Chapter 143: Godforsaken Moon

Bing Rong’s body was dragged out of the cold pond. Lu Jiajia plunged her sword into her chest, and the red of the sword’s flame quickly overshadowed the color of her clothes. She, who was meant to die in a great fire, still perished by fire.

Ning Changjiu woke up quickly. The injury on his back would have been fatal to an ordinary person, but with the physique of a cultivator, he had largely healed himself.

“Water,” Ning Changjiu called out instinctively upon waking, his lips feeling very dry. Then he realized he wasn’t thirsty.

Lu Jiajia sat beside him, fully clothed. Her demeanor was cold, and her soaked body had been dried by the sword’s flame. Only a faint mist of water remained in her eyes.

Lu Jiajia scooped him a bowl of water.

“How do you feel?” Ning Changjiu asked, straightening up. He bent one leg, resting his half-flexed hand on his knee, and took a sip of water to moisten his dry lips.

Lu Jiajia nodded, saying, “Just as you said, my sword body has advanced further.”

Ning Changjiu asked, “Can you see its limits?”

Lu Jiajia shook her head.

Ning Changjiu looked up and suddenly noticed faint traces of blood on Lu Jiajia’s cherry-red lips, like bite marks. He didn’t think much of it, assuming it was an injury sustained during the earlier assassination attempt.

“What time is it?” Ning Changjiu asked.

Lu Jiajia pursed her lips and calmly replied, “It’s the Yin hour.”

“Hmm.” Ning Changjiu lowered his head and pondered for a moment. He then said, “There’s someone hidden in Heavenly Cave Peak.”

Lu Jiajia had also considered this earlier, but she shook her head. “Someone who can enter the cold prison, cut Bing Rong’s chains, and bestow cultivation realms… that person must at least be in the Purple Court Realm. Where would Heavenly Cave Peak find such a person?”

“Yan Zhou,” Ning Changjiu uttered, naming his suspect.

Lu Jiajia disagreed. “Uncle-Master Yan Zhou swore to confine himself to the scripture pavilion until he found traces of the heavenly scriptures. He’s been perfectly docile for decades. How could he do such a thing?”

“Yan Feng was released by him,” Ning Changjiu said.

“Fraternal affection is a reason,” Lu Jiajia said. “But Uncle-Master Yan Zhou is a man who understands the bigger picture. He would never try to kill me over this matter; otherwise, with his nature, he wouldn’t have willingly imprisoned himself in the scripture pavilion.”

“As long as there isn’t another Purple Court Realm cultivator on the peak, he’s the primary suspect,” Ning Changjiu stated.

Lu Jiajia neither agreed nor disagreed.

Ning Changjiu then asked, “Have the investigations into the Hidden Peak incident yielded any results?”

“The combined strength of those who instigated the unrest that day was slightly superior to those who supported me,” Lu Jiajia said. “If you hadn't been there, the others might have been killed before I even arrived.”

“The Purple Sky Daoist Sect was also involved,” Ning Changjiu added.

Lu Jiajia nodded. “The Sword Decree Heavenly Sect and the Purple Sky Daoist Sect have always been at odds, but never to a point of deadly conflict. This time… it’s truly abnormal.”

“That soul-summoning sacred artifact?” Ning Changjiu asked.

“I’ve never heard of it since becoming Peak Master,” Lu Jiajia replied. “Perhaps he was just trying to frame someone.”

“Yan Zhou is dying; he might need this sacred artifact,” Ning Changjiu suggested.

“You still suspect him?”

“What if it really is him?”

“Then we can only wait for the Sect Master to return before making a decision.”

A silence fell between them. They both realized that the Sect Master’s journey might have been the opportune moment for them to initiate this upheaval.

Ning Changjiu hesitated for a moment before admitting, “I learned a sword technique from Yan Zhou.”

“What sword technique?” Lu Jiajia asked, immediately recalling the killing sword Ning Changjiu had used. She had witnessed the move that night: seemingly ordinary, yet in the blink of an eye, the sword was thrust into the enemy’s throat with an unbelievable posture, delivering a fatal blow.

