished and speechless.

Golden Sanskrit characters surged from all directions. The Junzi Sword, whose form had violently expanded, pierced through the entire Dark Domain, firmly fixing it to the land of Xun Prefecture. The entire Dark Domain had been forcibly moved by someone from Dui Prefecture to Xun Prefecture, which was thousands of miles away.

Surging and vast spiritual power thunderously poured toward this land of Xun Prefecture, which had been spiritually barren for five hundred years. Wherever it reached, the earth shook and mountains trembled.

Ning Buwei looked at Chu Linyuan who blocked his path, from surprise to incomprehension, then to the complexity that followed sudden realization.

Chu Linyuan, Ming Sang, and the others were actually trying to rely on their own power to forcibly redirect the spiritual power that was pouring into the mortal realm, redirecting it instead to fall into Xun Prefecture, where life force had long been exhausted and spiritual veins severed.

In the Floating Sky Realm hovering above the seventeen states, a burst of intense light erupted from Yan Jinzhou’s tomb.

Countless formations condensed and expanded, covering the Eight Trigrams Formation, firmly nailed in the eight directions, struggling to replace the isolation prohibitions that had long disappeared. The tomb connected to the body that had slept for many years suddenly dissipated.

Far away on the remaining high platform in Dui Prefecture, Xinzhou, surging spiritual power was forcibly gathered in one place by the sutras, thunderously pouring into the artificially forced-open passage. A monk with refined features sat with closed eyes on a lotus platform, Buddhist beads flowing in his hands, peacefully entering nirvana.

The intense spiritual power scoured the artificially opened passage. When it reached Zhongzhou, it was already difficult to continue. The Dao Discussion Mountain that had long since collapsed into the sea broke through the water to support the passage. On the mountaintop, Sang Yun unhurriedly picked up her teacup, gazed toward Xun Prefecture in the distance, drained it in one gulp, and disappeared into the endless spiritual power.

Chu Linyuan stood at the most intense point of spiritual power pouring down. His flying wide-sleeved robes were being rapidly melted and dissolved by the spiritual power, and even his body was gradually becoming transparent. Behind him, the Junzi Sword stood majestically, like a sea-stabilizing needle firmly pinning the Dark Domain that was about to collapse in place.

“‘…The worst-case scenario: the prohibitions isolating the mortal realm from the cultivation world dissolve, spiritual power pours down. If this happens, then I certainly won’t have been able to survive the death tribulation. Xun Prefecture is severed – as a last resort, use one’s body as a guide to lead spiritual power into Xun…'” Chu Linyuan looked at Ning Buwei, a trace of smile appearing in his eyes. “These were Ning Xingyuan’s original words. Initially none of us believed it – we only made this backup plan for insurance. But now it’s actually being used. Your brother really was…”

For these five hundred years, they had thought of every method to try to repair the precarious Eight Trigrams Great Formation, thinking that having lived several hundred years longer than Ning Xingyuan, they would surely find better solutions. Unfortunately, heaven did not comply with human wishes.

“Is sacrificing oneself for the formation worth it?” Ning Buwei still could not understand why Ning Xingyuan and this group were willing to take on the thankless mess of repairing the Eight Trigrams Great Formation and saving all living beings.

“Chengfeng, in this world, some things must always be done by someone.” Chu Linyuan slowly said, “Ning Xingyuan had his Way of All Living Beings. We naturally also have our own sought Way. Though we often scolded him, to have such a friend is Linyuan’s good fortune across three lifetimes.”

They had known each other since youth, shared the same aspirations, and because of one common cause had striven for many years. In the end, they calmly died together to save all living beings from peril, fulfilling that magnificent and unforgettable youthful friendship from the beginning. It could be said they died without regret.

“This method can succeed because fortunately the Venerable substituted his body for the Linglong Bone…” Chu Linyuan looked toward Ning Xiu in his arms and smiled bitterly. “If we had truly used Ning Xiu as the guide, under the Nine Springs we would have no face to meet Xingyuan again…”

“This is the final piece of the Suzaku Knife fragment that Sang Yun found in advance.” Chu Linyuan raised his hand, and a knife fragment appeared before everyone’s eyes.

