Chapter 565: The Promise Beneath the Sea of Heavenly Fire

The great wind whimpered, echoing across the desolate lands of the Moon Sacrificial Domain. It formed a tragic melody, as if recounting tales from the distant past. Sand and dust swirled, filling the air and blending with the dim sky, making it hard to distinguish one from the other. Through the haze, a long convoy could be faintly seen moving forward.

The convoy consisted of giant iron cages, each holding countless members of the Mirror Shadow Clan and Sky Face Clan, all engulfed in despair. In the lead carriage, two individuals sat, their ages separated by an entire generation. Both the old man and the young man wore masks on their faces. The masks displayed exaggerated expressions, conveying persistence and piety, as if perpetually in a state of worship.

“Clans offering sacrifices to the Red Moon Temple are required to wear these masks. It’s a ritual mandated by the temple, and it signifies one’s eligibility for sacrifice. Fortunately, I’ve engaged in such practices in my younger days, so I possess the necessary status.”

“Regarding the destruction of the two-clan alliance, such incidents are common in the Moon Sacrificial Domain. They were merely two minor clans. The Red Moon Temple, being paramount, typically wouldn’t concern itself with such matters. During the final phase of the Scarlet Mother’s arrival, sacrificial offerings have largely been gathered over countless years. This period is, in fact, when all clans are at their most desperate. Nevertheless, some preparations are still necessary, and I will manage this matter.”

Amidst the swirling sand, Duanmu Zang’s calm voice reached Xu Qing. Xu Qing raised a hand to touch the mask on his face and nodded. The captain’s intelligence had indeed mentioned the Red Moon Temple’s attitude towards all beings.

Today marked their ninth day since departing from Holy City. They still had a half-month journey to the Red Moon Temple’s designated sacrificial point. Over the past few days, Xu Qing had repeatedly pondered what Duanmu Zang had said days earlier.

“Are you still contemplating the matter of the souls of the deceased entering the temple?” Duanmu Zang turned to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing remained silent. After a long moment, he looked into the distance, at the dim sky, and spoke softly. “Throughout history, has anyone truly escaped the curse and cycle of reincarnation within the Moon Sacrificial Domain?”

Duanmu shook his head. “Never.”

Xu Qing thought of the captain’s past life. As he mused, Duanmu Zang suddenly spoke. “However, some individuals have continuously tried and strived.” Duanmu Zang looked at Xu Qing, his eyes deep with meaning, a hint of probing in his gaze, as he spoke. “The Red Moon is not eternal.”

Xu Qing and Duanmu Zang exchanged glances. Xu Qing nodded slightly, recognizing the phrase as a coded message, but he didn’t know the follow-up. Duanmu Zang waited for a moment, then couldn’t resist asking. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“The Red Moon is not eternal,” Xu Qing replied gravely.

Duanmu Zang fell silent. After a long pause, he sighed, removed his mask, and rubbed his brow. “Xu Qing, have you heard of the Anti-Moon Sanctuary?”

Xu Qing’s expression stiffened. He had never encountered this organization before, and it wasn’t mentioned in the captain’s intelligence, so he shook his head.

From the moment he uttered “Anti-Moon Sanctuary,” Duanmu Zang’s gaze had been fixed on Xu Qing’s eyes, seemingly trying to ascertain something. Upon seeing Xu Qing’s reaction, he said nothing more. Xu Qing also refrained from asking. He understood that this organization was highly mysterious and covert, and inquiring rashly might lead to misunderstandings.

The convoy continued its journey. Seven more days elapsed. They crossed plains, traversed mountains, and as they neared the eastern center, Duanmu Zang took a sip of wine atop a mountain peak, made a decision, and suddenly spoke. “Xu Qing, I believe you are not an adherent of the Red Moon Temple.”

Xu Qing heard this and looked at Duanmu.

“The Anti-Moon Sanctuary is a mysterious organization that has existed in our Moon Sacrificial Domain for a very long time. Its history spans as far back as that of the Red Moon Temple! Its origins are unknown, and it has been destroyed repeatedly. Yet, each time the Scarlet Mother arrives for her harvest, and after all beings wither and then revive, this organization re-forms.”

