Qingyao’s voice was originally clear and bright, with a hint of youthful innocence.
But now this voice carried a trace of malice. Lu Xiaochan got up and continued running.
It seemed this evil spirit’s target was him!
Qingyao suddenly appeared in front of Lu Xiaochan, who almost crashed into his arms.
“Martial Uncle, where are you going? Are you playing hide-and-seek with this disciple?”
Lu Xiaochan’s heart sank, and he stepped back.
“What exactly do you want?”
“Martial Uncle, why don’t you guess?”
Qingyao smiled, stepping closer to Lu Xiaochan.
Lu Xiaochan stepped back, telling himself not to be afraid, not to fear.
Because that old liar Kunwu had said when telling stories that some evil spirits in the world feed on fear.
He must have an open heart, without desire or worry, to avoid being possessed by evil spirits.
There’s nothing to be afraid of, Lu Xiaochan.
“How would I know what you want? I hate it most when people only say half of what they mean. Either tell me what you want – if I can give it to you, I will, just like feeding a dog. If I can’t give it, try and take it!”
Qingyao’s smile faded. He put his hands behind his back, examining Lu Xiaochan’s expression with interest.
“Martial Uncle was so anxious just now, but now you’re not afraid at all. As for me… I just want to borrow Martial Uncle’s elixir core for a while!”
With that, Qingyao’s hand suddenly reached for Lu Xiaochan’s abdomen. Lu Xiaochan’s heart leaped.
Everything happened in an instant. From Lu Xiaochan’s elixir core, a sword energy howled out. A sword formation swirled up, moonlight sharp and overflowing, standing in front of Lu Xiaochan.
Qingyao couldn’t avoid it in time and was locked within the sword formation. His whole body twisted and struggled as he opened his eyes wide. “This is impossible – this is impossible – how do you know the ‘Breaking Moon’ sword formation!”
Seeing Qingyao trapped, Lu Xiaochan turned and ran.
He couldn’t find Kunwu’s quiet room, but he vaguely sensed a familiar yet powerful spiritual energy nearby.
He ran towards that spiritual energy. If he could find its owner, they would surely be able to stop Qingyao!
Unexpectedly, Qingyao broke free from “Breaking Moon”, emerging covered in blood. He fell to the ground, snarling. “I didn’t expect… Yang Cang actually left sword intent for him… But I will have Liche’s elixir core!”
Qingyao dashed off. Lu Xiaochan felt an evil wind behind him but had no time to look back.
Just as Qingyao was about to dig out Lu Xiaochan’s elixir core from behind, another sword energy burst out, surging forward. A sword formation opened up. Fortunately, the evil spirit in Qingyao’s body reacted quickly, swiftly retreating.
“It’s actually the ‘Heavenly Palace’ sword formation!”
The sword formation rapidly approached, grinding into Qingyao’s body.
“Argh–” Qingyao let out an agonizing cry.
He lowered his head, hugging himself tightly. His bones made cracking sounds. He tilted his head back, veins bulging, and instantly a black evil mist was forced out.
Lu Xiaochan finally ran to the source of that spiritual energy, only to realize it wasn’t a person, but the Chang Yan rib bone entwined with spirit vines.
As the evil mist was about to spread, Lu Xiaochan heard its wild howls.
Don’t be afraid, Lu Xiaochan! You can’t always rely on Brother Wuxi’s protection!
All things in the world have spirit. Borrow their power to destroy this evil spirit!
Lu Xiaochan closed his eyes, ignoring the overwhelming evil spirit, connecting his mind with all the spiritual things around him.
The Chang Yan rib bone’s spiritual light trembled, transforming into countless fine threads that entered Lu Xiaochan’s skin, seeping into his body. It was like an ancient primordial river, surging into Lu Xiaochan’s elixir core.
The spirit vines scattered, as if opening their arms, offering up the Chang Yan rib bone.
Lu Xiaochan grasped it firmly. In an instant, he seemed to hear Chang Yan’s ancient heartbeat, its inner longing, and the freedom of breaking through the sky.
Holding it, Lu Xiaochan turned. The last sword formation Shu Wuxi left in his body flowed along Chang Yan’s rib bone, bursting forth with overwhelming momentum.
The evil spirit was scattered by this great formation. When it gathered again, it was extremely weak.
