Chapter 337: Dreaming Without Knowing One Is a Guest

Why did I dream such a thing?

Zhao Xianger opened her eyes. She slightly raised her left hand, lifted a strand of hair from her right cheek, and gently pinched it as it brushed past her lips. Her thin, upturned lips parted slightly as she held the hair between them. Holding her red umbrella-sword, she slowly pushed herself up. The cutting wind from ahead pressed against her skirt. Her cold cheeks were sickly white, but her expression was as chilling as frost.

Earlier, she had dreamed of entering a Taoist temple. Behind her, buildings and mountains rose and fell in the gloom. Before her, moonlight bathed the scene like water, and a perfect, icy disc hung in the sky, seemingly within reach.

She followed her intuition and walked out of the temple.

She vaguely felt someone following her but did not turn back.

She looked at the moon, drew her sword, and her subconscious told her it was the day of her ascension. Since she was in a dream, her consciousness was hazy, and she felt no doubt, so she followed her impulse, ascended with her sword, and flew towards the bright moon. As she watched the moon, she vaguely sensed someone speaking to her from within it, but she couldn't make out the words.

Then, she woke up.

"What a simple yet strange dream..." Zhao Xianger's tense nerves gradually relaxed. Her lips moved, and the dark hair fell away from her crimson lips, revealing tiny, porcelain-white teeth. As her long lashes trembled, the girl's eyes slowly opened.

She must have been too exhausted from the trial and simply fell asleep leaning on her sword.

She hadn't slept long and quickly roused herself. She gazed at the burning flames in the sky and the jagged bones beneath her feet, sighing as she drew her sword and walked forward along the path of bones through the fire.

Her injuries had not yet healed; blood dripped from her red skirt, staining the ground and dotting the white bones with crimson.

This trial was to last for one month.

Within that month, she had to kill all the demons and monsters in the trial ground, cut them down into the abyss of fire, and burn them into bones. Otherwise, the trial would end in failure.

The blood on the umbrella-sword slowly dripped off, revealing the fine blade's smooth surface.

Ahead, in the center of an open inferno, a colossal, fossil-like egg trembled. As Zhao Xianger approached, cracks appeared in the petrified egg, and a huge skeletal bird burst forth. It was covered in bone spurs, and its chest, wings, and crest were ablaze with fierce flames. One of its wings had been severed.

As soon as it soared into the air, the surrounding world began to shake. Countless flickering flames twisted and flew towards it. Between the skeletal bird's broken wings, a thick arm grew, and the incoming flames solidified into a blade in its palm. It gripped the blade, opened its long beak, and roared at Zhao Xianger.

Around the fireground, space had condensed into walls that only those of the Fifth Realm could break. Once Zhao Xianger stepped inside, there was no turning back.

Her fingers danced, and the slender sword was like a fiery butterfly fluttering at her fingertips.

Forgetting her strange dream, she gripped the red umbrella with a backhand, then hurled it, spinning, towards the great bird. Simultaneously, she gripped her sword with both hands, lunged forward, and leaped up with a fiery burst. A brilliant light, capable of cleaving sky and ocean, bloomed from the blade. With a sharp cry, Zhao Xianger struck down at the colossal skeletal bird.

The giant bird swung its blade to block. Its wings churned with fierce flames, and its gaping beak, filled with interlocking sharp teeth, emitted a soul-shattering shriek of rage at the intruder.

The fires of battle swept across the sky like a colossal ship.

Ning Changjiu and Siming stopped near the demon city at the mountain peak. On the walls there were "bone paintings," created using precious ink made from ground beast bones mixed with ancient god's blood, ensuring the images would not fade for a thousand years.

"This is merely a Shang Que," Siming explained, gazing at the bird in the bone painting. "When the Shang Dynasty had a tyrant, monstrous calamities frequently plagued the populace. This bird rose during the chaos, feeding on humans. Later, an old Taoist priest subdued demons, and the Shang Que had one wing severed. From then on, it vanished without a trace, only to later acquire an ancient god's ape bone and graft its arm onto itself."

"Shang Que..." Ning Changjiu nodded softly, his gaze sweeping over the long series of mountain path paintings. The images depicted various bizarre birds, all appearing fierce and monstrous, seemingly demonic birds that plagued the human world.

Siming offered brief interpretations for some of the more famous birds.

