"Little Ziying, you were amazing! You scared that immortal beast so badly that it fled with its tail between its legs," Han Lingsha teased with a laugh, her complexion having improved somewhat as she watched the young Fox Immortal flee in panic.
"It was merely to deter him from causing more harm. Immortal beasts absorb the essence of the sun and moon, forming an inner core (neidan) within their bodies. With such protection, it's not something I could easily destroy," Murong Ziying replied, shaking his head slightly.
While Murong Ziying was indeed stronger than the Fox Immortal in terms of combat power, if the immortal beast truly wanted to escape, there was little Murong Ziying could do to stop it. The difference between immortal beasts and regular demons was immense—not just in quantity but in quality as well. It was akin to the difference between ordinary humans and Asgardians.
For example, an Asgardian stonemason could easily break free from steel handcuffs forged by humans or crush a dagger with his bare hands—something even Earth's top special forces soldiers couldn't accomplish. Only enhanced humans like Captain America might manage such feats.
This was a qualitative difference. In alchemical terms, it was akin to transforming tofu into steel. For example, a punch to tofu would shatter it into bits, whereas steel might only be dented or pushed away.
"Inner cores, huh? I'd like to see one someday," Daniel murmured under his breath, his gaze fixed on the direction where the Fox Immortal had vanished. With Murong Ziying, Han Lingsha, and the others present, he couldn't take decisive action against the Fox Immortal.
"We've chased him off for now, but what if he comes back after we leave?" Liu Mengli asked, her expression relaxing slightly as she noticed Han Lingsha's improved condition. However, her concerns quickly shifted back to the problem of the Fox Immortal. They had come to Ji Mo to find the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram, and they couldn't stay here indefinitely. If the Fox Immortal returned seeking revenge after they left, the townsfolk would surely suffer.
"Don't worry. Hu San's nature is to bully the weak and fear the strong. After this lesson, he'll surely behave himself for a while," Xia Yuancheng interjected, offering reassurance.
"I'll inform the Qionghua Sect disciples who travel the land to keep an eye on this place," Murong Ziying added.
Although Ji Mo was far from the Qionghua Sect, traveling by sword flight made the journey manageable without significant time delays.
"As expected of you, Ziying—so thoughtful!" Han Lingsha said with a satisfied nod.
"Thank you all so much for your help," Xia Yuancheng said, bowing to the group before turning to Han Lingsha. "Miss, you don't look well. Why don't you all come to my humble abode and rest for a while?"
"Sure!" Han Lingsha answered immediately, not waiting for the others to respond.
The group followed Xia Yuancheng out of Hidden Fragrance Mountain. This time, instead of flying, they walked under Xia Yuancheng's guidance, quickly reaching the mountain's entrance. As a wandering immortal, Xia Yuancheng had his own unique abilities.
"Scholar Xia, that Fox Immortal mentioned you're a wandering immortal. Is that true?" As soon as they entered Xia Yuancheng's residence, Han Lingsha couldn't contain her curiosity and asked eagerly. She had not seen a real immortal during her time in the Qionghua Sect, and now that she had the chance, she wasn't about to let it slip.
"You've figured it out, huh? I apologize for any misunderstandings. Though I'm a mountain deity, my powers are weak—so weak that I couldn't even protect Lotus Treasure," Xia Yuancheng said with a sigh.
In truth, Xia Yuancheng was being modest. While his strength as a wandering immortal might not compare to the Fox Immortal's, he was not so easily subdued, especially in a mountainous environment where he held significant advantages. His quick defeat this time was largely due to his overwhelming worry for Lotus Treasure, his beloved companion.
"Mountain deities can live forever, right? How can ordinary people extend their lifespans?" Han Lingsha pressed on.
"Live forever? You jest. Immortals can live longer than ordinary people—up to several thousand years—but we, too, eventually face the end of our lives. For mortals, immortals may seem enviable, but compared to ants or ephemeral insects, even humans are considered long-lived," Xia Yuancheng explained, pausing briefly before continuing. "You all possess remarkable potential. With time and effort, there's no reason you can't one day join the ranks of immortals like me."