Xu Qing’s eyes gleamed. Existing concurrently with the Red Moon Temple indicated that the Anti-Moon Sanctuary was truly extraordinary. What was even more astonishing was its ability to repeatedly revive after being destroyed within the Red Moon Spirit Realm. It’s important to remember that while the Scarlet Mother is currently dormant, she was not always in such a state.

Duanmu Zang’s voice continued. “The Anti-Moon Sanctuary brings together all those within the Moon Sacrificial Domain who yearn to resist and break free. Their ultimate dream is to one day unravel this ancient curse and overturn everything. Though this dream is incredibly faint, it remains a beacon of hope. They are actively working towards this. While members cannot openly assist one another in reality, each is independently researching methods to counteract the curse.”

Upon hearing this, a ripple stirred within Xu Qing’s heart. He had also researched the curse during his time in the mine, but he hadn’t delved deep, as it required extensive experimentation. Duanmu Zang’s voice, now tinged with emotion, continued to reverberate within Xu Qing’s consciousness.

“The identity of every member of the Anti-Moon Sanctuary is a secret. No one knows another’s identity except their own. Safeguarding oneself from exposure is the foremost principle of the Anti-Moon Sanctuary, because the Red Moon Temple has been relentlessly purging Anti-Moon Sanctuary members, and some of their own infiltrators are even among these members.”

Duanmu Zang took a deep breath, then turned to meet Xu Qing’s gaze. “The Red Moon is not eternal; may hope endure forever. Xu Qing, you might genuinely not be a member of the Anti-Moon Sanctuary, but I believe you will encounter it in the future. If you wish to join, you can go to the Bitter Life Mountains.”

Duanmu Zang spoke no further, closed his eyes, and continued their journey. Observing this, Xu Qing understood that the other party wished to drop the topic, so he did not inquire further. He understood that Duanmu Zang was likely a member of this Anti-God Sanctuary, and speaking so openly to him demonstrated a significant level of trust. Thus, Xu Qing repeatedly pondered Duanmu Zang’s words in his mind.

And so, days passed.

Eight days later, their convoy finally reached the heart of the eastern region. In the distance, a vast valley came into Xu Qing’s view. The colossal mountains on either side dwarfed any Xu Qing had ever seen. Jagged rocks protruded from their slopes, and beneath the gloomy sky, they seemed to harbor specters and demons. The valley, nestled in the central depression, resembled the gaping maw of the Yellow Springs, a terrifying sight. The wind howling through it sounded like the wails of ghosts, echoing in all directions.

Suspended in mid-air above the valley was a colossal, blood-red heart. It pulsed, its thumping sounds reverberating and lending an even more eerie atmosphere to the sinister valley, cloaking it in a veil of blood-red. Above the heart, a temple and statues emanated an imposing aura, towering high above. Numerous meteorites also floated nearby, with figures sitting cross-legged on them, remaining motionless, just as Xu Qing had observed them before.

On the ground, various gates of different shapes and materials, ranging in size, stood erected, encircling the area. Waves of teleportation energy continuously emanated from within these gates. People constantly emerged from and entered these gates. Consequently, the valley floor was bustling with a continuous flow of people, comprising an assortment of peculiar clans, some with physical bodies, others appearing ethereal. Most, however, wore masks on their faces, identical to Duanmu Zang’s. These were clans from the eastern Moon Sacrificial Domain, bringing their offerings to be sacrificed to the Red Moon Temple.

“Those gates are the disciples,” Duanmu Zang spoke in a low voice as they drew closer. “Xu Qing, you can approach them. Most of them can teleport you to the southern region, where you wish to go. As for payment, both spirit stones and Skyfire Crystals are acceptable. Regarding the temple in the sky, do not look directly at it.”

As a native, he was well-versed in the local procedures. After reminding Xu Qing, he spoke solemnly, a hint of emotion in his expression. “Finally, I wish you a safe journey!” With that, Duanmu Zang departed with the convoy.

Watching Duanmu Zang’s figure vanish into the crowd, Xu Qing took a deep breath and likewise merged into the throng. The area teemed with cultivators from various clans, constantly coming and going. Though the Celestial Temple floated above, it paid no heed to those below; as long as offerings were made, everything operated autonomously. Despite the solemn purpose, the large number of people created a lively atmosphere, and occasionally, clans could be seen engaging in trade amidst the considerable chatter.