At the ends of the two mountain paths, the scene shifted dramatically. The dark and terrifying birds vanished. At one end was a giant Roc with extremely long tail feathers, covered in intricate armor, and wings burning with golden fire. At the other end was a peacock with a vibrant green crest and tail feathers like iridescent clouds. Its fan-like tail was fully spread, and each feather within it was an unparalleled sword.

These two birds looked down at the demon birds below with indifferent expressions.

"These are the Golden-Winged Roc and the Peacock Great King," Siming stated blandly. "Legend has it that all ancient demon birds were devoured by the Golden-Winged Roc and the Peacock Great King, refined into demon techniques. Furthermore, these two divine birds once engaged in a world-shaking battle, the outcome of which remains unknown. Many years later, the Golden-Winged Roc reappeared, but the Peacock Great King has never been seen since."

"Golden-Winged Roc..." Ning Changjiu repeated softly, asking, "The legendary Sky-Swallowing Roc that preyed on dragons?"

"Yes," Siming nodded. "The Golden-Winged Roc is very powerful. It's said that both it and the Peacock Great King were birds that acquired the power of the Desolate River, left behind when the Desolate River Dragon Sparrow underwent nirvana and transformed into a Vermilion Bird."

"I see," Ning Changjiu nodded, then asked, "What about the Three-Legged Golden Crow? How does it compare in strength to these two?"

"Heh," Siming scoffed. "Do I even need to tell you? Just bring it out yourself and compare it to the images on the wall. The difference will be obvious, won't it?"

Ning Changjiu replied, "I was asking about it... at its peak."

"At its peak, the Golden Crow was indeed formidable; otherwise, it wouldn't have nearly taken over the sun, even if it wasn't the true sun," Siming said, her gaze deep, smiling faintly. "Ah, but its glory is a thing of the past. How did a divine bird come to be in such a state in your hands? Or perhaps... it's naturally compatible with you?"

Ning Changjiu narrowed his eyes and smiled back at her. "Whether it's compatible or not, that's for the Divine Official to say, isn't it? Shall we test it tonight?"

Siming's smile abruptly vanished. She took off her fox mask and put it on her face, changing the subject. "The mountain gate is just ahead," she said coldly. "Mind your manners, and don't always stir up trouble!"

The two passed the bone paintings of the Roc and the Peacock and arrived at the summit of Lion Camel Mountain. There were no proper houses on the summit, but countless cave dwellings clustered together on the peak, appearing dark like coal pits. From time to time, monsters clad in animal skins could be seen entering and exiting the caves, carrying weapons.

"Who goes there? State your names!" Two monsters, wielding weapons, surrounded them, crossing their halberds to block their path.

Ning Changjiu said, "I'm here to find a demon."

"Find a demon? What kind of demon?" The little demon looked at the mask on the black-robed woman's face and said, "There are no fox demons here!"

Ning Changjiu replied, "I'm looking for your Great King."

"Great King?" The two armed monsters exchanged glances and burst into laughter. "Dream on! The Great King isn't someone you can just meet whenever you like!"

"Great King, this... this guest is looking for you. I tried to dissuade them, but I had no choice but to lead them here," a small demon said timidly.

A robust white elephant demon sat inside the cave dwelling, surrounded by piled weapons. These weren't swords, blades, axes, or halberds, but rather incredibly heavy blunt instruments. The white elephant demon was a Great Demon at the peak of the Purple Court Realm. It had guarded Lion Camel Mountain for many years and hadn't seen visiting guests in a long time.

It scrutinized Ning Changjiu, then looked at the black-robed woman, as if facing a formidable enemy.

"Understood, you may withdraw now," the white elephant demon said, twitching its nose at the little demon.

After the little demon left, the white elephant demon stood up and looked at them. "You've traveled a long way, may I ask your purpose?"

Ning Changjiu smiled and said, "We are admirers of the Saint, and we wish to learn about the Saint's deeds."

The white elephant demon's expression immediately softened. "Ah, so that's it. I thought you were here to cause trouble. Since you both possess profound dao skills and admire the Saint, you are considered friends of our demon race. However, time is short today, so I won't be able to host a banquet."

"No need to trouble yourself," Ning Changjiu said with a genial smile. "I've long heard that General White Elephant of Lion Camel Mountain possesses immense magic power and a majestic demeanor. Seeing you today, it is indeed extraordinary."

"You flatter me," the white elephant led them to sit down, then looked at the woman wearing the fox demon mask and asked, "And this is...?"

Siming stated blandly, "I am his master."

