C600 Life and Death Are in Your Own Hands

"Nightbane Sect..."

Yu Yuan gazed at the vivid shadow imprinted within his Mindscape, a cold sneer playing in his heart. The comprehension of the sword spell had, in fact, concluded. He hadn't witnessed the ultimate fate of the cultivator who wielded the Moon Slayer in the second scene. Yet, it was clear to him that not even the five most powerful beings in the vast Star River Universe could evade their doom within the Sword Prison. The Divine Sword was missing, its sheath resting in the Forgotten Ruins, while the sword spirit resided within him. These scattered clues were enough to piece together much of the story.

Yu Yuan recognized that the sword spell etched into his arm bone was, in truth, a double-edged sword. The Divine Sword's disappearance was the result of an onslaught by the five mightiest in the Everlands. Embracing the swordsmanship of that individual might very well place him at odds with the Everlands.

"The arcane legacy of Boulderdawn has left me with no way back. Adding that person's sword spell into the mix doesn't change much."

Before long, Yu Yuan came to a decision and formulated his own strategy. Re-examining the enchanting shadow marked by Zhan Yun, the current Nightbane Sect Master, within his little world, he scoffed, his concern seemingly melting away.

"A mere soul mark can't disturb my peace."

Studying the hand that lightly held Zhan Yun's lingering soul mark, Yu Yuan understood that its strength was drawn from the Soulforge Pool.

"The old crone's art of enchantment is indeed remarkable, offering a taste of the ultimate pleasure between man and woman."

With a wry smile, Yu Yuan opened his eyes.

In the cave, only Zhongli Dapan, Zhan Yun, Xi Quan, and Chen Qingyan remained.

"Why the laughter?" Zhongli Dapan, with his shining bald head, leaned in, his eyes wide with curiosity. "You're supposed to be engrossed in comprehending the sword. What's so funny?"

"I'm not even sure myself," Yu Yuan responded.

Chen Qingyan of the Sword Sect regarded him with a look of sympathy. She sighed inwardly, resolving to find a way to have the Nightbane's matriarch lift the Spirit-Birthing mark once they emerged from the Sword Prison.

The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it, and she was fully capable of undoing the Spirit-Birthing that Zhan Yun had cast.

Yu Yuan and Chen Qingyan exchanged a glance, each understanding the other's thoughts. Chen Qingyan was still convinced that she remained under the sway of Zhan Yun's enchantment.

"Let's step outside," Zhan Yun suggested with a smile, confidently leading the way, certain that Yu Yuan would follow.

Her offhand remark sent ripples through Yu Yuan's Mindscape. The soul mark she had implanted undulated gently, its subtle vibrations stealthily tugging at Yu Yuan's soul and consciousness, the seductive whispers reaching deep into his being.

Yu Yuan's mind was momentarily clouded. Seconds later, he lightly flicked the soul mark with his hand as though strumming a string.

The ripples from the soul mark subtly transformed as they spread out. Zhan Yun, oblivious, continued on.

Yu Yuan followed her as if by instinct, pausing for just a second before resuming his steps as if nothing had happened. That brief pause was a world of difference.

"Yu Yuan, would you like to join me in cultivation?" Zhongli Dapan's voice boomed like thunder from behind, "Just say the word, and I'll handle the rest!"

"Hold on a moment," Zhan Yun interjected gently.

Yu Yuan halted, furrowing his brow as he turned to face Zhongli Dapan.

"Do you wish to cultivate with him?"

Zhan Yun's smile was comforting, and she spoke as if she were a sect elder inquiring whether a disciple wished to learn a new spell, without employing any of her enchantment skills. She even gave Zhongli Dapan a reassuring wink, suggesting she hadn't manipulated Yu Yuan's will.

Yu Yuan himself could feel that the imprinted figure in his Mindscape wasn't rippling or trying to sway him. He pondered deeply.

Zhongli Dapan looked on eagerly, his gaze fixed on Yu Yuan, awaiting his decision.