As he navigated the crowd, Xu Qing avoided the larger gates, focusing instead on smaller ones. He soon spotted a wooden gate, over three meters tall, with few people entering or exiting. He prepared to approach it. However, the murmurs of conversation from his surroundings made Xu Qing halt.

“Have you heard? Something major has happened in the west!”

“Are you referring to the Solitary Sun Grand Clan in the west, about five months ago? They supposedly initiated a domain-wide manhunt.”

“I’ve heard about it too; apparently, they lost a supreme treasure.”

“Not just any supreme treasure—it was the sun they created themselves! The Solitary Sun Clan, the largest clan in the west, created a sun years ago that ascended above their territory, illuminating an entire region. But five months ago, that sun was stolen…”

“Stealing their sun from within the Solitary Sun Clan’s territory—that’s insane! Which clan was audacious enough to do that?”

“It’s unclear; even the Solitary Sun Clan themselves seem bewildered. However, the bounty mentions a name: Wei Qing Jian Yan. The sun-stealer was incredibly arrogant, carving this name into the ground before leaving. But no matter how you look at it, the name seems very odd. This ‘Wei Qing Jian Yan’ is now notorious.”

These voices drifted from afar, accompanied by exclamations and gasps. As they reached Xu Qing’s ears, a peculiar expression formed beneath his mask. He instinctively sensed that the captain was behind it.

“Wei Qing Jian Yan?” Xu Qing murmured to himself, recalling how the captain had proudly declared upon their parting that he would surely hear his name in the future. The captain’s alias, Weiyangzi, combined with the names of Wu Jianwu and Ning Yan, plus Xu Qing’s own “Qing,” made for a perfect fit. The captain’s meticulous effort seemed evident in these four characters; even though Xu Qing hadn’t participated, his name was still included.

Xu Qing sighed and approached the wooden gate.

Simultaneously, in the sky above the valley, a red-robed woman emerged from the temple situated atop the pulsating heart. Her expression conveyed a lingering satisfaction as she gazed down at the ground, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. “This young one’s malevolence has grown even stronger.” Behind her, everyone within the temple, including the divine envoy, sat cross-legged and motionless, like statues.

No one in the valley below could perceive anything in the sky. Even though the woman’s figure was clearly visible, no one, even if they looked up, could notice her presence. Everyone’s perception had been silently altered. Inside Xu Qing’s body, the cursed divine finger within Ding Yisan’er, which had been continuously retching, suddenly paused, then feigned ignorance and resumed its retching.

Xu Qing, equally oblivious, approached the wooden gate, inquired, and then moved on, as the one managing it was not going south. Xu Qing then patiently sought out other disciples. After inquiring with dozens of them, he arrived at a much smaller wooden gate. This gate, only half a *zhang* (approx. 1.6 meters) tall, appeared somewhat dilapidated. As Xu Qing approached, the doorframe suddenly twisted and writhed like a snake, and then a face emerged from within the gate, looking at him.

“Daoist friend, can you provide passage to the southern region from here?” Xu Qing spoke calmly.

The face within the gate scrutinized Xu Qing for a few moments, then smiled. “One hundred thousand spirit stones!”

Xu Qing glanced at the face within the gate. The price was exorbitant, and he had left most of his spirit stones with Duanmu Zang, so he didn’t have much remaining.

“Don’t find it too expensive; it’s peak season now, and all clans are delivering offerings. If I weren’t planning to conduct business in the south myself, I wouldn’t go even for a hundred thousand, it’s that far.” The face within the gate stated calmly.

After a moment of thought, Xu Qing nodded. “Let’s use Skyfire Crystals for payment.”

“No problem. One thousand white fire crystals or one red fire crystal.” The face within the gate’s eyes lit up at the mention, as it preferred Skyfire Crystals.

Xu Qing nodded and conversed with it. However, the gate couldn’t depart immediately as it still had several groups of clients to teleport. So, they agreed to meet at this location for the teleportation that evening. Xu Qing frowned, as he had intended to depart immediately. He left and sought out other disciples, but after searching extensively, the fastest any could depart was in three days, making the wooden gate a better option. So, in the end, he chose this half-zhang wooden gate.

As dusk was still three hours away, Xu Qing found a quiet corner, sat down cross-legged, and waited patiently. Time quickly passed. After a considerable while, Xu Qing spotted Duanmu Zang amidst the passing crowd. Noticing Xu Qing, Duanmu Zang began to approach.