She didn’t like such a sword technique; it was not only unbeautiful but also seemed to carry an air of malevolence.

“Did Uncle-Master Yan Zhou teach you that sword technique?” Lu Jiajia asked, curious.

“It was a sword stance Yan Zhou struck in his sleep,” Ning Changjiu explained. “I had an epiphany between life and death and comprehended this sword move.”

Lu Jiajia continued, “What are the characteristics of this sword technique?”

“It’s suitable for killing,” Ning Changjiu replied without hesitation.

All sword techniques in the world are adept at killing, but in the first half of the Heavenly Decree Sword Scripture, every sword move has a beautiful name, and the techniques themselves possess a delicate or grand aesthetic. This particular sword technique, however, was different; its sole purpose was to kill.

Recalling the sword Ning Changjiu used to kill Bing Rong, Lu Jiajia took her own sword, intending to replicate the move, but she couldn't grasp its method. After two attempts, she shook her head and gave up. “This sword move has no connection to the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect’s techniques.”

“Then where did Yan Zhou learn it?” Ning Changjiu asked.

Lu Jiajia didn't know the answer, only saying, “I will be wary of him from now on.”

Ning Changjiu remembered something and asked, “Did you reach the bottom of Hidden Peak that day?”

“No,” Lu Jiajia replied. “When the rope broke, I was still some distance from the bottom of the peak.”

Ning Changjiu was again puzzled. “Why did they think cutting the rope would kill you?”

“Perhaps they thought there was no way out at the bottom of the peak?” Lu Jiajia speculated.

Ning Changjiu shook his head. “But I got out… and even if you had climbed up the Coiling Dragon Pillar, you would eventually have found a way out.”

A chill ran through Lu Jiajia. “Are you saying there was something waiting for me at the bottom of the peak?”

Ning Changjiu still shook his head. “I don’t know. I can’t remember either.”

Lu Jiajia sighed. Recent events were like scattered catkins in the wind. She vaguely sensed a storm brewing, but she couldn’t be sure what these dark clouds truly portended. Tonight's events would quickly pass. Bing Rong's death wouldn't even cause much ripple, and the shadow in the cold prison still couldn't materialize.

“The Empty God Month is approaching,” Lu Jiajia suddenly said. “You and Ning Xiaoling can form a group then. The location will be determined by drawing lots. The Sword Decree Heavenly Sect only governs a limited area, so there’s no need to cause extra trouble.”

Ning Changjiu wasn't particularly interested in demon-slaying during the Empty God Month; he merely asked, “Does the Empty God Month happen every year?”

Lu Jiajia nodded. “Of course, it has been a tradition since the founding of the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect.”

Ning Changjiu asked, “What’s its origin?”

“Origin? Gods in this world are naturally created, and laws are divinely ordained. What origin could there be?” Lu Jiajia had never considered such a question.

Ning Changjiu, however, involuntarily thought of the divine bone in the Southern Wilderness. An extremely absurd idea, one he himself could barely believe, flashed through his mind: Could that divine bone have belonged to a lord of a divine kingdom in its lifetime?

The days leading up to the Empty God Month were a brief period of calm, with no major disturbances.

After Bing Rong’s death, the powerful individual who had bestowed cultivation upon her also seemed to have left Heavenly Cave Peak. The spiritual energy of Heavenly Cave Peak could no longer compete with the other three peaks, becoming increasingly thin, which significantly hindered the disciples’ cultivation. Lu Jiajia was the hope of everyone on Heavenly Cave Peak. Only if she could enter the Purple Court Realm and reach a higher level than the other Peak Masters would it be possible to change the current situation. Therefore, subsequent lessons were handled by Yazhu and other elders who had come out of seclusion, while Lu Jiajia remained in the Peak Master's Hall, dedicating herself to cultivation.

Ning Changjiu continued to temper Lu Jiajia's body as usual. After that, Lu Jiajia no longer concealed anything, lifting the thin veil from her back to allow the light of the Golden Crow to permeate her back more effectively. To avoid further assassination attempts, Ning Changjiu secretly drew a small flying array formation within the Peak Master’s Hall. Lu Jiajia quickly discovered this scheme. Though she voiced a slight complaint, she did not erase it. Afterward, Ning Changjiu secretly visited Yan Zhou in the scripture pavilion several times at night, but he never saw him perform that sword technique again. He later learned that Yan Zhou hadn't truly slept since Yan Feng's death.