The fragment quietly fell into Ning Buwei’s palm. The other fragments lying in his storage ring excitedly buzzed and trembled. Ning Buwei took out the other fragments. Dazzling light flashed, all fragments were finally complete, transforming back into the original Suzaku Ring-Pommel Knife.

“This might… be the only thing we few can do for you.”

As his words fell, Chu Linyuan’s figure completely disappeared into the dazzling spiritual power.

“Master!” Shen Xi wanted to step forward but was held back by an elder from Wushi Sect nearby.

Ning Xiu, nestled in his chest, moved and opened his eyes, looking blankly at Ning Buwei, sweetly calling “Father~”

Ning Buwei patted his back and reached out to help adjust the clothes that were covering his face.

Ning Xiu yawned softly, then gently rubbed his little face against the back of his hand. Sleepily blinking his eyes, he said in his baby voice, “Father~ sleepy~ want to sleep~”

Ning Buwei used his thumb to wipe away the ash that had fallen on his cheek, then patted his back. “If you’re sleepy, then sleep.”

Too drowsy to keep his eyes open, Ning Xiu still didn’t forget to instruct his father. His little hand grabbed Ning Buwei’s front robe, both sleepy and serious as he said, “When wake up, want congee~ and meat~”

Ning Buwei’s tense jaw and grave expression suddenly softened because of these words. He nodded with mixed laughter and tears, “Alright.”

Having received his father’s personal promise, Ning Xiu finally couldn’t support his heavy eyelids and fell completely into deep sleep.

The crowd had suddenly fallen from Dui Prefecture of Xinzhou to the land of Xun Prefecture. Having also heard what Chu Linyuan said before his fall, they could all roughly guess what those few had done. All were greatly shocked.

After all, in this cultivation world where everyone sought enlightenment, ascension, and the strong preyed on the weak, not everyone could face death so calmly. Moreover, Chu Linyuan and Ming Sang ranked first and second on the Tianji List – if the Eight Trigrams Formation was completed, ascension would be just around the corner.

But precisely because of this, their fall was even more shocking. Amid the sighs of regret, quite a few young cultivators suddenly achieved enlightenment and entered meditation, borrowing the abundant spiritual power to directly establish their Dao and overcome tribulations, advancing their realms to the next level.

Such opportunity was truly rare and hard to come by, not encountered once in ten thousand years.

With thousands of cultivators gathered here in dark masses, those who achieved enlightenment were still a minority. Quite a few cultivators had already dispersed to investigate the surrounding situation. There were also groups that stayed in place to rest and recover. But without exception, they all warily and guardedly avoided Ning Buwei.

Although Ning Buwei’s cultivation had been completely lost before, now it was obviously improved to the next level. Previously when the Suzaku Knife was incomplete, he could still use such terrifying formations to restrain them all. Now that the divine weapon Suzaku Knife had returned to completeness… no one dared to gamble with their lives.

“Dad, what place is Ning City!?” Xie Chang’an hugged Xie Changming’s neck and pointed at the broken city gate entangled with vines ahead, loudly asking.

His voice was truly full of vigor. Many cultivators looked in his direction simultaneously. Even Ning Buwei, who was meditating in place, slowly opened his eyes.

The investigating cultivators were cautious and careful. In this dangerous place, they hadn’t gone very far. Instead, it was the carefree child who had run a great distance. Only then did everyone suddenly realize that Chu Linyuan had actually placed the entrance for spiritual power influx so close to Ning City of Xun Prefecture.

Many cultivators looked toward Ning Buwei in unison.

The black-clothed man with cold and handsome features did not lose composure as they had expected. On the contrary, the great demon’s expression was calm and indifferent, carrying an aloofness that kept others at a thousand li distance.

After all, every time the Chongzheng Alliance people encountered Ning Buwei, they were either fighting or dueling. Such a quiet great demon had never appeared before others, making people feel somewhat unfamiliar.

“This demon is quite handsome…” some cultivator in the crowd muttered aloud.

