Chapter 1449: The Moon Was There

The long night held no moon, and Tai Yin fled with all speed.The evening wind whipped past, unable to disperse the unease in his heart.This unease, rather than stemming from Jiang Wang's killing intent,was born of Xiang Bei's open gaze.He, Tai Yin, felt a pang of guilt!Xiang Bei's days were not easy. Others might not know, but as Xiang Bei's friend, he could not be ignorant.Though Xiang Longxiang had left a dying wish that Xiang Bei be the future master of the Xiang clan, and no one in the Xiang family dared to openly defy it,Xiang Longxiang was, after all, dead.No matter how world-shaking the True Monarch, how awe-inspiring his power, when a man dies, his light is extinguished.How long could the might of a dead man cast its shadow?If Xiang Bei could not quickly demonstrate abilities that surpassed his peers, he would not hold firm the reins of the Xiang family's power.This truth was immutable, independent of anyone's will.For choosing Xiang Bei inherently meant the Xiang clan was choosing a long period of dormancy.No matter how great a prodigy, one needed time to grow!But the Xiang family, who had stood at the pinnacle for years and were already gorging themselves on the spoils, with so many people above and below, how many were willing to sacrifice their gains and remain dormant?What they needed more was a family head who could demonstrate immense strength now, someone who could protect their interests, regardless of whether that person had been approved by Xiang Longxiang.The current calm was merely due to the lingering prestige of Xiang Longxiang… but it would eventually dissipate.As one of the most renowned secret realms in Chu land, and linked to the legendary Huang Weizhen, the opening of the Mountain Sea Realm had always been a topic of fervent discussion throughout Chu.Xiang Bei leaving the realm empty-handed, and likely being among the first groups eliminated, undoubtedly signified failure.And this failure might just send him plummeting into the abyss.Yet, in such circumstances, he, Tai Yin, had still 厚顏 (thick-skinnedly) taken that Yuanpo Pill.Did he not know that Xiang Bei would have to exert great effort for this, perhaps even lowering his proud head, humbling himself and begging for help?He knew it all too well!For he had experienced similar circumstances in the Tai clan long ago.But he had still taken it.He could tell himself he had no choice.But Xiang Bei sat there alone, spear planted, open and forthright, bearing everything, yet not uttering a single word about his own predicament.How could he use such words to console himself?His hasty departure that night, fleeing the Chu borders in a panic, was indeed out of vigilance towards Jiang Wang, but was it not also an escape from that unease?The feeling of guilt, like wild grass, grew rampantly, affording no peace.He was angry at himself, angry at this world, angry at the old stubborn fools in his clan, angry at those who occupied high positions in court and country yet were incompetent… filled with anger!One must always make sacrifices, mustn't one?He flew on relentlessly, sweeping past mountain and tree shadows.The vast night held only endless confusion, refusing to offer an answer.Suddenly, a sound, like the cry of a sword, rose from the wilderness and echoed through the long night—"Stay your steps!"No sword qi was seen, but killing intent was palpable.The voice landed like a sword laid across his path.Tai Yin was struck with alarm!His five core palaces trembled in unison, and he shifted several zhang to the right in mid-air, his steps halting. He flipped his hand, grasping a formation disc, and looked ahead.At that time, the long night was moonless, the heavens and earth were dim.A treacherous peak stood erect between heaven and earth.A single figure sat atop the peak, his form as straight as a sword.He was like the very peak of the mountain.This person had sword-like eyebrows, thin lips, a cold and stern countenance, and his hair was bound by a jade crown.His left hand held the sword scabbard, which was plunged into the mountain rock.The scabbard seemed to pierce through the entire mountain, and his hand seemed to be gripping your throat.He looked over just like that, his infinite killing intent sinking into eyes like ancient wells.You could see calmness, but even more so, coldness.Tai Yin was certain he had no enmity with this person, yet this person's killing intent… was too intense! He tensed his body involuntarily, echoing the star mansion from afar, and gathered his Reverse Four Symbols Primordial Energy."Why are you on guard?" the man sitting atop the peak said again, "To kill you, I only need one sword."These words were undoubtedly infuriating.The disdain in his voice was almost unconcealed, completely disregardful of him, the prodigy of the Xia Kingdom.But this person before him…Tai Yin knew him.More infuriating than this contempt, at this moment of his weakness, was the possibility that this person's words were indeed true.He held the remaining formation disc in his hand, finally suppressing his pride, swallowing all his dissatisfaction for the moment, and only said, "You wish to kill me, Tai Yin? Does the Southern Dipper Hall know of this?"The man sitting atop the peak smiled, "Reaping wheat and cutting grass, why would the Southern Dipper Hall need to know?"Tai Yin was not angered by being likened to weeds, but only said seriously, "The Tai clan will certainly know, and of course, the Southern Dipper Hall will also certainly know."The man on the peak was silent for a moment, then