“This is impossible… Even if Yang Cang was powerful… without the master present, mere sword intent… how could it have such power…”
Lu Xiaochan gripped the Chang Yan rib bone tightly. He seemed to feel the remaining consciousness of the legendary spirit beast surrounding him, firmly protecting him.
The evil spirit knew the situation was hopeless and turned to flee quickly.
It broke through layer upon layer of space, broke through Tailing Pavilion, and fled in disarray.
Having barely escaped Tailing Pavilion, the evil spirit gathered into form.
At this moment, a clear, lazy, teasing voice sounded.
“My, my, I didn’t expect a thousand-year-old evil spirit to be in such a miserable state.”
A sword formation descended from the sky, locking it inside.
“Th-Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master…”
Under the clear sky, an elegant and handsome man sat casually on an immortal sword, resting his chin, watching it as if enjoying a joke.
The evil spirit trembled, knowing its end was near.
The man raised his chin slightly, chatting with it as if they were old friends.
“Tailing Pavilion is an important place in the immortal realm. Although its disciples aren’t experts in exorcism, their cultivation is there. If they all attack together, you might not gain any advantage! Without a huge temptation, how dare you break into Tailing Pavilion?”
The evil spirit knew that whether it spoke or not, it couldn’t escape being refined. It simply remained silent.
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master chuckled lightly. The sword formation suddenly changed, and the evil spirit was in unbearable pain.
“Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master — you’re still of the orthodox sect! If you’re going to refine me, do it quickly!”
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master smiled and leaned forward. “Orthodox sect? What a joke! The so-called orthodox people you speak of call me ‘Demon’ to my face. A demon naturally needs to have a demon’s style, otherwise this nickname would be wasted!”
At this point, the evil spirit felt as if its whole body was being pierced by ten thousand nails. It could no longer endure.
“I’ll talk — I’ll talk — Kunwu reconstructed Liche’s physical body… I wanted to take his elixir core while Liche was still confused and unclear… But I didn’t expect Yang Cang had left sword intent in his body… This evil spirit couldn’t get close…”
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master’s expression turned stern, his gaze piercing with cold intent.
“You dared to target Liche? Speak — besides you, who else knows that Liche has reconstructed his physical body?”
“I don’t know! I don’t know! Refine me quickly! Just refine me!”
“And how did you learn about Liche’s situation! Speak!”
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master’s wrist turned slightly. The sword formation locking the evil spirit changed again, streams of spiritual energy slicing through the evil spirit’s body.
“Ah — spare me! I’ll talk! I’ll talk! It was… it was Demon Lord Luli who sent me…”
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master closed his eyes, his brow furrowing.
In an instant, the evil spirit was refined. The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master rose, riding his sword into Tailing Pavilion, passing through layers of virtual space, entering the center of Tailing Pavilion.
At this time, Lu Xiaochan was holding the Chang Yan rib bone, his mind still tense and not daring to relax, fearing the evil spirit might return.
The Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master arrived swiftly. The moment he saw Lu Xiaochan, his pupils trembled. He landed in front of him and sheathed his sword.
Lu Xiaochan was on high alert. He had thought the evil spirit had returned, but instead saw the Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master before him, his body surrounded by spiritual light flowing like a waterfall, gently swirling, captivating to the eye.
“Who… who are you?” Lu Xiaochan asked.
The other person stared at Lu Xiaochan, his eyes filled with utter disbelief.
After a long while, he finally spoke. “I am Mo Qianqiu, the master of the Thousand Autumn Pavilion under the Dongxu Jingtian. May I ask this sir’s immortal title?”
His voice was uniquely elegant, with a hint of laziness, like aged wine.
“I don’t have an immortal title…”
“Then does the young immortal child have a name?”
Mo Qianqiu looked at Lu Xiaochan as if he couldn’t see him clearly, but there was no malice in his gaze. Instead, there was a hint of joy, as if reuniting after a long separation.
“My name is Lu Xiaochan.”
Mo Qianqiu closed his eyes and let out a soft sigh. His gaze fell from Lu Xiaochan’s face to his hands.
“I didn’t expect Chang Yan would choose you.”
“What do you mean?”
Mo Qianqiu smiled faintly, came to Lu Xiaochan’s side, and gently lifted the rib bone, saying, “Young immortal child, congratulations on having your own immortal sword.”
Lu Xiaochan was stunned. He looked down. “What? Immortal sword?”
Mo Qianqiu tilted his head and smiled. “Not everyone can obtain an immortal sword forged from an ancient spirit beast’s spirit bone. You have quite a destiny with immortality, young one. However, spirit bones are rare, and making it sentient is no easy task.”
