Chapter 9

Helan Xi surveyed the surroundings. The room was encased in thick walls with no light filtering in from outside, leaving no apparent exit. The only items in the chamber, apart from the wall murals, were nine pillars supporting the ceiling, each etched with ancient and mysterious carvings.

Helan Xi found these carvings quite familiar. If he wasn’t mistaken, he had seen them in “Essentials of Mechanisms: Advanced Studies.”

Fuxu Xianjun was the founding figure of the Taihua Sect’s “Mechanics” discipline and had authored numerous related works. The challenge they faced now was a mechanical puzzle set by him.

Song Xuanji’s gaze swept quickly over the nine pillars. After a brief contemplation, he summoned his sword, tracing complex patterns on the walls with its light.

As Helan Xi watched Song Xuanji solve the puzzle, he reminded him, “Zhu Ruo Shuang isn’t proficient in ‘Mechanics’.”

It wasn’t that he was bad-mouthing his fellow sect members behind their backs, but Zhu Ruo Shuang’s lack of skill in “Mechanics” was as glaring as his own in “History of the Nine Provinces.” This level of mechanical puzzle might stump Zhu Ruo Shuang for years without any progress.

If Zhu Ruo Shuang had been alone here, his journey would likely have ended at this point. However, he had “Lin Dan” with him. If “Lin Dan” could successfully solve the puzzle, it would further prove he was no ordinary person.

“Mm,” Song Xuanji responded as he made the final cut with his sword. A clicking sound emanated from above, followed by the mechanical whir of chains.

Boom.

A staircase descended slowly from above, leading into the unknown darkness ahead.

Helan Xi naturally exchanged a glance with Song Xuanji, who gave him a slight nod and stepped onto the staircase first.

Helan Xi followed closely behind. They walked for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, and their view suddenly opened up.

What appeared before them was a grand, spacious hall. Helan Xi and Song Xuanji stood within, like the only two white orchids in a vast desert; a giant statue stood in the center of the hall, seemingly the sole entity in this immense space. Even by looking up, one couldn’t see its entirety, but by the statue’s attire, it was clear that it was the statue of Immortal Lord Fuxu.

Helan Xi’s eyes widened. He stared straight at the enormous statue before him, as a cold feeling like an icy, slender hand climbed up his legs and spine; his scalp tingled, and his chest felt uncontrollably nauseous.

What should have been a solemn and sacred statue now emitted a nauseating stench. The chest of the “Immortal Lord Fuxu” was broken open with a large hole, from which the stench emanated; a sticky, filthy black liquid continuously seeped out from the hole, forming rotting vines that spread all over the statue, resembling deliberately twisted limbs.

The statue’s hands were broken off, its face was unrecognizable, with only one ear left, and two lines of blood streamed from its hollow eyes. Its eyeballs had fallen beside the throne, as if someone had lightly stepped on them, leaving a clear footprint with dust.

Song Xuanji slightly turned his head and said, “Helan Shiyu?”

Helan Xi, pale-faced, took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down, momentarily forgetting to be concise: “Don’t worry, I’m fine—where is the ‘Ghost General Horn’?”

Song Xuanji paused slightly before saying, “Look.”

Even knowing the chances were slim, Helan Xi still suppressed his nausea and searched carefully with Song Xuanji around the statue and the hall, but they indeed found no trace of the ‘Ghost General Horn.’

A normal person seeking the ‘Ghost General Horn’ would leave after obtaining it, with no need to defile Immortal Lord Fuxu’s statue in such a disgusting manner. Did this person do it out of spite or simply because they found it… fun?

Zhu Ruo Shuang couldn’t possibly disrespect Immortal Lord Fuxu; only one person could have done such a thing.

After escaping from the ‘Floating Life Dream,’ Zhu Ruo Shuang and Lin Dan arrived at the secret chamber like they did. Lin Dan somehow temporarily incapacitated Zhu Ruo shuang, then solved the mechanism to reach the statue hall.

Lin Dan took the ‘Ghost General Horn’ and desecrated Immortal Lord Fuxu’s statue madly. After doing all this, he nonchalantly returned to Zhu Ruo Shuang, brought him out of the tomb, and claimed he had accidentally solved the secret of the chamber. After returning to Xizhou, Lin Dan continued to play the role of the innocent young master of the Lin family, even planning to marry Zhu Ruo Shuang again in the mortal world.

Lin Dan thought his plan was flawless, unaware that the Unfeeling Sect never kept useless members. Zhu Ruo Shuang being selected into it meant he would never allow himself to be manipulated.