suddenly shook his head, "It seems you were badly frightened in the Mountain Sea Realm. Now your spirit is completely lost, you are already废 (废 - meaning useless/crippled)!"At this moment, Tai Yin became much more composed. As long as the other party wasn't insane and had no intention of betraying the Southern Dipper Hall, he wouldn't kill him now.Of course, his energy was still gathered, and the formation disc was still in his hand. He only said, "There are many who are eager to teach, but few who are capable teachers. When I am laid to rest, it won't be too late for you to pass judgment on me. Of course, the strongest is easily broken. By then, perhaps it will be I who passes judgment on you, it's hard to say.""Very good." The man on the peak smiled, his killing intent receding further, but the feeling he gave off became even more dangerous, "Your ability to read faces and discern intentions is increasingly convincing me that I have not sought the wrong person.""Oh? You, Yi Shengfeng, came specifically to find me tonight?" Tai Yin raised his head slightly, finally gaining a little initiative, "I don't recall us having any connection."Far from having no connection?The Southern Dipper Hall, as a top sect in the Southern Domain, had its main residence directly to the west of the Li Kingdom.The two seemed to have no ties, but those with discerning eyes could see the deep roots.In history, when the Xia Kingdom was powerful, it waged wars of conquest in the east and west. Which neighboring country had it not fought? And if not for the support of a great sect like the Southern Dipper Hall, how could the Li Kingdom sleep soundly beside a crouching tiger?Truly, speaking of it, he, Tai Yin, and Yi Shengfeng should have been fraught with conflict.Regarding Tai Yin's probe, Yi Shengfeng was noncommittal, only saying, "I came to see you tonight to inquire about something."Tai Yin looked at him.The meaning was clear—Is this the attitude for inquiring about something?Yi Shengfeng, however, seemed utterly oblivious to his dissatisfaction, or rather, completely indifferent. He merely continued to ask on his own, "Now that you have left the realm, did you cross swords with Jiang Wang in the Mountain Sea Realm?"Tai Yin countered, "What if I crossed swords? What if I didn't?""It seems you have crossed swords, and perhaps, you were even eliminated by him." Yi Shengfeng looked at him with a certainty that went deep into his bones, then said, "I have always known your capabilities, and I trust your judgment. Tell me, Jiang Wang's current strength… how is it?""What if I say I don't know?" Tai Yin asked."You are a clever man," Yi Shengfeng said."The esteemed disciple of the Southern Dipper Hall is so concerned about the Qi Kingdom prodigy Jiang Qingyang…" Tai Yin showed a look of keen interest, "His friend? His enemy?"Presumably, a friend would not need to be inquired about through him.He asked this simply to glean more information, to understand more of the entanglement between Yi Shengfeng and Jiang Wang. Yi Shengfeng wanted his intelligence, and he wanted Yi Shengfeng's intelligence.Not just because he wanted to understand Jiang Wang better.But even more so because he had a premonition that if there were any story between two such individuals as Yi Shengfeng and Jiang Wang, it would certainly be exceedingly interesting."Neither," Yi Shengfeng remained seated, saying casually, "Yu Beidou, who is said to have divined half a lifetime, personally declared him to be the foremost Inner Mansion in history. I am not entirely convinced, that is all.""Taking joy in the hunt, that is a plausible reason," Tai Yin, of course, didn't entirely believe this reason, but he didn't press further. He only asked, "Since you are not entirely convinced, why didn't you go directly to the Mountain Sea Realm to contend with him?"There was a hint of a smile in his voice, "Presumably, with your strength, no one would refuse to travel with you."Yi Shengfeng looked at him, his voice flat yet cold, "Contending in the Mountain Sea Realm, with hands and feet bound, like children fencing, what meaning is there in that?"Tai Yin's smile faded, and for a moment he was speechless!In those words, he felt an extremely resolute killing intent.Simple victory or defeat was not what Yi Shengfeng sought.The thirty percent soul origin in the Mountain Sea Realm could not satisfy Yi Shengfeng either.What he wanted to divide was life and death.Just at that moment, looking at Yi Shengfeng's eyes, for some unknown reason, Tai Yin suddenly recalled the look in Jiang Wang's eyes in the Mountain Sea Realm when he was charging upwards, pulling the peerless halberd, directly facing him.Their origins, backgrounds, appearances, personalities… these should have been two completely different people, yet they gave him such a similar feeling!"I would be glad to share my intelligence with you," he finally said.It was certainly interesting to him if these two individuals were enemies rather than friends.Whoever died, it would be a good thing.He truly could not find a reason to remain silent.If Jiang Wang could hear Tai Yin's analysis of him, he would surely be deeply moved.With just one brief life-and-death struggle, Tai Yin had already glimpsed fragments of the truth concerning his divine ability. Although he had not yet grasped the full picture, he was already on the right path.Of course, Jiang Wang would not give him the chance to piece it all together.The False Path, either it is not revealed, or once revealed, it must be a battle to the death.In fact, the more