Lu Xiaochan felt a surge of joy. He had his own sword?
And it was even the rib bone of an ancient spirit beast!
He carefully stroked it, thinking only of Shu Wuxi returning soon so he could share this good news.
“Thank you, Pavilion Master,” Lu Xiaochan smiled.
Mo Qianqiu paused, lowered his eyes, and said softly, “You’re not at all like you were a thousand years ago.”
“What?” Lu Xiaochan stepped forward, trying to hear clearly what Mo Qianqiu had said.
At this moment, Kunwu arrived riding his Jiu Yao, entering Tailing Pavilion to see the chaos.
He was terrified and called out Lu Xiaochan’s name loudly.
“Xiaochan! Lu Xiaochan–”
“I’m here! Old liar! I’m here!”
Kunwu followed the sound and saw Mo Qianqiu. Then, seeing Lu Xiaochan safe and sound, he knocked him on the head.
“Little brat! What are you yelling about in front of our guest!”
Who’s an old liar!
“Yelling at you!” Lu Xiaochan, having survived the ordeal, was both happy and angry to see Kunwu. “Where did you go! I almost had my elixir core dug out by an evil spirit!”
“I… I fell for a diversionary tactic! When I reached Luoshui Ravine, I realized I’d been tricked and rushed back immediately. It’s good you’re safe! Thank goodness you’re safe!”
Kunwu turned around and bowed to Mo Qianqiu in gratitude. “Thank you, Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master, for your kindness in saving him! Kunwu will remember this. If in the future…”
Mo Qianqiu raised his hand, smiling lightly. “Medical Sage, you jest. It was this young immortal who subdued the evil spirit. I merely took advantage of the situation and refined it.”
“Even so, Pavilion Master’s kindness in saving him, Kunwu will remember in his heart.”
Mo Qianqiu approached Kunwu and said in a low voice. “Kunwu, the Demon Capital already knows that Liche has returned. His elixir core contains the karmic fire of chaos. The Demon Capital will surely covet his elixir core.”
Kunwu raised his head, looking at Mo Qianqiu.
“What are you looking at? Once a master, always a master. Although I, Mo Qianqiu, can’t compare to those pretentious orthodox sects, this ability to follow my heart was also taught by my master.”
Mo Qianqiu turned his face, glancing at Lu Xiaochan.
“Pavilion Master is joking. Back then…Xiaochan was childish, won a bet with the Pavilion Master, and jokingly asked the Pavilion Master to call him ‘master’. How could that be taken seriously?”
“Why not take it seriously? If not for my Xiaochan master, I would have long since possessed. How could I have achieved my current level of cultivation? Since Chang Yan’s rib bone has chosen him, continuing to cultivate the medical path would be a waste. Moreover, it can’t resist the Demon Capital’s covetousness of his elixir core. Why not cultivate the sword instead?”
“Then what should be done…” Kunwu looked expectantly at Mo Qianqiu.
“What do you think should be done?” Mo Qianqiu asked in return.
Kunwu thought, besides Shu Wuxi, who would be more suitable to teach Lu Xiaochan?
The next moment, Mo Qianqiu curved his lips, stepped back, and gracefully rode away on his sword.
“All things in the world follow the cycle of cause and effect. Let nature take its course, and all laws will be fulfilled naturally.”
Mo Qianqiu’s voice, tinged with a smile, grew more distant.
Kunwu let out a sigh. Lu Xiaochan carried the rib bone to Kunwu. “Senior brother… For self-protection… I moved it… Why don’t you put it back?”
Kunwu sighed and shook his head. “This rib bone weighs a thousand jun. No one but its master can move it.”
“What?”
Lu Xiaochan was dumbfounded.
Then how could he move it?
Kunwu gently pushed the rib bone back into Lu Xiaochan’s arms. “You keep it. From now on, it’s yours.”
“Such… such an important thing is given to me? Old liar, are you joking or has your brain gone bad?”
Lu Xiaochan’s forehead was suddenly slapped by Kunwu.
“Your brain has gone bad!”
“You dare hit me?”
“So what if I hit you! Call Shu Wuxi to hit me!” Kunwu looked at the destroyed spirit herbs with heartache, “My precious darlings! Gone again just like that!”
