Chapter 134: The Seal

As the disciples from various sects entered the grounds, the Yaochi Peach Blossom Banquet commenced in an orderly fashion.

Looking out, one could see countless exquisite circular platforms floating in the air above the emerald waters deep within the Jade Pool. The atmosphere was ethereal, shrouded in mist. More than a dozen breathtakingly beautiful fairies in white robes wove between the platforms, periodically delivering immortal fruits, spiritual wines, and freshly picked flat peaches.

There were three larger platforms. Xi Jiu of the Liubo Mountain and several elders occupied one. A highly esteemed elderly monk from Lingyin Temple occupied another, followed by a number of young disciples. It was said that he was the uncle-master of the Lingyin Temple’s Buddha-son, Huike.

Naturally, the final platform attracted the most attention. Only one person sat upon that vast, empty space, his expression as gentle as jade, calm and composed. Many looked on with bewilderment; it was truly shocking that Su Mo, the eldest disciple of the Dao Sect’s sect leader, possessed not a shred of cultivation.

As time passed, a heavy silence settled over the air. Many disciples from the first-rate sects lucky enough to be invited sensed the strangeness of the atmosphere, for up until now, no figure of sufficient weight had yet appeared at the Jade Pool. In contrast, those more familiar with the inner workings of Yaochi simply waited in silence.

Beside a small stream in the deepest reaches of the Jade Pool, a noble-looking middle-aged woman stood with her hands behind her back, gazing silently into the distance. A cinnabar mark between her brows added a finishing touch to her cold, aloof features, lending her an air of unapproachable nobility.

He Pianpian arrived and said softly, "Master, the Liubo Mountain, the Dao Sect, and Lingyin Temple have all arrived."

The woman, the esteemed Mistress of Yaochi, gazed at a certain point and sighed, "The seal is becoming increasingly unstable. At this rate, it will not be long before a great disaster is unleashed."

He Pianpian’s expression remained calm as she consoled her, "Junior Sister Qinghua has finally regained consciousness. During this time, we need only use the power of the other sacred lands to reinforce the seal, and once she recovers her vitality, this crisis will naturally be resolved."

The Mistress of Yaochi looked upward. Within the infinite sea of clouds in the sky, three massive golden mountains, as if standing level with the heavens, loomed on the horizon. A closer look revealed that these mountains were covered in dense, intricate runes that emitted a dazzling light. There were gaps between the three mountains—mere slits from a distance—but to the keen eyes of a practitioner, one could discern a gargantuan creature trapped within. Its pitch-black skin was filled with power; though devoid of life, it exuded a terrifying sense of oppression. Compared to this monster's demonic aura, the aura of the ghosts seemed like that of a toothless infant.

The Mistress of Yaochi remained silent for a moment before saying, "The Academy seems to have encountered trouble lately, and the Qing Emperor City is of little significance in this matter, but why has no one come from Kunlun?"

In the world of cultivation, Kunlun and Yaochi were considered two ancestral homes of the Dao, separated only by a curtain; pull back that curtain, and they were essentially one family. Many in both sacred lands had hoped to use the marriage between Wan Jianyi and He Pianpian as the red thread to draw back that curtain, but unfortunately, both felt no such inclination, and the matter was abandoned.

He Pianpian pondered for a moment before replying, "Usually, it is Wan Jianyi of Kunlun who attends, but he is currently in seclusion. Furthermore, Daoist Liu of Kunlun has taken on a new disciple who appears quite extraordinary. During the apprenticeship ceremony, the tablet of the female ancestor on the upper-left of the Kunlun Ancestral Hall was stirred, and the immortal sword beneath it chose him as its master—a phenomenon unseen in a thousand years. It is said that even the Kunlun sect leader has been alerted and is currently preoccupied with this matter."

The Mistress of Yaochi shook her head helplessly. "Very well. Lingyin Temple and the Dao Sect are naturally more adept at suppressing demons and evil than we are. As for Liubo Mountain, their studies are eclectic and their magical artifacts powerful; if all goes well, that should suffice."

He Pianpian said softly, "But Master... the Dao Sect only sent two people: Su Mo and Shen Yu. Their cultivation levels..."

The Mistress of Yaochi interrupted, asking, "Did they bring their swords?"

He Pianpian blinked playfully and nodded. "They did."

"Then that is enough."

The Mistress of Yaochi seemed to recall something and smiled, though she offered no explanation. She changed the subject: "Go, inform our fellow Daoists of the plan. It is time to prepare for the sealing. I have a persistent feeling that the conspiracy in the Thousand Rivers Land goes deeper than this."

He Pianpian nodded slightly. Suddenly, the Mistress of Yaochi exclaimed in surprise, "Have you noticed? That creature seems to have stopped its thrashing."

Ever since Fairy E Qinghua, who presided over the formation, was heavily wounded by the Thousand Rivers Land and the seal was compromised, the ancient, immortal monster had not ceased its turmoil for a single day. Yet, just now, why had it suddenly grown quiet?

"I do not know. Perhaps it is tired."

The Saintess He Pianpian seemed to remember something and said slowly, "By the way, just now, Shen Yu... entered the tomb of Senior Linghua."

"What?!"

...

Inside the tomb of Linghua.

The black mist that had been billowing with demonic energy suddenly went silent, making not a sound. It was as if it had encountered the heavens themselves.

After a long while, an uncertain voice rang out.

"You... who exactly are you?"

Shen Yu replied casually, "Your master."

The black mist shrank back slowly, acting for all the world like a grandson seeing his grandfather, suddenly unable to speak.

Fairy Linghua watched this scene and smiled faintly. "Over these years, its malice has actually been purified quite a bit. It doesn't show on the surface, but sometimes it acts just like a child. You still have your ways."

Shen Yu shook his head. "I barely recognize myself anymore."

Fairy Linghua looked at that calm, indifferent face and sighed, "You are indeed different."

The young man of those days had brandished his sword in a green robe, full of spirit, his eyes filled with the arrogance of youth. How could he be as world-weary as he was now?

Shen Yu teased, "You have grown up too; you are no longer that little girl who used to steal flat peaches."

The beautiful woman glared at him, but her eyes were filled with tenderness.

Shen Yu looked toward the horizon, remaining silent.

Linghua stood quietly by his side and said softly, "You must have many questions for me."

Shen Yu thought for a moment. "I do not know why I awakened. I have considered many possibilities: the reincarnation of the Buddhists, the dream of the Confucians, even the 'time as a shuttle' of the Daoists. I have speculated on all of them, but I have no evidence. Linghua, do you know anything?"

Linghua shook her head and said gently, "I had already been buried here by the time you died. Only a wisp of my remnant soul remains, barely surviving within Yaochi. I cannot know what is happening outside. However..."

Linghua’s expression grew heavy. "I can feel that the world has undergone a great change. Spiritual energy is dissipating, and countless peerless experts with powerful auras from across the world have gathered together."

Shen Yu turned his head and asked earnestly, "And then?"

Linghua lifted her head slightly, her expression solemn.

"And then, all those auras vanished at the exact same moment."

"The brilliant sun, the pale moon, the vast expanse of stars—all were extinguished in an instant."

"The entire world fell into a dead silence, a silence so profound it was terrifying."