“Couldn’t find a suitable disciple?” Duanmu Zang inquired.

“I found one; we’ll depart later.” Xu Qing glanced behind Duanmu Zang, noting the convoy was no longer there.

Noticing Xu Qing’s gaze, Duanmu Zang sat beside him and smiled. “They have all been delivered to the temple. The matter is settled. You have no need to worry; you can depart with peace of mind.” Duanmu Zang’s expression remained normal, revealing nothing amiss.

In truth, however, his heart was heavy with worry, not due to the demise of the two clans—the Red Moon Temple hadn’t even inquired about that. What truly troubled him was the demand issued by the temple: they required him to return and gather another five hundred thousand offerings to be delivered within a specified timeframe. This task was daunting, but Duanmu Zang had no intention of informing Xu Qing. Xu Qing had already done more than enough for them; he resolved to handle future challenges on his own.

Xu Qing gazed into Duanmu Zang’s eyes. Duanmu Zang smiled. With his extensive experience and the composure honed over years, he was not someone Xu Qing could instantly see through. Particularly when he intentionally concealed something, he would not reveal the slightest tell.

“Why the disbelief?” Duanmu Zang chuckled. “You are far too suspicious. I plan to head back once your teleportation is complete.”

Xu Qing remained silent. He truly hadn’t discerned any clues, so he nodded. As the sky grew increasingly dim and dusk descended, Xu Qing stood up and bid farewell to Duanmu Zang.

“If you find the time in the future, remember to come back and visit us,” Duanmu Zang said, his expression tinged with emotion.

“Absolutely!” Xu Qing replied softly.

“Absolutely!” Ling’er chirped, poking her head out from his collar.

Duanmu Zang’s eyes held a blessing. After a slight nod, Xu Qing turned and walked toward the nearby wooden gate. He quickly approached and took out a Skyfire Crystal. The face within the wooden gate appeared and swallowed the crystal whole. Immediately, the gate shimmered with teleportation light, forming a vortex. Xu Qing took a deep breath, just about to step inside.

Just then, a low voice gently drifted from behind him. “Close the gate.”

As the voice spoke, Xu Qing’s expression instantly changed. He was about to step forward, but the wooden gate immediately slammed shut, its teleportation energy vanishing, returning to its mundane state. With a grim expression, Xu Qing turned and looked behind him, his pupils contracting as his gaze landed on a figure approaching from a distance.

It was a red-robed woman, emanating fluctuations of spiritual power. As she passed, the surrounding crowd seemed entirely unaware of her presence, and even Duanmu Zang showed no sign of noticing her. It was as if their perceptions had been altered, and the world they perceived was different from Xu Qing’s.

Xu Qing remained silent. He bowed his head, clasped his fists, and offered a respectful bow to the approaching figure. “Greetings, Senior.”

He recognized her as the Red Moon Temple divine servant he had sent into the coffin’s fissure. Given that someone clearly deceased had reappeared before him, the answer was easily discernible. Moreover, the scene of the surrounding crowd’s altered perceptions further confirmed the newcomer’s identity. As for why the others in the floating temple or the divine envoy hadn’t noticed her, that was even easier to explain. Since the terrifying entity within the coffin could alter perceptions, it could undoubtedly alter the divine envoy’s as well. Creating a temporary projection would make everything perfectly logical. With this realization, Xu Qing’s expression became one of utmost respect.

The red-robed woman offered a faint smile. As immense pressure mounted in Xu Qing’s heart, she walked steadily, eventually stopping directly in front of him. Observing Xu Qing’s demeanor, the red-robed woman smiled, unsurprised that he had recognized her. “You, little one, are always so polite. It makes it difficult for me to harbor any ill will.”

“Given your noble status, Senior, it is only proper for this junior to behave as such. This is also how my master instructed me.” Xu Qing’s expression remained solemn.

“Mentioning your master again?” The red-robed woman’s smile was knowing.

Xu Qing’s expression did not change, and he bowed once more. “If Senior dislikes me mentioning it, then I shall refrain.”

Hearing this, the red-robed woman scrutinized Xu Qing for a long moment, then shook her head and smiled. “I know your origins are not ordinary, and your master must also be a powerful being. But this is the Moon Sacrificial Domain.” As she spoke, the red-robed woman looked up at the sky.