"But how can ordinary people live longer?" Han Lingsha asked again, unable to let go of the question.
"Lingsha..." Liu Mengli looked at her friend worriedly.
"Life and death are dictated by the heavens, and the balance of strength and weakness is part of the natural order. Why disrupt what is meant to be?" Xia Yuancheng said, glancing at Han Lingsha with a mix of surprise and concern. However, he refrained from answering her question directly.
"Forgive her. Lingsha has her reasons," Liu Mengli explained apologetically.
"It's fine. Judging by her expression, I suspect someone close to her is suffering. But I must advise: some things are better left to nature," Xia Yuancheng said, his tone gentle but firm. His centuries of life had given him deep insight into human emotions.
"Lingsha, if there's anything I can do to help..." Murong Ziying began.
"It's nothing. Tianhe and Mengli don't fully understand, but one day, I'll tell you all. Just... not today," Han Lingsha said, her head lowered in disappointment. Despite her words, her expression betrayed her deep frustration. Knowing that even a true wandering immortal like Xia Yuancheng couldn't solve her problem was a heavy blow.
"Were you all in Ji Mo for this reason?" Xia Yuancheng asked after a long silence.
"No, we're here for the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram—to save someone," Yun Tianhe answered immediately.
"The Light Chronicle Cold Diagram? To save someone?" Xia Yuancheng repeated in surprise.
"That's right. Do you know of it?" Liu Mengli asked, noticing his reaction. She then briefly explained the situation with Xuanxiao.
"As a matter of fact, the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram is in my possession. However, it's a bone-chilling artifact, harmful to humans. But since you saved me and Lotus Treasure, I'll gladly give it to you for your noble cause. Please wait here for a moment," Xia Yuancheng said after a moment of thought. He then ascended to the second floor.
When he returned, he carried two items: a scroll-like object and a fiery red bow.
"This is the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram, said to be a relic left behind by the Winter God. I stumbled upon it by chance," Xia Yuancheng explained as he unfurled the scroll. The moment it was opened, the room was filled with dazzling starlight, and the air turned noticeably colder.
"How beautiful!" Han Lingsha and Liu Mengli exclaimed, their gazes captivated by the sparkling display.
"It seems girls are drawn to this. Jinglan loved it as well," Xia Yuancheng said with a smile, noticing their fascination.
"Jinglan?" Han Lingsha asked, puzzled.
"She was my lover," Xia Yuancheng said, looking a bit embarrassed under her scrutiny.
"You must have loved her a lot. Where is she now? Why isn't she with you?" Han Lingsha continued.
"She passed away centuries ago. Unlike me, she was a mortal. By now, she's likely been reincarnated. Back then, her favorite thing was watching the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram unfurled atop the mountain, with the scenery resembling stardust descending to earth," Xia Yuancheng said, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
"I'm sorry... I didn't know," Han Lingsha said, quickly apologizing.
"It's fine. At least in that lifetime, we grew old together. So many lovers face countless trials only to end up apart. Jinglan and I were fortunate to share a full life together—what more could I ask for?" Xia Yuancheng said, his voice tinged with both sadness and gratitude. He paused for a moment before adding, "There was a time I considered extending Jinglan's lifespan so we could always be together, but... ai."
He sighed deeply, leaving the thought unfinished. Though he didn't elaborate, it was clear that his efforts had ultimately failed, as Jinglan had passed away.
This realization deepened Han Lingsha's despair.
"Forgive me. A gentleman should not take what another cherishes. However, circumstances compel me," Murong Ziying said, bowing respectfully.
"It's alright. After all these years, the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram has lost its purpose with me. Better it be used to save someone," Xia Yuancheng replied, handing the scroll to Han Lingsha.