Kunwu began a new round of wailing. Lu Xiaochan stood nearby hugging the rib bone, inwardly calculating how many days Kunwu could cry.
Mo Qianqiu returned to Thousand Autumn Pavilion on his sword.
The long wind brushed his face, making his hair and clothes flutter, interweaving with the ever-changing flowing clouds.
He still sat on his immortal sword, his whole person lazy and relaxed, face upturned, his narrow eyes slightly closed. He turned and smiled in the direction of Tailing Pavilion.
Thousand Autumn Pavilion is located in Dongxu. Since the Dongxu Sword Master fell into possession over a thousand years ago and even brought calamity to the world, all the major sects under the Dongxu Jingtian couldn’t hold their heads high. Some smaller immortal sects even closed down directly.
Once there were over a thousand sects under the Dongxu, now only twelve remain.
Among them, the most famous and most feared in the four directions’ sword sets is the Thousand Autumn Pavilion.
It is an underground palace.
Legend has it that this underground palace was built on the chest of the ancient spirit beast Wuyuan’s remains, with the entire palace wrapped by the spirit beast Wuyuan’s ribs.
The Thousand Autumn Ruins where the Thousand Autumn Pavilion is located is the burial ground for the spirit beast Wuyuan and its clan.
Therefore, successive masters of the Thousand Autumn Pavilion are also known as the “Wuyuan Tomb Master,” the guardian of the ancient spirit beasts’ tomb.
Perhaps because Dongxu’s Sword Master fall into possession also added a touch of evil to the Thousand Autumn Ruins under its rule, the spirit beast Wuyuan was also passed down by word of mouth as an ancient fierce beast, somehow “bringing calamity to all living beings together with evil spirits and chaos.”
As for the Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master who guards the tomb, he naturally became a great demon.
Mo Qianqiu arrived above the Thousand Autumn Ruins. Below him was an entire sea of pure white sand, with undulating dunes stretching far into the distance under the moonlight.
Mo Qianqiu turned his face and snapped his fingers crisply. An ethereal sound lingered in the moonlight, and suddenly the sand sea began to flow, swirling like a vortex, streaming downward until an entrance appeared.
Mo Qianqiu rode his sword in. The fine sand cascaded around him like a waterfall, resembling countless delicate stardust fragments under the moonlight.
A palace gate opened, and Mo Qianqiu flew in. The original entrance was filled with fine sand, leaving no trace.
“Pavilion Master, did you find your spirit beast? Why have you returned so quickly?” A disciple in the hall bowed with cupped hands.
“I didn’t find the spirit beast… but it doesn’t matter. The days ahead shouldn’t be boring.”
Mo Qianqiu smiled meaningfully, casually taking the tea offered by the disciple and drinking it in one gulp.
He returned to his bedroom and picked up a box.
The box was intricately carved with overlapping patterns. Mo Qianqiu gently pushed it, and the lid didn’t lift but slid to the side.
Inside the box was a crystal-clear seed.
Mo Qianqiu propped his chin, fiddled with the seed, and thought of some past events.
Fifteen hundred years ago, Mo Qianqiu was one of the three inner disciples of the previous Thousand Autumn Pavilion Master.
As the three brothers were about to break through the “Entering the Power” realm, their master gave each of them a brocade box, telling them that the method to break through was inside.
The three of them had to open their respective boxes. They could damage the lock but not break the box.
This lock was called the “Myriad Phenomena Lock.” It was said that a thumb-sized lock contained 360 mechanisms and 720 mystical array formations, with endless variations.
It was truly a world within a lock.
The three brothers, along with their servants and disciples, tried to open the lock.
Some used their true energy to probe the lock, trying to pry it open, but were blocked by the ingenious mechanisms inside. Some borrowed divine weapons to split the lock, and even studied the art of strange mechanisms, but ultimately to no avail.
Mo Qianqiu’s eldest senior brother used his primordial spirit to enter the lock, wanting to understand its mechanisms, but unexpectedly got trapped in the strange array inside. His second senior brother used a sword formation to enter the lock but was severely injured by its backlash.
He pondered day and night, locking himself in a quiet room, neither eating nor drinking, but couldn’t find a way to unlock the “Myriad Phenomena Lock.” This feeling of trying everything but failing tormented and tortured him. The more obsessed he became, the more he suffered.
Until one day, he heard the sound of various porcelain bottles and pottery jars lightly colliding outside the quiet room door, like a snowflake falling into boiling water. He suddenly awakened.