he experienced, the more Jiang Wang could sense the necessity of resolutely not exposing the False Path all along.How many prodigies are there in the world? Where is there an invincible divine ability, an undefeated secret art?Only what can be hidden is called a trump card.Just like Zhuang Chengqian, who traversed a lifetime, experienced countless great battles, and the False Path was never revealed to others. Even his sworn brother Song Hengjiang, who fought alongside him many times, did not know what the False Path was.Only then, at the bottom of the demonic cave, could he be killed by words.And only then was there a chance to contend with the White Bone Evil God in the Boundless Tribulation.Zhuang Chengqian, who severed emotions and forsake loyalty, was not worth pitying for his death. But his strategy and decisive planning were worth learning from.If Jiang Wang knew of Yi Shengfeng's observations of him, he probably wouldn't be able to bathe so peacefully.But regarding Yi Shengfeng, he had expectations.That was a person who had an extremely strong desire to win from childhood and was indomitable.He knew very well that Yi Shengfeng was certainly preparing for the moment they would meet. Just as Yi Shengfeng must also understand that Jiang Wang, having heard his name, would never be soft-hearted.The only thing that surprised Jiang Wang a little was why Yi Shengfeng, who possessed strength that could make Ning Jianke admire him, didn't make a move when he was in the Inner Mansion realm. He became famous throughout the world after winning the championship at the Yellow River Meeting. Yi Shengfeng should have known about him by then.But after thinking about it, ever since gaining fame at the Yellow River, he had been fleeing from east to west, pursued and targeted by those in the Divine Ascension and Cave Realm, and he hadn't really given an Outer Building realm cultivator much of an opportunity…In fact, Jiang Wang had indeed prepared for an encounter with Yi Shengfeng in the Mountain Sea Realm. A figure who could firmly hold the position of first in the Outer Building realm in the Grand Virtual Illusion was also someone who could be ranked high in the Southern Domain.The group of Chu prodigies inviting others for assistance should not have missed such a strong individual.He could have just tested Yi Shengfeng's depth in the Mountain Sea Realm, and if there was an opportunity, bury a story there.But perhaps due to the special nature of the Mountain Sea Realm trip, these Chu prodigies participating in the realm viewed it more as an opportunity than a challenge, and were more inclined to invite those with whom they had better connections.Throughout the seven chapters of the Jade Wall, Yi Shengfeng's name was not heard.There was nothing to regret, however. Jiang Wang believed that time would give him the most just response.Every day's arduous effort would serve as steps for the path ahead.Since the sudden attack by Xiang Bei and Tai Yin, Three Forks had clearly intensified its surveillance, or rather, "protection," of Jiang Wang.The vast magma lake was constantly watched by Huo Dou.Those round, black dog eyes staring in unison made it hard not to feel bewildered.Fortunately, Jiang Wang's dao heart was firm, and he was immersed in cultivation, completely undisturbed.This life continued for five more days and nights, and the legendary Candle Dragon opened and closed its eyes five times.The sky darkened and brightened.On this day, Jiang Wang was carefully regulating his five core palaces when he suddenly heard Three Forks' cry.This fellow was increasingly treating himself as an insider…Jiang Wang grumbled inwardly, instinctively grasping Chang Xiangsi, and had already leaped up, entering a state of readiness for battle.But Three Forks, who had arrived through the air, had no intention of fighting him this time. He merely nodded his head at him, signaling him to follow, then turned and walked away.After spending these many days together, this simple understanding was already established.Jiang Wang didn't utter a single word of nonsense, honestly following behind Three Forks—of course, mainly because no one would care about his nonsense anyway.Having not left the magma lake for so long, he was a little unaccustomed to it at first.When he looked around, the feeling of being unaccustomed became even stronger…He saw them everywhere, in all the magma pools across the mountains and fields, beside the rocks, among the forests… one by one, the Huo Dou walked out in silence.Their steps made no sound on the ground, and they gathered silently behind them, forming a surging black tide of beasts.Three Forks just kept walking forward, with no other communication from beginning to end.But this posture of gathering an army had undoubtedly explained everything.Jiang Wang took out his Ruyi Immortal Robe and draped it over himself while feeling surprised and uncertain in his heart.Where were these Huo Dou going to conquer next?Who were they going to hunt this time?The strange beasts in the Mountain Sea Realm were all difficult to deal with, and he earnestly hoped that Divine Ascension wouldn't fight and cause him, Jiang, harm.He had a mind to advise King Three Forks a little, but he also knew this fellow wouldn't listen.What particularly annoyed him was—You, Three Forks, fighting is one thing, but what's with bringing the imperial chef along with the army?Am I supposed to feed you fire when you're tired from fighting?Do you have any respect for war at all?How can you be King of the Huo Dou!Bah, an incompetent ruler!