Xu Qing remained silent. After a long moment, the red-robed woman’s voice resonated. “Little one, do you still recall our agreement beneath the Sea of Skyfire?”

“This junior remembers!” Xu Qing replied, his expression grave, and nodded.

“Then, come with me to the Unmelting Ice Plain in the northern Moon Sacrificial Domain. My elder sister is suppressed there, and a younger brother is also buried beneath the glacier.” The red-robed woman’s voice carried a hint of recollection, tinged with sorrow.

Xu Qing hesitated, unsure if her words were true or false. Regardless, traveling to the northern region would undoubtedly entail extreme danger. For him, with his current abilities, engaging in such a matter posed too great a risk. And if the only reward was destiny, it seemed disproportionate to the danger. Xu Qing did not conceal these thoughts but allowed his hesitation to show plainly on his face. He knew perfectly well what his expression conveyed to the powerful being before him; she would grasp its meaning instantly. This was a method for the weaker party to set conditions with a stronger one. Though it might not be effective, the attempt was still necessary.

“Was this tactic also taught by your master?” The red-robed woman swept her gaze over Xu Qing and spoke calmly, her voice imbued with authority. In her memories, whenever she had spoken or displayed such an expression in the past, many would tremble and agree to all her demands.

Xu Qing’s expression showed embarrassment, a subtle easing of the tension in the atmosphere. Seeing this, the red-robed woman’s eyes gleamed with an unusual light. After a moment of thought, she spoke.

“This is a transaction, and I require you to genuinely and sincerely follow my instructions. You will receive three benefits. First, you will gain destiny. Second, the human race in the Skyfire Sea region will receive a temple decree, exempting them from additional offerings and providing protection under this decree until the next sacrificial day. Third, once you fulfill my requirements, I will bestow upon you a mysterious gift. Now, tell me your choice.” The red-robed woman said slowly, her gaze fixed on Xu Qing.

Xu Qing fell silent and looked up, glancing at Duanmu Zang. Duanmu Zang was walking away, and in his perception, Xu Qing had already departed. His retreating figure appeared somewhat desolate, clearly indicating that after Xu Qing’s departure, his inner anxieties had surged and overwhelmed him.

“I agree,” Xu Qing said calmly, withdrawing his gaze and looking at the red-robed woman. The risks of disagreeing were evident, while agreeing offered rewards proportional to the dangers. Xu Qing’s decision was firm.

The red-robed woman smiled upon hearing this. She admired polite and intelligent individuals, so she appreciated Xu Qing. His willingness made things easier, saving her from resorting to violence. “I value my promises greatly in this life, little one. You can rest assured. Come with me.”

With that, the red-robed woman ascended towards the sky, stepping onto the colossal heart, and stood before the temple. Xu Qing took a deep breath, leaped up, and headed straight for the temple. As he quickly approached, the first thing he saw was the statue of the Scarlet Mother. The statue filled him with extreme apprehension.

“Your master certainly has some capabilities, to find a high god for the Scarlet Mother to consume, sending her into a deep slumber.” The red-robed woman’s eyes were clear, and a faint smile played on her lips. She clearly knew everything.

Xu Qing blinked and did not respond. Instead, he looked at the temple. Through the open gate, he saw the people inside, motionless like statues. “They taste rather good.” The red-robed woman licked her lips. “You can rest for a while. The deception needs to be thorough. We will depart in three days, once the sacrificial rituals are complete.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing silently sat down cross-legged, his gaze following the desolate figure of Duanmu Zang as he walked away on the ground. The red-robed woman waved her hand, and a crimson light shot from within the temple, transforming into a token that flew directly towards Duanmu Zang.

On the ground, Duanmu Zang, lost in worry, was startled. He raised a hand to catch the token, then examined it. Feeling its protective aura and the decree to cancel further offerings, a look of surprise and doubt crossed his face as he turned towards the temple. There was nothing there. After a long pause, Duanmu Zang withdrew his gaze and walked away silently, murmuring to himself, “Was it him…? What exactly is his identity?”

Before the temple, Xu Qing watched Duanmu Zang’s figure disappear into the distance, a silent blessing in his heart. “Wishing you peace.”