The one most looking forward to the Empty God Month was Ning Xiaoling. Every day after class, she would count the days with Ning Changjiu on her fingers, as if this ghost festival were an opportunity for sightseeing and fun. Sometimes, she would happily wiggle her fingers, fantasizing about being hailed as a heroine or a young sword immortal after subduing demons.

However, two days before the Empty God Month arrived, an unexpected incident occurred on the peak. The Peach Curtain was drawn back by an outsider.

A Daoist priest in a dark purple, star-patterned robe arrived at the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect. The moment he appeared, the Sword Formation of Shou Xiao Peak, closest to the Peach Curtain, activated, and thousands of flying swords pointed directly at the intruder. The purple-robed Daoist smiled slightly, bowed humbly, and presented a scroll of letters, saying, “My junior brother Qiyi met his end here. Today, I come as an envoy to deliver a challenge letter from our Sect Master.”

While the other three peaks had heard rumors of the shocking events at Heavenly Cave Peak, the matter had been handled so swiftly that little detailed news had spread. Today, with the sudden arrival of someone from the Purple Sky Daoist Sect, the other peaks harbored various thoughts.

“What is it? You may hand it to me.”

The first to appear before the peak was a phantom image, a projection of the Peak Master of Shou Xiao Peak. With the Sect Master currently absent from Ringing Waterfall Mountain, the Peak Master of Shou Xiao Peak was the recognized leader, and his ascension to the next Sect Master was a foregone conclusion.

The purple-robed Daoist bowed to the phantom image. He showed no offense, maintaining a smile as he said, “This matter does not concern Shou Xiao Peak. Our Sect Master personally instructed that this challenge letter be delivered to the Peak Master of Heavenly Cave Peak, Lu Jiajia.”

The Shou Xiao Peak Master, who had heard rumors of the upheaval at Heavenly Cave Peak, said coldly, “The Purple Sky Daoist Sect instigated trouble, attempting to assassinate our sect’s Peak Master. We haven’t even sought justice yet, and you dare to provoke us? Since when has the Purple Sky Daoist Sect become so arrogant?”

The purple-robed Daoist chuckled softly. “I hear True Immortal Hanchi is on a distant journey. When is he expected to return?”

The Shou Xiao Peak Master’s voice grew even colder. “Trespassing on our sect's territory, do you think I wouldn't dare to kill you?”

The purple-robed Daoist hurriedly smiled, begging for mercy. “Please, future Sect Master, forgive me. My Sect Master dispatched me today with sincere intentions, and this challenge letter is open and aboveboard. Whether the Peak Master of Heavenly Cave Peak accepts it or not, we will not force the issue or interfere.”

The Shou Xiao Peak Master asked, “Who is on the other end of this challenge?”

The purple-robed Daoist said, “Peak Master, there’s no need to be nervous. Our Sect Master would never bully others through power. The opponent for Peak Master Lu will be one of the Four Dao Lords of the Purple Sky Daoist Sect, Fourteen Robes. According to their respective statuses in their sects, they should be of equal rank.”

The Purple Sky Daoist Sect had one Sect Master and Four Dao Lords. In terms of status, a Dao Lord was indeed comparable to Lu Jiajia. However, Fourteen Robes was over a hundred years old, long renowned, and his cultivation realm was unfathomably deep; it was even unclear whether he was superior or inferior to the Purple Sky Daoist Sect’s own Sect Master. Dao Lord Fourteen Robes had not appeared or acted for decades. It was unexpected that he would emerge today for a junior? Lu Jiajia, on the other hand, had only cultivated for twenty years and had not even entered the Purple Court Realm. How could she possibly be his opponent?

“Absurd,” the Shou Xiao Peak Master declared.

The purple-robed Daoist persisted, “Whether it’s absurd or not depends on Peak Master Lu’s own decision.”