Although Ning Buwei was a demon that everyone wanted to hunt down and kill, his formidable combat power, Chu Linyuan’s strange attitude toward him earlier, and Chu Jun’s continued absence had prevented the cultivators from acting rashly. For unknown reasons, Ning Buwei also hadn’t made any moves. For a time, both sides maintained a delicate balance.

****

Several sect masters and family heads of the Chongzheng Alliance stood around Wei Lian like stars surrounding the moon. They heard Wei Lian say with a pained tone, “Sect Master Chu Linyuan and Zen Master Ming Sang fell to protect all living beings, saving both the cultivation world and mortal realm from disaster. But now with the Chongzheng Alliance leaderless, this isn’t a solution either. Wei is unworthy, but relying on my advanced age, I’ll take on this position of Chongzheng Alliance Leader…”

All around were congratulations, praise, and flattering words.

Shen Xi put the Wushi Sect’s sect master seal into her storage ring. After organizing her disciples for rest and recovery, she sat in place to meditate.

“Why don’t you go to Wei Lian to offer congratulations?” a gentle voice sounded behind her.

Shen Xi rose and cupped her hands in salute, “Sect Master Qing.”

The visitor was indeed Qing Mian, sect master of the Hehuan Sect.

Qing Mian returned her salute and said, “Regarding Sect Master Chu’s matter, I hope Sect Master Shen can restrain her grief and adapt to the change.”

Shen Xi nodded and answered her previous question, “Senior Wei thinks quite a lot. This junior prefers not to disturb him.”

The implication was that Wei Lian had impure intentions. Qing Mian laughed loudly, “I indeed saw you correctly. Chu Linyuan truly took in a good disciple.”

“Sect Master Qing flatters me.” Shen Xi replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.

The new Xie family head Xie Zhi had just pressed down his two unruly sons when he heard Xie Jiangnan beside him ask quietly, “Big brother, should we go over?”

Xie Zhi kicked away Xie Changming who was hugging his leg and wouldn’t let go, “Go my ass, just behave and don’t meddle.”

“Big brother speaks reasonably. Right now we still can’t figure out the specific situation – don’t rashly reveal our stance.” Xie Wenshi was obviously a bit smarter than Xie Jiangnan. “Those old foxes in the clan are throwing hot potatoes at our heads. Chang’an saved Ning Buwei’s son, and big brother has marriage connections with the Wei family. They clearly don’t want to offend either side.”

Heaven knows they had only come with the Xie family to join the excitement, pick up some scraps, then head home. In the end, the family head position inexplicably fell on Xie Zhi’s head.

Xie Zhi also looked grave, “Let’s observe the situation first. This might not be a bad opportunity for us.”

The three people were serious for less than half an incense stick’s time before Xie Zhi roared at the top of his lungs, “Xie Chang’an! Xie Changming! Get your asses back here! If you run around anymore, I’ll break both your legs!”

Xie Chang’an and his brothers, who had already climbed halfway up the broken walls, were carried down one in each hand by Xie Jiangnan.

“Uncle, inside is Ning City!” Xie Changming struggled unwillingly, “I want to go in and look!”

“You don’t want your life anymore, still going in to look!” Xie Jiangnan lowered his head to scare him, “Be careful the great demon gets angry and swallows you in one gulp.”

“I don’t believe it!” Xie Chang’an tried to break free from his little uncle’s hand. While struggling, he looked up and met Ning Buwei’s cold gaze from not far away. His whole body instantly stiffened.

So, so sca– Xie Chang’an’s stiff gaze guiltily looked down and saw the milk baby sleeping peacefully in the great demon’s arms. He couldn’t help but grin — so cute.

When carried before Xie Zhi, Xie Chang’an seriously told his father, “Dad, you and mom work hard and give me another little brother. I want one like Ning Xiu.”

Xie Zhi punched him on the head, “Get lost!”

Xie Changming leaned close to him with a resentful face, staring, “You already have a little brother.”

Xie Chang’an pushed him away with disgust, “You’re not cute.”

Right next to the Xie family were disciples of Canghai Tower. Several junior disciples watched the father-son drama with great interest, then saw Deputy Tower Master Sang Tian extinguish the message talisman in his hand with a grave expression.

