Above the Black River, eight thousand miles away, large waves suddenly surged, followed by a deafening crash, like thunder exploding underwater. The gigantic waves beat against the shore, corroding the barren earth with streaks.

The river’s waters are laced with potent poison, causing fish and shrimp to vanish. Birds flying across it, if too low, will be struck down by toxic fumes, their bones dissolving in death. This area is marked as a forbidden land by nearby sects, with lifelessness stretching for hundreds of miles.

Virtually no one knows that beneath the dark waters lies a Water Mansion, whose master is currently unleashing a furious storm, causing the river to churn uncontrollably.

"Good-for-nothing! Trash! Bastard! Maggot!" Master Moyun cursed bitterly, "Dig a pit waiting for me to fall? You think I’m as stupid as you?"

He spewed a string of abusive curses, yet his forty-something face remained completely rigid. No matter how intensely he raged, his face could not show any expression, not even blinking.

Perhaps this is why he could only vent his emotions using foul language.

After venting his anger, he sat amidst the chaos of the Underworld, his unblinking eyes fixated on the Illusory Sound Treasure Conch before him.

Lu Qian’s words were untrustworthy, yet not entirely dismissible.

He spoke of the Spirit Vein’s ascension on Yuqing Mountain, saying it’s already unstoppable; this must be true. Otherwise, why would the Yunshan Sect abandon the planned five-year buffer period and even leave their mountain gate? Such a move is completely against their interest, far more costly than their original plan. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Everything else in his words is mere trickery. Master Moyun is certain that Lu Qian has set a blatant trap, just waiting for him to jump in.

However, to convince him to willingly step in, Lu Qian made it an obvious, visible pit instead of a hidden one.

He said now on Yuqing Mountain, no one remains, marking the last chance; this should be true.

Upon arriving in Chongming County, he would surely investigate covertly, and if he found Yuqing Mountain already under Xuanguang Sect’s guard, he might not act.

And undoubtedly, once entering Yuqing Mountain, he would likely face an attack from Xuanguang Sect.

Lu Qian dug a clear pit; its depth and size were evident. Yet, the choice of whether to jump lay within himself; it depended on whether the temptation within the pit was large enough, and if he was confident to climb out once he leaped.

So, should he jump?

Master Moyun angrily smashed a paperweight to the ground.

How could he possibly give it up? That’s the Primordial Pearl!

The Spiritual Treasure Primordial Yin Pearl, known to create its realm!

If Yuqing Mountain had already fallen to the Xuanguang Sect, he might hesitate, but now he could act first; to not try would leave him unsatisfied.

That damned little dog, truly dug a powerful pit!

Many thoughts flashed through his mind as Master Moyun stood, making his decision firm.

If I can jump down, I can surely climb back up. Only this time, it will cost dearly, leaving a bloody trail.

...

Lu Qian and Guh Niqiang had been hiding around Yuqing Mountain for two days now.

Yang Jiye and four floating battleships of the Yunshan Sect concealed themselves around Kongming Mountain.

With the possibility of a Golden Core battle looming, the elders, including Senior Sister Qingfeng, dared not speak of joining. They knew all too well that even the aftermath of a Golden Core fight could turn them to ash.

At this moment, the elders of Yunshan Sect deeply resented their powerlessness.

After sharing a few words via the Thousand-Mile Mirror, confirming things were fine, Lu Qian interrupted the communication.

"One day left." Guh Niqiang said, sitting on a tree trunk, tossing a pinecone at Lu Qian, "Will Master Moyun not come?"

Lu Qian gazed towards Yuqing Mountain: "Golden Core Master’s escape speed is remarkable, covering up to two thousand miles in an hour. The communication range of the Illusory Sound Treasure Conch is within ten thousand miles. Even if it’s at the limit, should Master Moyun decide to come, it would take five hours. I’ve given him three days, so he can take his time. Whether he’ll come or not remains uncertain."

Though horses tire in mountains, from their current position, they could clearly see Yuqing Mountain’s main peak, although it was dozens of miles away, beyond the range of Golden Core Divine Sense. Thus, remaining hidden ensured no exposure.

Guh Niqiang made a sound of acknowledgment, then spoke again after some time: "If he comes, can Master Fengfeng manage to hold him?"

Lu Qian raised an eyebrow, looking at Guh Niqiang.

At this moment, Guh Niqiang wasn’t looking at him, but gazing far away. She leaned against the tree trunk, sitting high on the branches, with her jade-like fair, delicate calves stretching out from her skirt, swaying in midair.

"You’ve changed recently, Guh Niqiang." Lu Qian remarked, moved in his heart, "Different from before."

Guh Niqiang’s curious eyes turned to him: "What’s different? What was I like before?"

Lu Qian simply flew up, sitting beside her: "If it were before, you wouldn’t ask what Master Fengfeng would do, but join the battle without hesitation."

Mad Fairy seemed less mad now. That frantic, death-seeking scene had vanished.

Lu Qian hesitated for a moment and added: "Even knowing certain death, you would laugh madly and charge ahead — that was the old Guh Niqiang."

Guh Niqiang was taken aback, clutching a pinecone tightly, her delicate eyebrows furrowed.

Thinking of the chance to fight a Golden Core Master was still exciting. Yet, indeed, something had changed.

When did it start? The impulse to battle recklessly, the thrill between life and death that excited her most, were all slipping away.

Now reminded by Lu Qian, she suddenly realized that from the beginning of this impending battle, she never intended to stake her life.

What’s happening to me?

Guh Niqiang abruptly raised her head; the silent shift left her feeling strange, confused, surprised, and fearful. These unfamiliar emotions led her to grasp Lu Qian’s arm, her voice trembling slightly: "Lu Qian... Am I afraid to die?"

"I fear death too," Lu Qian stared into Guh Niqiang’s golden-red eyes, "Remember those stories I told you? Fear of death comes from knowing the value of life, understanding the beauty of the world, because deep within, there are many cherished people and things, making separation unwilling."

Realizing this change was crucial for Guh Niqiang, Lu Qian continued: "Your bravery hasn’t vanished, but transformed. Because of longing for beauty within, you dread death. Someday, to protect that beauty, for the belief within your heart, you’ll face death calmly."

"Life begets death, death begets life. Guh Niqiang, before you knew neither life nor death; how about now?"

With a plop, the pinecone fell from Guh Niqiang’s hand.