Before the Daoist, the Shou Xiao Peak Master’s robes and hair fluttered. Even as a mere phantom, his killing intent rose chillingly. If the Sect Master were not currently on a distant journey, he would have inverted reality and manifested his true body to slay this Daoist lackey. He had no intention of backing down today either. When the Sect Master was present, the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect had suppressed the Daoist Sect for sixty years. As the future Sect Master, how could he show weakness, even if he hadn’t yet reached the peak of the Purple Court Realm?

The purple-robed Daoist’s expression stiffened slightly, and his body suddenly floated backward. Before him, the Shou Xiao Peak Master’s figure glowed with shimmering light, seemingly on the verge of solidifying from illusion.

“In a sect war, one does not kill the envoy,” the Daoist said, his smile gone, revealing his true intent. “Does Peak Master intend to make an enemy of the entire Daoist Sect?”

Just as the tension mounted, sword intent arose from the summit of Heavenly Cave Peak. A flying sword, like a needle, darted past the purple-robed Daoist’s palm, its tip picking up the letter. The sword then transformed into a streak of light and returned towards Heavenly Cave Peak. At the same moment, a young woman’s clear, ethereal voice, like a cool spring breeze, echoed among the four peaks:

“I have received the letter. I await you at any time.”

Lu Jiajia’s voice was calm and distant, like a sword star suspended in the sky. As she seized the Daoist’s challenge letter, the overflowing sword qi caused his Dao heart to hum faintly. This Peak Master Lu’s cultivation realm seemed higher than he had imagined. But he didn't dwell on it.

As if fearing Lu Jiajia might change her mind, the purple-robed Daoist smiled, “Peak Master Lu truly possesses exceptional grace.” While he smiled, the Peach Curtain behind him fluttered, and several faint purple stars appeared in mid-air—a technique similar to a small flying array. His figure tilted backward, just as he was about to leave, when the Shou Xiao Peak Master snorted coldly and unleashed a sword strike. The Daoist was struck by the sword just before his departure, letting out a pained groan, yet he laughed loudly, “We shall meet again another day, everyone.”

Lu Jiajia showed Ning Changjiu the challenge letter. Its content was unremarkable, but its biggest flaw was the lack of a date. “This isn’t a challenge letter; he just wants a plausible reason to kill,” Ning Changjiu said.

Lu Jiajia should not have accepted this unreasonable challenge letter, but she was, after all, a Peak Master. Moreover, she would certainly not leave the peak easily before entering the Purple Court Realm. And once she did, the renowned Fourteen Robes might not necessarily be her match. In a sense, this was a trade-off between overt and covert maneuvers.

Lu Jiajia stated proudly, “Whether the Sect Master is present or not, the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect will never allow itself to be bullied.”

Ning Changjiu thought more deeply. “Although the challenge letter has no date, I believe they’ve already chosen the timing for their move. You must be careful.”

Lu Jiajia frowned. “I cultivate within the peak and won’t leave. How would they kill me? Unless… that Fourteen Robes has already infiltrated Heavenly Cave Peak?”

If Qiyi could infiltrate, it was certainly possible for the more powerful Fourteen Robes. They simultaneously thought of the mysterious person who might be present on the peak. Bing Rong’s assassination was still fresh in their minds, leaving no room for complacency.

Ning Changjiu, unable to rest easy, said, “How about I move in here?”

Lu Jiajia’s expression remained unchanged, though no one knew what she was thinking. Her voice was cold. “No need. Your current cultivation realm is not enough to deal with Fourteen Robes.”

Ning Changjiu smiled faintly. “Who was it just now, complaining about my low cultivation, yet begging for mercy at night?” He was referring to the body tempering sessions of the past few days. Without outer garments to hinder them, even with Lu Jiajia's firm sword heart, there were many times she found it difficult to endure. She recalled her moments of weakness, and her cold eyes lifted slightly. As punishment, she conjured a layer of frost with sword qi to cover Ning Changjiu’s lips.