“Master, what’s wrong?” a disciple asked him.

“Father failed to break through the tribulation and fell.” Sang Tian looked up at the dark sky and scattered the ash in his palm to the ground. “Sang Yun forcibly awakened Dao Discussion Mountain. To ensure spiritual power could successfully reach Xun Prefecture, she sacrificed herself to Dao Discussion Mountain and also fell.”

The many disciples of Canghai Tower looked at each other.

Intense unease surged from their hearts. Sang Tian looked at the crowd with various expressions and murmured, “Truly troubled times.”

****

Big Yellow found a sturdy vine to lean against and tried to lick the wound on the back of his hand with his mouth, but was slapped on the head by Ning Buwei.

“Why are you hitting me?” Big Yellow said angrily.

“Since you’ve transformed into human form, at least act like one.” Ning Buwei threw him a small porcelain bottle, watching him clumsily apply it before withdrawing his gaze, saying quietly, “No licking.”

Big Yellow, who had been about to lick the ointment, stiffened. He obediently raised his head and sat on the ground hugging his arms, huffing angrily.

Ning Buwei stared at the intact Suzaku Knife in his hands, not knowing what he was thinking. Big Yellow couldn’t help but ask, “Why hasn’t Chu Jun come yet? Where did he go? What if we run into Pei Heguang?”

“…Don’t know. He went to face his fate tribulation.” Ning Buwei’s tone was stiff.

“At such a critical time he’s not here– hm? What did you say?” Big Yellow’s voice immediately stopped. After a pause, he said, “Oh, he– he’s always been capable. He’ll definitely be safe and sound. Don’t worry too much.”

Fate tribulation was something that became more dangerous for those with higher cultivation, more likely to become a death tribulation. Chu Jun’s fate tribulation was already truly a death tribulation. Though life and death were undetermined, the chances of surviving were truly slim.

Five hundred years ago, Ning Xingyuan had calculated that his own fate tribulation was greatly inauspicious. Despite exhausting all efforts and careful planning, he still couldn’t survive.

“Chengfeng, don’t think too much. Although Chu Jun isn’t as talented as Ning Xingyuan was back then, with lower cultivation and older age–” Big Yellow’s voice grew smaller and smaller under Ning Buwei’s death stare, but still mumbled to complete his final sentence, “But he’s more ruthless and shameless than Ning Xingyuan.”

Ning Buwei was genuinely choked up.

Before Big Yellow could speak again, noisy sounds suddenly came from the distance.

Though Big Yellow was an aged divine beast, his curiosity was extremely strong. He climbed up the withered vines in a few steps to look over, his ears perking up, saying with great interest, “Ha, looks like the Chongzheng Alliance isn’t a solid iron slab after all. They seem to be arguing – no one accepts anyone else’s authority.”

“Naturally. Wei Lian doesn’t have the ability to command respect that he imagines.” Ning Buwei inserted the Suzaku Knife back into its sheath, picked up Ning Xiu, and rose to look toward the distant ruined Ning City.

“Sects like Hanyan Sect, Wanghai Sect, and the Su family will support his rise to power, no mistake, because they have no great cultivators who could rise up themselves. Groups like Xuantian Sect, Qingdan Sect, Xuanwu Tower, and the Ge and Cui families won’t release their eagles until they see rabbits – they’ll most likely remain neutral. Wushi Sect, Jiting Sect, Hehuan Sect, and the Xie and Shen families probably want to support Shen Xi… The ten great sects and eight great families split into three factions. The small fry under the Chongzheng Alliance will naturally choose sides and gamble – maybe they can rise high and squeeze into the front ranks of the sect and family records.”

“Yo, you understand these twists and turns of the Chongzheng Alliance quite well. Just now it was the Shen family and Wanghai Sect that got into it.” Big Yellow jumped down from the vines. Seeing him about to leave, he followed closely behind, asking curiously, “So who do you think can clean up this mess in the end?”

Ning Buwei sneered, narrowed his eyes to look at the sky full of bloody shadows, “Naturally, whoever can survive to the end.”

“So what are we doing now?” Big Yellow quickened his pace to catch up with him.

“Kill Pei Heguang.”