The white elephant demon did not doubt it, as it sensed an aura far exceeding the Purple Court Realm from the other party. This was also why it treated these uninvited guests with such courtesy.

Ning Changjiu reluctantly accepted the role of a servant for the time being.

The white elephant demon said, "When the Saint appeared, I was merely a small fry, and my dao skills were far inferior to what they are now. I am truly unworthy of the title of Demon King..."

As it spoke, it recalled some past events. Back then, the white elephant hadn't yet become a demon, but was one of the war machines in the battle against the ancient gods, rampaging through enemy formations and disrupting their deployments. It had been a battle-hardened giant elephant, having earned a formidable reputation, but it was still far from being able to meet the Saint in person. Thus, it only spoke vaguely of some stories.

Ning Changjiu listened quietly. He wasn't particularly concerned with what the white elephant was saying; he merely smiled, nodding in agreement. His questions about the Saint were primarily a way to establish rapport, making it easier to inquire about the secrets of the Myriad Demon City he truly wanted to know. Otherwise, resorting to force immediately would not only appear abrupt but could also lead to trouble.

After the white elephant demon finished recounting what it knew about the Saint, Ning Changjiu thanked it a few times, then casually asked, "On the mountain path we took to get here, the Roc and Peacock painted on both sides were so lifelike and moving. What do they signify?"

The white elephant demon thought for a moment, then explained, "The Golden-Winged Roc is my third brother. When he was at his weakest, my elder brother, the Azure Lion, and I saved him. However, Third Brother's dao skills far surpass both mine and my elder brother's."

Ning Changjiu asked, "And the Peacock?"

The white elephant demon replied, "That peacock was Third Brother's lifelong rival. After that fierce battle, though the peacock vanished without a trace, Third Brother harbored a deep sense of mutual respect for it. Not only did he paint bone images, but he also made a peacock statue on the mountain."

"I see," Ning Changjiu mused, then said, "Thank you, Demon King, for clarifying. Oh, by the way..."

As Ning Changjiu spoke, he took out the divination stick from his sleeve and handed it to the white elephant demon. "Just now, on my way here, I encountered a small monkey fortune-teller at the foot of the mountain and got a divination slip. But since I'm not very insightful, I don't understand it. I hope the Demon King can help me interpret it."

The white elephant demon took the slender divination stick, frowned, and said, "These charlatans keep coming, one after another, and you can never get rid of them. There's no need to take such things seriously."

As it spoke, it looked at the two lines of text on the divination slip, its elephant trunk wrinkling.

"'For boundless longevity, seek the white deer; for eternal life, ask the jade toad?' The white deer... boundless longevity..."

The white elephant demon suddenly laughed. "This divination slip is actually a lucky coincidence."

"How so?" Ning Changjiu immediately asked.

The white elephant demon explained, "There's indeed a white deer demon on Bhikshu Peak, an old acquaintance of mine. It constantly talks about seeking boundless longevity, which perfectly matches this divination slip."

"Bhikshu Peak?" Ning Changjiu asked. "How does this White Deer Demon King seek boundless longevity?"

The white elephant demon replied, "At the foot of Bhikshu Peak, there's a divine tree. That tree is almost dead, but every few months, it still produces a sacred fruit. It's said that if you collect 1,110 sacred fruits, you can gain the power of eternal life. Why are you two asking about this?"

The white elephant demon became wary.

Ning Changjiu cupped his hands and chuckled, "We are merely traveling through Myriad Demon City. We thought that should this city ever face calamity, we could record the deeds of its Demon Kings, compile them into a book, and spread them to the world."

Siming, beside him, gave a faint hum of agreement.

The white elephant demon realized. "Ah, so that's it, so that's it."

The two chatted for a while longer, finding much common ground. When Ning Changjiu spoke of the reincarnation of demons and ghosts, he asked, "I've heard outside that there's a formidable Ghost Emperor Great Demon here, whom I've admired for a long time. I wonder which peak he resides on?"

The white elephant demon looked puzzled. "Where in Myriad Demon City would there be a Ghost Emperor?"

The two descended from Lion Camel Mountain, retracing their steps along the mountain path.

"We've asked for so long and haven't gotten any results," Siming complained softly.

Ning Changjiu said, "That was to be expected. Oh well, at least we know the location of this white deer."

"Heh, you actually believe this divination slip?" Siming chuckled. "Are you that desperate?"

Ning Changjiu pressed his finger on the divination slip and said, "I merely have a certain reverence for fate's hidden decrees."