"Ah! So cold!" Han Lingsha exclaimed as she touched the scroll. She instinctively pulled her hand back, her face turning pale once more.
"Oh, I forgot! The Light Chronicle Cold Diagram is extremely cold. Ordinary people will feel its chilling aura invade their bodies. Let me think of a solution," Xia Yuancheng said, his expression apologetic.
"It really is freezing. The Winter God's artifact, yet it looks like nothing more than a scenic painting," Daniel remarked, pulling his hand back after briefly touching the scroll. Turning to Yun Tianhe, he said, "Tianhe, you should hold onto this."
"Okay," Yun Tianhe replied, stepping forward. He grasped the scroll without any hesitation, his expression unchanging.
"It's not cold—just feels a little cool," Yun Tianhe said casually.
"Remarkable! Young man, you're naturally gifted, unbothered by cold. The Light Chronicle Cold Diagram is perfect for you," Xia Yuancheng said, letting go of the scroll.
"Really?" Yun Tianhe smiled sheepishly at the praise.
"You seem to be an archer. I've seen this as fate. While I don't understand archery, I happened to acquire this Kaiyuan Moonchasing Bow. Let me gift it to you," Xia Yuancheng said, picking up the fiery red bow and preparing to hand it to Yun Tianhe.
"Scholar Xia, how about giving me the bow instead?" Daniel suddenly stepped forward with a smile. "Tianhe already has a bow that someone important gave him. If he gets another one, he might not know which to use."
Daniel's glance at Liu Mengli was subtle but intentional. Xia Yuancheng paused for a moment before realizing what Daniel meant. He glanced at Yun Tianhe and Liu Mengli, then smiled knowingly. "Ah, my apologies. Then this bow shall go to you, young man."
The Jade Waist Bow was a token of love between Liu Mengli and Yun Tianhe, while the Houyi Sunshooting Bow symbolized his bond with Han Lingsha. Adding the Kaiyuan Moonchasing Bow would only complicate matters. In the game, Yun Tianhe acquiring this bow might grant him an extra skill, but in the real world, there were no such benefits. It was better for Daniel to take it, especially since the bow appeared to be of high quality—at least a spiritual artifact, judging by the fire-elemental energy flowing through it.
"Hmph," Han Lingsha huffed when she saw Daniel take the bow. Liu Mengli blushed and averted her gaze, while Yun Tianhe appeared deep in thought, glancing at the Jade Waist Bow on his back.
If it had been the old Yun Tianhe, he wouldn't have thought much of it. But after experiencing so much, he was beginning to understand matters of the heart.
"With this resolved, it's time for Lotus Treasure and me to leave. Farewell, everyone," Xia Yuancheng said, bowing to the group as he prepared to depart with Lotus Treasure.
"Scholar Xia, you're leaving?" Han Lingsha asked.
"Yes. I've been meaning to leave for some time now, but Hu San's antics kept me here. Now that he's gone, there's no reason for me to stay," Xia Yuancheng explained.
"We should be leaving as well. Farewell," Murong Ziying said, returning the bow. With the Light Chronicle Cold Diagram secured, their business in Ji Mo was concluded.
"If you're not in a hurry, why not stay for the Lantern Festival? It's Ji Mo's annual celebration, and I plan to leave after enjoying the lanterns," Xia Yuancheng suggested.
"The Lantern Festival? That sounds great! Little Shishu, let's stay for it!" Han Lingsha exclaimed, her enthusiasm rekindled.
"Lingsha hasn't been feeling well lately. I think it'd be good to rest here for the day. We've already completed our mission ahead of schedule," Daniel added.
"Alright," Murong Ziying agreed after some hesitation.
"Then, see you at the Lantern Festival," Xia Yuancheng said with a smile as the group left his home.
"Is there something else, young man?" Xia Yuancheng asked, noticing Daniel lingering behind.
"Scholar Xia, have you ever heard of the Five Spirit Orbs?" Daniel asked after a brief pause.
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