C22 Colddeath
"Swish!"
A flurry of silver-white lightning bolts erupted from the short spear in Le Feng's grasp.
Outside the Keep, Le Feng stood resolute, his short spear directing a stunning display of arc light.
In the Golden Sanctum realm, spiritual energy could be unleashed from one's body or through a weapon to vanquish foes.
His short spear, named "Silver Rainbow," was just barely a first-level spirit weapon.
Yet, even a first-level spirit weapon was formidable!
The arcane circle etched within Silver Rainbow, once infused with spiritual energy, refined the weapon's power, transforming the spear tip's release into a series of devastating silver lightning strikes.
Silver lightning danced across the clear sky!
Meanwhile, Ning Ji, the challenger, was having a tough time, relegated to the role of a mere punching bag.
With each clasp of his hands, he conjured a delicate blue light shield, thin as cicada wings.
Yet, the blue shield was repeatedly shattered by the relentless silver arc light, only to be reformed time and again.
Ning Ji, with a slightly superior late Golden Sanctum cultivation compared to Le Feng, found himself overwhelmingly outmatched in this confrontation, with little opportunity to fight back.
Yu Yuan, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.
He was acutely aware that Ning Ji's disadvantage was largely due to his own actions.
Age had caught up with Ning Ji, bringing him near the end of his cultivation journey.
His hard-earned Wraithbanner, destroyed by Yin Jue during the Invocation Circle, had left him reeling from the backlash.
Weaponless, nursing unresolved injuries, and burdened by his conscience, how could he stand a chance against Le Feng?
"Truly worthy of the Guard Captain!"
"Le, with such prowess at your young age, you're bound to reach the Veil Breaking realm in the future!"
"Once you achieve Veil Breaking, Le, you'll soar beyond our ranks, ascending to great heights!"
The guards of Asvetaesi watched Le Feng's display of might, each one inspired and spirited, as if glimpsing their own potential futures.
Le Feng, like them, came from humble beginnings and lacked a distinguished family lineage.
A man of such stature, without the backing of a powerful family and solely by virtue of his innate talent for cultivation, rose through the ranks to become a guard of Asvetaesi. Remarkably, he achieved the Golden Sanctum level of cultivation in his youth.
He was a true inspiration, a tangible idol to those who aspired to greatness.
Le Feng's very existence seemed to proclaim that with enough effort and dedication to cultivation, anyone, no matter how lowly their birth, could ascend to the Veil Breaking level and make a name for themselves.
"One day, I too will become someone like Brother Le!"
A dark-skinned youth, with only Spirit Channel level cultivation, clenched his fists and silently vowed to himself.
A streak of Silver Rainbow lightning pierced through the dark blue shield of spiritual energy and struck Ning Ji in the chest.
With a loud thud, Ning Ji was sent sprawling to the ground.
Le Feng snorted but didn't press his advantage, standing tall and proud as he said, "The two of you, please leave."
Ning Ji gave Yu Yuan an embarrassed smile.
"Ning Ji, I'm grateful for your efforts today. The indignity you've suffered on my behalf will not be forgotten," Yu Yuan said with a respectful bow, his eyes clear and bright. "I will find a way to repay you in the future."
Ning Ji nodded, silently hoping his judgment hadn't been clouded by age and that he had indeed made the right gamble.
"Given the time and the size of the disturbance, it should be soon," Yu Yuan said, paying no mind to the curious stares of the onlookers as he stood next to Ning Ji, his gaze fixed on the Keep.
"Aren't you leaving?" Le Feng asked with a frown.
"I'm waiting for an invitation inside," Yu Yuan replied with a smile.
"An invitation? To be taken inside for offending the mayor?" Le Feng said mockingly.
Yu Yuan simply shook his head, his smile unwavering.
The crowd watched, perplexed and unsure of what was unfolding.
"Le Feng, let Yu Yuan in," came the weary yet languid voice of Yuan Lianyao from within the Keep. "Before I secluded myself, I forgot to mention that Yu Yuan and I had made arrangements to meet."
"Ah?"
This revelation left the guards of Asvetaesi and the bystanders alike in a state of bewildered surprise.
Le Feng wore a peculiar expression, "Do you have an appointment?"
His gaze lingered on Yu Yuan, complex emotions flickering in his eyes, as he reluctantly spoke, "I apologize, Mr. Yu. Please follow me."
"Ning Ji, please wait a moment," Yu Yuan said, turning his head before following Le Feng toward the Keep.
Yu Yuan had known that any disturbance outside the Keep would surely catch the attention of either Yuan Lianyao or the elder from the Ruby Hand.
Their level of cultivation meant they wouldn't normally be disturbed by the mere rustling of leaves, but a fight right outside the Keep would certainly be noticed.