Siming said nothing in response, merely stating, "According to the geomantic map, Bhikshu Peak is still quite a distance from here. There's no need to rush there just for a flimsy divination slip."

"Hmm, a slight adjustment to our original route will do," Ning Changjiu said. "We'll search peak by peak: from here, Rooster Peak, Chechi, Vermilion Purple, Daughter Peak, and then Bhikshu."

Siming smiled faintly. "I think you mainly want to go to Daughter Peak, don't you?"

Ning Changjiu also smiled. "Miss Siming, the way you called yourself 'master' earlier was truly imposing."

"You... what are you trying to do again?" Beneath the fox demon mask, Siming's cautious eyes showed a hint of fear.

On Lion Camel Peak, the white elephant demon went to a small hole in the wall. It reached out and pulled out the wooden plug that sealed the hole. Before long, a yellow sparrow chirped and flew towards it.

The white elephant demon extended its hand, slipped a small rolled-up piece of paper into the sparrow's beak, and murmured a demonic incantation: "To the White Deer Longevity Star."

The yellow sparrow obeyed, flapping its wings and flying off.

Ning Changjiu and Siming continued their search, going from peak to peak along their original route.

On Rooster Peak, Ning Changjiu encountered a blue-maned lion, but it didn't recognize the bell and had no nine heads. However, when Ning Changjiu asked if there was a nine-headed lion, the blue-maned lion was startled and asked in a cold voice, "Why do you seek Ancestor Nine-Spirited Primordial Sage?"

Ning Changjiu explained the old story of the bell, and the blue-maned lion eased up somewhat. "Ancestor has long been in seclusion in the deepest part of Myriad Demon City," it said. "Not to mention outsiders like yourselves, even I am not qualified to enter. This bell doesn't seem like anything important, so please don't trespass into that forbidden area because of it."

Ning Changjiu nodded. He put away the bell, remembering the name Nine-Spirited Primordial Sage, then proceeded with Siming to the next mountain.

Chechi Peak was a convergence of three peaks, sculpted into the likenesses of three demon heads: the Tiger, Deer, and Goat Demon Kings. Each claimed the title of National Preceptor, and when they combined their power, they possessed the strength of the Fifth Realm. On normal days, each held a share of authority, guarding one of the three mountains.

Ning Changjiu didn't waste time visiting each one individually; he simply had Siming investigate to see if there were any traces of the Underworld Lord's authority on the peak. Siming sensed nothing, so the two proceeded to the next mountain.

The Demon King of Vermilion Purple Mountain was a golden-furred Hou, moving like a swift steed, covered in scales, and capable of breathing golden flames from its mouth.

This mountain was home to an equal mix of humans and demons, and the living environment was much better than on the peaks they had previously visited. As twilight descended, the mountain peak was bathed in the setting sun, and the statue of the golden-furred Hou seemed to ignite, reflecting dazzling light.

Siming glanced at the demon king's statue, then surveyed the entire demon city from her elevated position. "Let's stay here tonight," she said.

Ning Changjiu nodded in agreement.

The two found an inn operated by humans and settled in. This inn was much more spacious and bright, fully furnished.

Siming stretched languidly. "The legendary Myriad Demon City is quite similar to human cultivation sects," she observed. "Both are built on high peaks, gathering the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and the essence of the sun and moon. The only difference is that the objects of cultivation have changed from humans to demons."

Ning Changjiu watched her silhouette bathed in the evening light. "Now this Vermilion Purple Peak is truly resplendent."

Siming chuckled softly, then turned her head and squinted at him. "Although what you said is true, your flattery doesn't make me happy."

"Then why are you laughing?" Ning Changjiu asked.

Siming's upturned lips immediately straightened. With a flick of her sleeve, she closed the window. The sunlight transformed into a grid pattern, casting shadows on her face.

"Enough talk," Siming said softly, walking to the dressing table. "Comb my hair."

Ning Changjiu didn't refuse. He took the wooden comb Siming offered and carefully combed her hair, which reached her ankles.

After combing her hair, Ning Changjiu felt somewhat thirsty. He took a fruit from the fruit bowl, peeled it, and was about to eat it when Siming snatched it and took a bite.

"Why do you snatch everything?" Ning Changjiu said, quite annoyed.

Biting into the sweet fruit, Siming said, "Didn't you all say I was a bandit? And that 'a bandit gets pushed around by everyone'?"