This vague challenge letter was set aside for the time being. Two days later, the Empty God Month finally arrived. In realms undetectable by mortals, the divine kingdom of the Empty Hunt closed its gates. A month later, the domain of the Sin Lord would open, guarding the human world for the following year. Mortals could not perceive the departure of the gods, but the oppressive thunder dissipated, white clouds turned to rain, and all things flourished. The specters and evil beings of the world, like new grass after a stone is removed, began to grow frantically once resistance was gone. Most of them would perish in the coming year, but a small fraction would manage to secretly cultivate, eventually growing into formidable demons.

In early April, the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect held a ceremony where young disciples were divided into ten teams, drawing wooden plaques to determine the regions they would guard. Each of them also received a wooden cylinder. In times of danger, they could ignite the cylinder with sword fire. The sword jade hidden within was a paired jade; if one end shattered, the other end, kept in the Peak Master’s Hall, would also shatter, and upon sensing it, aid would immediately be dispatched to the imperiled disciple.

Ning Xiaoling went to draw a plaque. She was a little disappointed with the one she received, as she had originally hoped to return to her hometown to slay mountain ghosts. She handed the wooden plaque to Ning Changjiu. Ning Changjiu glanced at it. It bore the name of a small town he had never heard of: “Lian Tian Town.”

“It’s just a small place, isn’t it?” Ning Xiaoling sighed dejectedly, complaining about her bad luck.

Ning Changjiu comforted her, “Small places have their own advantages. Do you really want another month like the one in Linhe City?”

“I certainly don’t want that,” Ning Xiaoling said, cupping her face, though her expression was still visibly unhappy. “I’m just afraid Senior Brother’s hide is itching for another month of beatings.”

Ning Changjiu sighed, thinking how his junior sister was becoming increasingly lawless, and yet he couldn't hit or scold her. Ning Xiaoling held the wooden plaque, sighing constantly. This was her first proper demon-slaying expedition since she began cultivating, and of course, she wanted to encounter formidable opponents worthy of her superb sword techniques.

Before descending the mountain, Ning Changjiu secretly met Lu Jiajia one last time. He completed the last body tempering session for Lu Jiajia, instructed her on some cultivation matters, and asked her to help look after his disciple, Ding Leishi. Although he hadn't paid much attention to this disciple himself, there was a fair fight against Zhao Xiang'er’s disciple, Yan Shi, in a year, and Ning Changjiu didn't want to lose this battle of face easily.

Ning Changjiu’s greatest concern was whether they would encounter trouble from the Purple Sky Daoist Sect on their journey. Lu Jiajia advised him not to worry too much. Although the Sect Master was away, he would eventually return, and the Purple Sky Daoist Sect would certainly not dare to go too far. Furthermore, they were considered a respectable orthodox sect; even if they engaged in treacherous schemes against young disciples, it would have little impact on the overall strength of the two sects and would be a thankless endeavor.

After consulting the map, Ning Changjiu noticed that Lian Tian Town was surprisingly in the same direction as Linhe City, both to the north of the Sword Decree Heavenly Sect. Zhao Kingdom, located northwest of the sect, was also not far from the remote town.

On the way to Lian Tian Town, Ning Changjiu and Ning Xiaoling asked for directions several times. Many woodcutters in the villages were enthusiastic upon seeing their attire, and many women quickly brought their children, requesting blessings from the immortal masters. Ning Changjiu then imbued each of them with a faint wisp of spiritual energy, which could ward off many illnesses.

An elderly blind woman, around fifty, led her blind and mute child, seeking healing from the immortal masters. Ning Changjiu and Ning Xiaoling exchanged a glance, knowing they were powerless. However, Ning Changjiu couldn't bear the mother’s look of disappointment. He then used the surrounding villages as a blueprint, sketching their concrete forms within the boy's divine consciousness. Although it lasted only a few breaths, it made the little boy dance with joy, forever remembering that moment, until he died of severe illness years later.

Amidst the woman’s profuse thanks, they bid farewell and departed. After passing several more villages and hamlets, amidst a continuous stretch of mud-brick houses, the archway of Lian Tian Town finally appeared before them. The mud walls were not tall. As they arrived, a nimble and cunning black cat flattened itself and walked along the top of the wall. And as they entered the small town, the sound of a night watchman's clapper echoed.