Chapter Nineteen: The Powerhouses of Phoenix Pavilion

Long Yun’s arms were tightly wrapped around the waist of the woman in white, while her delicate hands hooked around his neck in a suggestive embrace. The two figures drifted downwards, landing in the river at the earth’s core, sending up a splash of water. Soon, the swift current swept them away, their forms gradually fading from sight.

Outside the Bikhu Mountain stronghold, several figures stood side by side. At the forefront was a man whose expression was cold and severe, his eyes glimmering with light as he gazed intensely at the ground beneath his feet. This man was none other than Shangguan Yu, the leader of the Jade Sword Sect. Beside him stood Elder Qiu and Xue Renqi. Upon hearing Xiao Leng’s report, Xue Renqi had immediately sought out Shangguan Yu and relayed the entire matter in detail.

The appearance of an Innate-level demonic realm expert within the Jade Sword Sect’s territory was a matter of unparalleled significance. Not only for them, but for the entire righteous alliance of the Qingshan system, it was an extraordinary event. If such a demonic expert infiltrated and covertly assassinated righteous masters, a sect could be wiped out in an instant.

Thus, upon receiving the news, Shangguan Yu brought Elder Qiu and Xue Renqi straight to the location indicated by Xiao Leng. What shocked Shangguan Yu even more was that the demonic realm expert beneath Bikhu Mountain had set up a powerful sealing array on the ground, which, even with the combined strength of the three, could not be broken.

At this moment, the three great experts of the Jade Sword Sect exchanged glances, each with different emotions in their eyes. Xue Renqi’s eyes were bloodshot, his arms trembling slightly.

Long Yun, after all, was the only one in their Sword Heart lineage who could unlock the secrets of the Sword Stone and obtain peerless sword techniques. Moreover, with merely Qi Condensation cultivation, he could easily challenge Pei Yue, who was a whole realm above him.

Such talent was not only precious to Xue Renqi but to the entire Jade Sword Sect—a prodigy with seven meridians condensed, a peerless genius.

Xue Renqi felt this deeply, and Shangguan Yu was even more anxious. Judging by the array’s power, the demonic realm expert within was clearly stronger than himself. This time, it seemed another fierce battle was imminent.

Suddenly, the ground trembled violently. Countless rays of light shot skyward, and a supremely sacred aura spread out, transforming into rainbows that soared to the heavens.

That divine aura filled everyone present with a desire to worship, even affecting Shangguan Yu at the Innate realm, who looked utterly unsettled.

The aura persisted for nearly half an hour before it finally dissipated. Due to its oppressive force, Shangguan Yu’s back was covered in a sheen of sweat. Xue Renqi and Elder Qiu fared even worse; drenched in sweat, their bodies trembled, and had the aura not faded, they might have soon knelt on the ground.

With the aura’s disappearance, the seal on the ground also faded. Shangguan Yu’s mind snapped back from shock.

He let out a long sigh, then addressed Elder Qiu and Xue Renqi, “The seal is gone. Let’s go down immediately. This aura is too strange, and I don’t know what’s happened to Long Yun.”

No sooner had he spoken than a powerful aura swept towards them, and a crimson figure suddenly appeared before the three, the space twisting before settling down.

Shangguan Yu’s brows furrowed as he looked at the newcomer, his expression changing dramatically. He bowed low and said, “Shangguan Yu of the Jade Sword Sect greets the elder of Phoenix Pavilion!”

The newcomer was a stunning middle-aged beauty, her alluring features now dark with anger. She answered Shangguan Yu’s greeting coldly, “Any news of my disciple?”

Shangguan Yu was taken aback. Xiao Leng hadn’t known the woman in white was a disciple of Phoenix Pavilion, so he hadn’t informed Shangguan Yu. Only now did he learn this shocking news, and a bitter smile crept onto his lips.

Regardless of whether he was involved, the disappearance of Phoenix Pavilion’s disciple within his territory left him unable to shirk responsibility.

Though he was the sect master of Jade Sword Sect, a figure of authority, he was still no match for this mysterious Phoenix Pavilion expert.

Phoenix Pavilion was a powerful sect even Green Sect looked up to, rarely appearing in public. Occasionally, a disciple would venture out to prove the Pavilion’s continued existence.

Upon hearing the middle-aged beauty’s question, Shangguan Yu’s face grew grimmer. He explained, “I do not know. When we arrived, a sealing array blocked our entry. The seal only just vanished when you appeared.”

The middle-aged beauty raised a brow, her delicate brows knitting as her immense spiritual sense swept out. A flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

“Could it be his return?” she murmured enigmatically, then ignored Shangguan Yu and his companions, vanishing in a blink.

“Let’s go! We should follow!” Shangguan Yu urged, and his figure quickly disappeared as well.

Within the underground space, a peaceful, sacred atmosphere prevailed, though the scars on the surrounding boulders spoke of a fierce battle.

The middle-aged beauty stood atop a giant stone, eyes narrowed as she surveyed her surroundings, her expression growing darker.

Meanwhile, Shangguan Yu and his two companions appeared, scanning the area. No sign of anyone could be found, their spiritual senses sweeping outward yet detecting no presence.

“Master, Long Yun…” Xue Renqi couldn’t help but ask, his gaze hopeful as he looked at Shangguan Yu.

Shangguan Yu sighed and shook his head slightly, causing Xue Renqi’s face to turn ashen. He staggered back two steps, nearly collapsing.

“They are not dead, likely rescued by a powerful figure. Do not worry. When I return, I will report this to the Pavilion Master. You can wait for news in peace,” the middle-aged beauty spoke softly.

With that, her graceful form vanished instantly.

“Phoenix Pavilion! Phoenix Pavilion!” Shangguan Yu’s face showed surprise, as if recalling something. Her words gave him a glimmer of hope. With so few disciples, Phoenix Pavilion would never gamble with their lives.

He turned to Xue Renqi, saying, “Let’s wait for news as well. Since the elder of Phoenix Pavilion said so, it must be true. Staying here is useless.”

Xue Renqi nodded. Now, besides waiting, what else could they do?

The three figures slowly faded from the space, restoring tranquility once more.

Meanwhile, by a nameless stream, two tightly entwined figures were gently nudged onto the riverbank by the water.

These two were Long Yun and the woman in white, still unconscious, locked in their embrace. Long Yun was truly enjoying a blessing of beauty, though he himself was utterly unaware.

After the fierce battle, all the demonic seals had vanished, and the river had carried them here. Their union of dragon and phoenix had drained all their strength, so neither had awakened.

Here, the landscape was tranquil and picturesque, the clear riverbank strewn with pebbles in every color, wildflowers and grasses poking through the cracks, creating a lovely scene.

On the riverbed, the two entwined figures lay peacefully, the gentle breeze caressing them, yet neither showed signs of waking.

Who knows how much time passed before Long Yun’s eyelids flickered, consciousness slowly returning.

He had not yet opened his eyes when a faint fragrance filled his nose, and something soft pressed against him. Instinctively, he moved his hand.

He discovered that his palm seemed to be gripping something. He gave it a gentle squeeze—springy and full, a peculiar sensation washing over him.

Still half-awake, Long Yun unconsciously squeezed a few more times. It was a feeling of roundness and fullness, as if holding a perfect work of art—firm, smooth, utterly delightful in his hand.