Ning Changjiu said, "Then perhaps tonight I should eliminate a menace to the people?"

Siming, however, had already walked to the bed, still biting the fruit. She took out a red thread, stretched it out, and divided the bed into two equal territories.

Ning Changjiu watched the curve of Siming's back as she bent to retrieve the blanket, then silently averted his gaze. Indulging her "banditry," he quietly took another fresh fruit and peeled it, listlessly cursing, "I hope you have a good dream tonight."

"I'll take your good wishes," Siming said blandly, unconcerned.

Ning Changjiu's words proved prophetic. That night, Siming indeed had a strangely good dream, one that seemed to be a continuation of her previous nightmare.

She once again saw the silhouette in the moon.

Siming was hesitating whether to draw her sword and strike down the inner demon when she saw the silhouette turn around first, shaking down countless sword shadows.

It was as if a heavy snow had fallen on the long river formed by flowing moonlight.

Every snowflake was a sword intent.

Siming slowly looked up, her expression shocked as she watched the magnificent snowfall.

She recognized these sword intents—they were her own sword techniques!

However, some subtle details seemed different.

She fixated on these details, examining them carefully, her eyes sparkling with changing light, astonished by the profound mystery of the sword moves.

She had originally believed that her dao skills were already exceptional, and this set of sword techniques she had personally created was as flawless as she was, so perfect that even the most discerning sword masters throughout history would find no fault with it.

But... in tonight's dream, she had witnessed something akin to a miracle.

"How beautiful..." Siming said from the bottom of her heart.

She immersed herself in this great snowfall, letting the snow fall onto her shoulders, allowing the chill to permeate her. She simply stood motionless, utterly captivated, admiring the snow.

What a miracle this was... She gazed captivated for a long time, and tears slowly streamed down her face.

After a long time, the snow finally stopped. She was engulfed by the snowflakes, becoming a snowman.

Siming woke up in the middle of the night.

She sat up in bed, recalling her previous dream... "Such a dream is too real..." Intense emotions surged within her. As she recalled the sword moves, she realized this was not a hallucination from a dream, but something truly and absolutely perfect...

"What... what is going on?!"

Along with her ecstasy, Siming also felt a surge of fear.

To be able to perfect sword techniques to this extent, it must be an entity on the level of a God-King. Could it be... could it be that Baizang sent this dream, intending to use me as a pawn?

No, that's not right!

Siming lowered her head, thinking of the silhouette with dark hair and white robes. "That woman sending a dream... even more wrong! She and I are clearly sworn enemies!"

Siming's eyes lit up as she thought of another possibility—this was her own insight!

Perhaps over the years, her subconscious had already detected the flaws in her sword techniques, and only now had she finally perfected them, manifesting them through the dream! If so... Siming's heart burned even hotter. If so, didn't it precisely prove that she possessed the potential to become a God-King?!

Was this truly destiny's guidance? Was she... finally about to break through her bottleneck?

Siming was wide awake in an instant, a burning emotion coursing through her limbs, making it impossible for her to sleep again.

"What's wrong?" Ning Changjiu, not yet asleep, asked the woman who had suddenly woken up.

But he saw that Siming's gaze towards him had changed. It held a faint smile, yet was filled with confidence and pride. Generally, she only had such an expression when she threatened to get revenge on him the next day.

Ning Changjiu was completely bewildered.

Siming rose, draped her cloak, and slowly walked to the floor, her steps graceful, her voice light and ethereal. "You go to sleep first. I'll practice my sword for a while; I won't disturb you."

"Don't overdo it," Ning Changjiu said with concern. Soon after, he also felt drowsiness set in and slowly fell asleep.

In the Three Thousand Worlds, Zhao Xianger pulled her umbrella-sword from the spine of the skeletal Shang Que. As the umbrella-sword was withdrawn, the immense skeletal bird's flames extinguished, its bones crumbled, and it scattered into ashes on the ground, consumed by the blade in her hand.

The walls of condensed air around her shattered.

"That was truly difficult to kill..."

Zhao Xianger shakily sighed with relief. Her red skirt swayed forlornly. Holding her sword, head bowed, her chest heaved. She slowly knelt on the ground, looking at the reflection of her cheek on the blade, as exhaustion and weakness flooded her body.

She didn't rush to the next demon's location. Instead, she crossed her slender legs, clasped her hands around the sword hilt, rested her forehead on her hands, and took a moment to rest.

Unconsciously, she also fell asleep.