"Actually, there's no need for all this fuss or to ask his opinion. I'll have him agree to cultivate with you," Zhan Yun said with a light laugh, exuding confidence. "He's just a talented young man. It's unfortunate he's male and can't practice the arcane arts of my Nightbane Sect, but it's no issue to let him go with you."

Zhan Yun implied that she could employ enchantment to cause Yu Yuan to lose his sense of self and follow Zhongli Dapan in his cultivation.

Despite the soul mark's lack of understanding, Yu Yuan's intelligence, talent, and temperament would remain largely unchanged, allowing him to continue mastering the "Ancient Echoes of the Void."

Naturally, she would ensure Zhongli Dapan offered a substantial incentive.

"No, I want his consent," Zhongli Dapan declared with a cold snort, shooting her a stern look. "If you dare tamper with his will, I'll have the Nightbane erased from the Everlands."

His words carried an air of undeniable authority.

Zhan Yun remained silent, not responding, seemingly aware of his ferocity and cunning.

"I'm not deceiving you; I don't wish to recognize you as my master," Yu Yuan stated plainly.

Zhongli Dapan simply nodded, adding nothing further. "Fine, I won't press the issue. From here on out, his fate is not my concern."

Yu Yuan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. "Understood."

With a whoosh, Zhongli Dapan shot through the stone corridor like a gust of wind and departed from the Sword Prison.

"Xi Quan, stop watching me," Zhan Yun remarked as she walked away. "He's quite valuable. Now that I've successfully performed the Spirit-Birthing, I intend to sell him at a high price."

"I'm just looking," Xi Quan replied nonchalantly.

Shortly thereafter, three women emerged from a cave void of any sword light or sword's will, escorting Yu Yuan with them.

The night sky was bleak, devoid of any brightness, as the Evil Demon magnates dispersed from the Sword Prison into the darkness.

Tan Yuan and Shen Feiqing were visibly thrilled as they gathered around Zhongli Dapan.

Shen Feiqing reverently presented a jar of pills, crafted from the essence and bones of Fellbeasts, to replenish vitality, to Zhongli Dapan.

In that moment, the renowned general of the Sunblessed Empire resembled a giddy young girl, her eyes sparkling with sweetness as she affectionately called him "Master" over and over, as if reliving her younger days.

"Senior Sister!"

Below, Zhao Jie, known as "Whisperling," waved eagerly, while Zhang Miao's face was lit with excitement.

Zhan Yun, a disciple herself, was the true mentor behind Zhao Jie's mastery of enchantment, despite Zhao Jie addressing her as Senior Sister.

The former sect master of the Nightbane Sect paled in comparison to Zhan Yun's proficiency in enchantment arts.

Zhan Yun exemplified the adage of the student surpassing the master, leading the Nightbane Sect down a new Way of Heaven.

"Yu Yuan!"

Zhao Yafu and Zhan Tianxiang, the pair from the Shadow's Keep in the Land of Quiescence who ventured into the Marsh because of Yu Yuan, were shocked to see him emerge from the Sword Prison, crying out his name in unison.

Yan Qiling, hovering in midair, sighed upon seeing Yu Yuan. The demons of the Sword Prison had been freed, and it was all thanks to Yu Yuan's efforts.

Should this information be exposed, Yu Yuan's standing in the Everlands would be in jeopardy.

And a Yu Yuan deemed worthless might very well be swiftly executed by the ruler of this realm.

Yan Qiling longed to assist him, but the presence of Zhongli Dapan, the small green serpent, and Loong Jie made him realize the futility of his wish.

"You're on your own now. It's impossible for me to take you with me from this place," he silently conceded.

"Hu!"

In that moment, a frigid moon ascended from the emerald flames.

The Sword Prison trembled and began to levitate.

Inexplicably, the Sword Prison was drawn to the cold moon!

"Lin Zhuyun!"

Yu Yuan's heart pounded as he finally spotted his fiancée among the multitude of Trolls.

"You've done nothing to warrant taking the Sword Prison," declared the master in the white robe. "Zhan Yun, you used the Spirit-Birthing technique on Yu Yuan without my consent."

"So, release it," he demanded of the Nightbane's leader with an air of finality.

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