If the elder from the Ruby Hand had a moment of clarity, his spiritual sense would swiftly reach out, and he would instantly know it was Yu Yuan.
Although he couldn't discern Yuan Lianyao's exact level of cultivation, he trusted that with her skills and capabilities, she would be aware as well.
His speculation proved accurate.
Shortly thereafter, under Le Feng's guidance, he entered the imposing and solemn hall of the Keep, where he once again encountered the regal and enchanting Yuan Lianyao.
"Sister, we meet again," Yu Yuan greeted her with a smile, maintaining a respectful composure.
Le Feng's brow furrowed, his demeanor turning sour once more.
"You may leave us," Yuan Lianyao said dismissively to Le Feng, then turned to Yu Yuan with a playful smile. "What's so urgent that you had to cause such a commotion? Hehe, did you get wind of the Huang family's plot against you? Are you frightened?"
"I'm not worried about the Huang family killing me," Yu Yuan replied as he stepped closer, stopping just a meter away, close enough to catch the scent of her perfume. "My concern is for the Huang family slaughtering all the cultivators in Asvetaesi, along with numerous mortals."
Yuan Lianyao fell silent, taken aback. "What are you talking about?"
"You're aware of the sects in the northern part of the Land of Quiescence, aren't you? Their power rivals that of the Ruby Hand, with Colddeath being only slightly less formidable than the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep," Yu Yuan continued.
"I've heard as much," Yuan Lianyao admitted, her face betraying a hint of revulsion. "Colddeath's reputation isn't exactly stellar. They've been at war with the Ruby Hand for years, equally matched, with neither side able to gain the upper hand."
"Do you have any idea what happens to the followers of the Colddeath when their earthly souls undergo the transformation into Lunar Spirits?" Yu Yuan inquired further.
"I've heard bits and pieces, but I'm not clear on the specifics," Yuan Lianyao replied, furrowing her brow. "All I know is that the Colddeath disciples who have successfully formed their Lunar Spirits often create a bloodbath."
"I see you're somewhat informed." Yu Yuan dropped all pretense and continued, "Outside Asvetaesi, disciples of the Colddeath are discreetly arranging a blood sacrifice magic circle. The missing hunters were used for their blood to inscribe the early stages of the magic circle."
"Once the blood sacrifice magic circle is fully established, Asvetaesi will be shrouded under the Crimson Moon. Everyone, both inside and outside the city, will be encompassed by the rune circle."
"The first to suffer once the magic circle is activated will be those of the highest cultivation level."
"The most powerful cultivator from the three major families, the elder you've concealed who practices the Crimson Soul Spell, will be among the first sacrifices and will perish."
"After that, it will affect those in the Golden Sanctum, Veil Breaking, Soul Awakening, Spirit Channel stages, and so on."
"The cultivators will be drained of their blood, rich in spiritual energy, and after they die, the turn will come to the mortals brimming with vitality."
"…"
Yu Yuan elaborated on the horrific nature of the blood sacrifice magic circle to Yuan Lianyao.
As he spoke the words "blood sacrifice magic circle," Yuan Lianyao's expression grew increasingly grave, and she remained tense throughout his explanation. When he finished, she was silent for a long while.
"You…"
After a moment, Yuan Lianyao finally spoke, her voice rough with emotion. She quickly realized that in the face of the notorious Colddeath and the inhumane blood sacrifice magic circle, it was impossible to stay detached and composed. "How certain are you that the disturbances in Asvetaesi are the work of the Colddeath?"
"Eighty to ninety percent," Yu Yuan estimated as he crouched down, arranging several stones before Yuan Lianyao. He pointed to a spot and said, "This represents Mount Aureum. Based on what I know about the blood sacrifice magic circle, the lynchpin is located there. The Huang family guards Mount Aureum, and the recent surge in collapses is likely in aid of the Colddeath's plans."
As he spoke, Yuan Lianyao's expression subtly shifted.
"Sister, have you realized something?" Yu Yuan asked gently.
"Every time the Three Realms Competition takes place, it's the turn of one of the four great families to set up the battlefield," Yuan Lianyao said, her gaze turning icy. "It could be within the city of Asvetaesi, or in the outskirts guarded by the families. And what a coincidence, this time it's the Huang family's turn to choose the location."
"And what's even more coincidental is that the Huang family has chosen Mount Aureum as the battlefield!"
She had been somewhat skeptical before, but now, she was mostly convinced.
There were just too many coincidences.
"I won't question how you discovered the blood sacrifice magic circle or your extensive knowledge of the Colddeath," Yuan Lianyao said intelligently, knowing what was most urgent. She inhaled deeply, her expression grave, "All I want to know is what we need to do, how we must strive, to ensure Asvetaesi makes it through this ordeal!"
