C885 The World Shook

In the Sword Sect, atop a snow-blanketed mountain, Chen Qingyan sat in meditation, gazing at the dazzling starry sky. Her heart lake rippled gently as her scattered thoughts coalesced.

Kong Banbi soared through the sky on his sword, landing gracefully on the peak. "Kong Banbi." "Senior Brother." "What brings you here?"

Cultivators from Ji Ningshuang's lineage within the Sword Sect emerged, curious about Kong Banbi's arrival. They appeared from caves and mountain dwellings, eager to greet him.

Chen Qingyan smiled warmly. "Senior Brother Kong, you usually don't visit without good reason. Do you bring any good news?"

"Good news? I wouldn't say so," Kong Banbi replied, his expression solemn. He stood among the cultivators practicing the Stardust Blade and announced, "Yu Yuan..."

"Has something happened to Yu Yuan?" Chen Qingyan asked, startled.

At the mention of the name, a wave of concern washed over the faces of those gathered on the mountain. Yu Yuan's reputation had grown significantly of late.

"Yu Yuan has slain Qu Jing of the Ethereal Void Sect near the Midnightshields of the Crimson Sun Empire," Kong Banbi revealed, taking a deep breath. "The information is verified. In a fit of rage, Chong Xiao took out his anger on the Midnightshields, resulting in the death of over a dozen of their cultivators."

"Qu Jing? The future Sect Master of the Ethereal Void Sect?"

"Impossible! How could Yu Yuan possess the strength to defeat Qu Jing?"

"Hadn't Yu Yuan mysteriously vanished, silent for so long?"

"Good heavens! Qu Jing was a prominent figure in the Ethereal Void Sect. With him killed by Yu Yuan, Lingxu must be beside himself!"

The Sword Sect cultivators buzzed with shock and disbelief at the news.

...

In the Land of Quiescence, within the Ruby Hand Sect, Yuan Lianyao emerged from a fiery rain, her body ablaze like a phoenix undergoing rebirth. Her Lunar Spirit drifted from her form, hovering near a strange, fiery magma pool that seemed almost illusory.

"Excellent! Just excellent!" Yuan Qiufang beamed with pride, watching from a short distance.

Faang Yao, with his bald head and single arm, watched in admiration as Yuan Lianyao stepped out of the Ruby Hand's sacred training ground. "Your progress is astounding. You've only recently joined the Ruby Hand and already achieved the Spirit Walk. It's truly remarkable. Follow me; the Sect Master has returned from beyond and has requested to see you."

"If all goes as expected, he plans to bestow upon you a powerful spiritual artifact for your protection."

Faang Yao was ready to lead the way.

Whoosh!

A blaze shot across the sky, transforming into a vast fan of flames. Seated atop it was Hou Tianzhao.

"Did you rush over here to celebrate?" Faang Yao inquired, somewhat bemused.

Yuan Lianyao gave a slight smile and said, "Do we need to stand on ceremony?"

"Ah, you've advanced to the Spirit Walk Realm? That was quick!" Hou Tianzhao exclaimed in surprise. Without waiting for a response from Faang Yao or Yuan Lianyao, he continued, "I'm not here to celebrate her breakthrough. I've come because I've received startling news: Yu Yuan has slain Qu Jing in the Crimson Sun Empire!"

Faang Yao was taken aback. "Qu Jing from the Ethereal Void Sect?"

Hou Tianzhao nodded solemnly.

"How did he manage that?" Faang Yao's face registered utter disbelief. He then gazed in the direction of Aetherius and remarked, "That kid is truly reckless. With Qu Jing dead, Lingxu won't just stand by. This could very well shatter the fragile peace we've had."

"Lord Faang Yao, please take me to the Sect Master immediately!" Yuan Lianyao demanded.

"The Sect Master has returned?" Hou Tianzhao gasped in astonishment.

...

"Qu Jing of the Ethereal Void Sect has been killed by Yu Yuan!"

"Qu Jing is dead!"

Such exclamations crackled like lightning through many sects across the Land of Quiescence and Euwrea.

Suddenly, Yu Yuan of Asvetaesi became the focus of all eyes in the Everlands.

Qu Jing was of a higher realm, and the Spectral Umbrella he wielded was of no small significance. He had other handy artifacts as well, yet he was slain within the bounds of the Crimson Sun Empire by Yu Yuan, a newcomer to the Lunar Spirit Realm?

Both publicly and privately, many sought the truth.

How exactly did Yu Yuan kill Qu Jing?

...

In the wilderness between Flamehold and Emberhold, a caravan formed by merchants made its way.

"I've heard that several elders from Midnightshields have perished."

"It must have been the nefarious individuals from the Silvermoon Empire who ambushed Midnightshields!"

"There's a strict investigation in every city within the empire. It's unclear what's transpired."

Amidst the lively chatter within the carriage, there was one unassuming carriage whose curtains remained drawn.

Inside, Yu Yuan, Qin Yun, and Qi Yunhong were gathered. Yu Yuan had just ingested a Shadowfruit, marveling at its mysterious power as it flowed through him. "This fruit is truly remarkable. The Star River beyond our world is full of wonders. I'm eager for the upcoming trade fair in the mountains."

The Shadowfruit, a gift from the Starborn of the extraterrestrial Star River, was particularly unique. Consuming it allowed one to blend in with common folk, as any extraordinary traits would be effectively concealed. Their remnant souls, vitality, and spiritual energy were all shrouded from detection. Even the most adept cultivators in the Spirit Walk or Unbound realms would perceive them as mere merchants, paying no extra attention to their faces or conversations.

The magic of the Shadowfruit had Yu Yuan anticipating the diverse trade fair.

I am the master, he reminded himself. He planned to leave the Crimson Sun Empire soon, visit his mother in the Serpent Spine Mountains, and then head to the mountains without delay.

"They were concerned that the Thunder Sect or some disloyal members of the Qi family might find me before I advanced to a Solar Spirit, so they gave me the Shadowfruit," explained Qi Yunhong. "I've heard that not all beings can safely consume it. Some Otherkin, if they eat it by mistake, could die instantly."

Qi Yunhong shared his knowledge of the extraterrestrial oddities with Yu Yuan, then wistfully added, "I had intended to venture out and temper myself after achieving my Solar Spirit. But before I could solidify my realm, Qu Jing, Chong Xiao, and Tianjing came looking for me."

At this, he couldn't help but curse in frustration.

Qin Yun was always composed. Whenever he mentioned the Sages Chong Xiao and Tianjing, he would solemnly remind Yu Yuan never to underestimate them.

"I'm well aware of the situation and won't act recklessly at this juncture," Yu Yuan replied, unfazed. "In a few more days, the news of my defeating Qu Jing will have spread far and wide. By that time, Mr. Yan and his backers will surely step in."

"For the time being, we should remain vigilant," Qin Yun agreed with a nod.

*Rip! Rip!*

Out of nowhere, a grating noise erupted from the wilderness beyond the carriage curtain.

"Who goes there?!"

Shouts of alarm quickly followed, along with the sound of horses whinnying.

"Could it be someone from the Ethereal Void Sect?" Yu Yuan wondered, taken aback.

"No, that's highly unlikely," Qi Yunhong countered, shaking his head. "The Ethereal Void Sect couldn't possibly mobilize so many cultivators to scour the area in such a short amount of time."

Qin Yun's expression turned grim. "There's someone dying outside!"

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