Helan Xi guessed that Zhu Ruo Shuang already suspected Lin Dan had the ‘Ghost General Horn.’ To investigate the truth without alerting Lin Dan, he pretended to stay by Lin Dan’s side and agreed to marry him.

Zhu Ruo Shuang knew that as soon as news of his marriage spread, the Unfeeling Sect would not ignore it. He knew his comrades would come for him, and that his two comrades could easily reach the end of the tomb and confirm his suspicions for him.

The three members of the Unfeeling Sect had lived and studied together for a year; even if they were “not familiar” in conversation, they were still the people who knew and trusted each other the most within the Taihua Sect.

Helan Xi furrowed his brows, his expression unusually heavy. He stared at the statue’s only intact lips, feeling as if they were curling into a strange smile at him.

Xizhou, Lin Mansion.

Today, the young master of the Lin family was having a grand wedding, and the entire Lin Mansion was immersed in festive red. The Lin family had been merchants for generations, with connections spanning the world. At this moment, the mansion was filled with guests, many of whom were notable figures from Xizhou.

Of course, when it came to notable figures, who in the entire Xizhou could compare to the young master of Xizhou, Changsun Ce?

With a simple declaration, “I do not wish to sit with others,” Changsun Ce was given a single table by the Lin family. As the newlyweds were about to perform the “First Bow to Heaven and Earth,” Changsun Ce was still fussing with a pile of communication talismans, sweating profusely and filled with anxiety.

He detested the Unfeeling Sect and disapproved of those three cold beauties who seemed like mutes. His previous schadenfreude and sarcastic remarks were all sincere, but now, watching the disciples of the Unfeeling Sect being forced to marry and give up their cultivation, he found himself unwilling to accept it.

So where the hell were Song Xuanji and Helan Xi? Over the past few days, he had used countless communication talismans, unable to contact those two.

The strongest two among the young disciples of the Taihua Sect couldn’t have died in the desert within a few days, could they?

Just as Changsun Ce was about to use another communication talisman, he suddenly heard Helan Xi’s voice: “Changsun Ce?”

Changsun Ce’s head shot up: “Helan Xi?”

Helan Xi: “Yes.”

Changsun Ce breathed a sigh of relief and cursed: “Were you two getting married in the desert? How long has it been, and you’re still not back!”

Helan Xi paused for a moment: “On our way back. How’s the situation at the Lin Mansion?”

Changsun Ce: “Not good! They just finished the ‘Second Bow to Each Other,’ and they’re about to be sent to the bridal chamber!”

Helan Xi, flying on his sword, felt relieved upon hearing this—marriage without consummation was nothing.

Helan Xi said, “You go interrupt the wedding.”

Changsun Ce jumped up, shocked: “What?!” His loud exclamation drew the attention of several guests. Changsun Ce quickly sat back down, lowering his voice: “Are you crazy? With my status in Xizhou, you want me to interrupt Zhu Yun’s wedding?”

Helan Xi chuckled silently: “Why, do you think Zhu Ruo Shuang isn’t a good match for you?”

“Is this a matter of compatibility? I don’t even like men! Wait,” Changsun Ce’s mind quickly turned, suddenly realizing something important: “Helan Xi, were you just joking with me?!”

Helan Xi, who had carelessly let his guard down, choked up: “… Talk too much and I’ll use chili water.”

Changsun Ce suddenly understood, feeling very proud: “The medicine I found works well, doesn’t it? If it works, you should use more of it.”

Helan Xi: “I’m heading to the Lin Mansion right now. You stall them.”

Changsun Ce: “How am I supposed to stall them?! Helan Xi? Helan Xi!”

The communication talisman turned to ashes, and there was no more sound from Helan Xi.

Changsun Ce cursed angrily under his breath, then looked towards the direction of the wedding hall.

This wedding was held at the Lin Mansion, and according to traditional marriage customs, it should be considered the Lin Mansion taking a wife. However, the one wearing the phoenix coronet and red robe was not Zhu Ruo Shuang, but Lin Dan. Changsun Ce had previously heard people discussing this at the banquet, saying that Lin Dan was willing to do this.

With a call of “Escort to the bridal chamber,” Lin Dan, wearing a red veil, was led by the bridesmaid towards the inner hall. Zhu Ruo Shuang followed behind Lin Dan with a calm expression but suddenly stopped and glanced outside.

Changsun Ce gritted his teeth, stood up abruptly, and shouted, “Wait, I don’t agree to this marriage!”

