"Uncle, did something happen in the sect?" Chong Zhao redirected, sensing that Song Yun wouldn’t come here without reason.
Song Yun sighed heavily. "Your senior brother Zhe Sang has returned to the island."
"Senior Brother returned?" Chong Zhao didn’t feel unhappy. Although Zhe Sang had taken advantage of his weakness two years ago, Chong Zhao had only won thanks to Bai Shuo’s medicinal aid, forcing his breakthrough. Zhe Sang’s pride had driven him to leave the island in anger, and Chong Zhao felt a pang of guilt over it.
Seeing no joy on Song Yun’s face, Chong Zhao asked, "Uncle, is there something wrong with Senior Brother’s return?"
* * *
Meanwhile, under a sky obscured by dark clouds, a shadow slipped into a home on the eastern coast. The intruder approached a sleeping infant, holding a crimson bead brimming with sinister energy. The bead absorbed the infant’s spiritual energy, growing brighter as an ominous aura thickened around it.
In the moonlight, Zhe Sang’s face appeared, his expression dark and cold.
Two years ago, he had left Miao Miao full of ambition, determined to make a name for himself before returning. But after traveling through the Three Realms, he realized that Miao Miao was just a small part of a vast world. Competing with other sect disciples for sacred grounds to cultivate, he suffered severe injuries. He ventured to the North Sea in search of sanctuary, where he encountered a ferocious beast and was on the brink of death. In that desperate moment, he met Fu Ling, the second palace lord of Cold Spring Palace. Begging for her help and swearing allegiance, he managed to survive. Since then, he had done many dark deeds for Cold Spring Palace, and his reward was this demon bead. By feeding on mortal spirits, the bead had helped him ascend to Immortal Lord in just two short years.
A trace of bloodlust flickered in Zhe Sang’s eyes. Although consuming mortal spirits hastened his progress, it would bring him fierce tribulations when he ascended further. Gazing at the demon bead, he realized that unless he continued to consume mortal spirits in large quantities, he would be unable to sustain his power. Gaining the position of sect leader would provide him the perfect cover, which was his true reason for returning to Miao Miao.
A vision of Fu Ling’s beautiful face flashed through his mind—only such a powerful demoness was worthy of him. Er Yun? He had long forgotten about her.
With a swift movement, Zhe Sang vanished from the house.
* * *
In the mountain cave, Chong Zhao’s face grew serious. "Uncle suspects Senior Brother Zhe Sang has practiced dark arts?"
Song Yun nodded. "I know the disciples I’ve trained. With his aptitude, it would be impossible for him to reach Immortal Lord in just a hundred years, let alone two. Not only was he able to conceal his status as an Immortal Lord from me, but…"
Song Yun paused. "He dared not touch the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip."
The Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip, infused with the spirits of past sect leaders, was highly sensitive to malevolent energy. Although it didn’t react overtly to Zhe Sang, Song Yun’s suspicions were piqued when Zhe Sang refused his offer to train with it.
At that moment, Song Yun’s expression shifted. The jade slip appeared in his hand, glowing faintly and pointing westward.
"Uncle, what’s happening…?"
"Someone used dark arts on mortals in the Eastern Sea, draining their spiritual energy."
Seeing Song Yun’s somber expression, Chong Zhao suggested, "The culprit may not be Senior Brother. He could have encountered something strange in his travels."
"Whether it’s him or not, tomorrow’s disciples’ duel will make things clear."
Chong Zhao hesitated. "Uncle, if Senior Brother truly has used dark arts, his current power is nearly equal to mine. I fear I may not be able to detect it…"
"No matter. I have my methods."
Song Yun whispered something in Chong Zhao’s ear, making him pale and shake his head. "Uncle, you can’t! You’re already injured…"
Song Yun waved his hand. "Zhao’er, Miao Miao has weathered too many storms and cannot bear further turmoil. If your senior brother has truly committed such a heinous act, Miao Miao cannot fall into his hands. I’m nearing my end; Miao Miao has only you now…"
Song Yun coughed heavily, his face pale. Chong Zhao quickly supported him. After a long moment, Chong Zhao knelt down, bowing his head in solemn promise.
"I will not fail you, Uncle."
Song Yun’s expression softened as he helped Chong Zhao up. "Bai Shuo likely stole the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip for your sake. I didn’t punish her harshly. I instructed Yi Fan to watch over her outside the Mysterious Ice Cave, and I secretly lifted the ice barrier within. With her half-immortal body, three days in the cave wouldn’t harm her."
"Thank you for your kindness, Uncle."
"Zhao’er, Bai Shuo has no affinity for immortality. Whether she stays or leaves is for you to decide after tomorrow."
"Uncle…"
* * *
Returning to the present, Chong Zhao’s gaze lingered on the Eastern Sea, where the boat had long disappeared beyond sight.
Bai Shuo, I hope you remain a carefree little half-immortal. Though Miao Miao may be distant, it cannot avoid the conflicts of the Three Realms.
Go find the one you seek. If one day, when my duty here is done, you still haven’t found him, I will remain by your side forever.
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