His words fell like a thunderclap, drawing all eyes to Changsun Ce. The previously noisy banquet hall fell silent. Even Zhu Ruo Shuang looked at him, and for the first time, Changsun Ce saw a hint of surprise on his usually indifferent face.

Changsun Ce’s eyes widened. What the heck? So people from the Ruthless Dao can have expressions too?

“Young Master Changsun.” Lin Dan’s father stepped forward, his face unfriendly but his words still polite: “May I ask why you say this?”

“Zhu Yunxiu practices the Ruthless Dao,” Changsun Ce blurted out, “He can’t get married.”

Father Lin said in a deep voice, “Ruo Shuang has already informed us of this. He is willing to give up cultivation and stay with Dan’er in Xizhou.”

Changsun Ce: “Zhu Ruo Shuang can’t get married.”

Father Lin: “Can you give me a reason, Young Master Changsun?”

Changsun Ce hated talking to these old-fashioned people. Two sentences were his limit: “Fine, I’m here to snatch the bride. Do I need a reason?”

The crowd erupted in an uproar, everyone was shocked.

Changsun Ce extended his left hand, summoning a glittering golden spear, and as he flexed his muscles, he walked towards the wedding hall.

The guests, faces filled with fear, gave way for the tall, short-haired young man.

Changsun Ce stopped in front of Lin Dan, raised his chin, and said, “I don’t know what you are, but it seems that if I deal with you, everything will be resolved, and the Ruthless Dao Academy will owe me a favor. So, unfortunately,” Changsun Ce twirled his spear with a swift motion, pointing the tip directly at the veiled boy: “This banquet is over. You should leave.”

Lin Dan remained motionless, his expression hidden under the veil.

Zhu Ruo Shuang’s expression changed slightly, and he said in a low voice, “Don’t act rashly. [Ghost Language] might be in his hands.”

“[Ghost Language]… what the heck—what?!” Changsun Ce’s hand trembled, and he squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: “Why didn’t you say this earlier!”

At that moment, a soft laugh came from under the veil, and Changsun Ce immediately stepped back half a step, staring at “Lin Dan” like facing a formidable enemy.

Changsun Ce glared and asked Zhu Ruo Shuang: “Who is he?!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang shook his head.

“Crashing someone’s big day…,” the red-robed youth spoke slowly, his voice cold and cruelly amused: “Don’t you think you’re ruining the fun, hmm?”

Changsun Ce knew well the principle of striking first to gain the upper hand. Who cares what this person is; how would you know if you can beat them if you don’t try?

Just get on with it!

Changsun Ce’s spear technique was as flamboyant and reckless as he was. The spear, like a bolt of lightning, surged with pure, fierce spiritual power, striking straight at “Lin Dan’s” left chest!

In an instant, the wind roared, and golden light shone brightly, illuminating the area as if it were daylight.

Ordinary guests couldn’t look directly at this fierce and dazzling light. “Lin Dan” couldn’t dodge in time, and his slender body was swallowed by the golden light, unmoving.

Changsun Ce gripped his spear, puzzled: “Is it over just like that?”

“What are you thinking, of course not.” Zhu Ruo Shuang’s anxious voice rose amid the screams and cries: “When will you impulsive Hentian Dao people learn to plan carefully? Can’t you think things through?”

First being joked by Helan Xi, and now being ridiculed by Zhu Ruo Shuang, Changsun Ce felt like he knew two fake Ruthless Dao people, his eyes almost popping out: “What? Did you also use the talkative chili water? And how am I impulsive? Helan Xi told me to snatch the bride!”

“My fellow disciple’s judgment is right, but your method is wrong.” Zhu Ruo Shuang said, “Be careful!”

“…Huh?” Changsun Ce suddenly felt something wrong with the spear’s sensation; the tip didn’t seem to have pierced flesh and blood but rather sank into a muddy swamp, unable to move forward or pull back. For a moment, he was stuck in a dilemma.

The golden light faded, revealing “Lin Dan’s” body to the crowd again. He still wore the veil, but his splendid wedding robe now had a large hole in the left chest, yet no blood flowed from the wound. Instead, a wriggling, sticky, blackish-red liquid oozed out, emitting a decayed heat.

The bridesmaid closest to “Lin Dan” screamed in terror, rolling and crawling away: “Not human! This isn’t a human!”

Changsun Ce knew something was wrong too. He used all his strength, but the spear wouldn’t budge. The hot-tempered overlord of Xizhou was furious, shouting at Zhu Ruo Shuang: “What kind of monster are you trying to marry?!”

Zhu Ruo Shuang said, “Shut up.”