Chapter 138 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 138: Skepticism

Chapter 138 - Arc 10: The Affairs of Sword Cave | Chapter 138: Skepticism

Translator: Lynn

As Ji Rui and Wu Anyi heard his words, they exchanged a glance. Observing the young man’s evident embarrassment and noting his solitary presence, they found his story increasingly credible.

Subsequently, Wu Anyi spoke up, “It seems that Fellow Daoist Xu truly entered this place unintentionally. Well...” His expression displayed a touch of confusion before he sighed and continued, “In that case, why not accompany me, Fellow Daoist Xu? I will explain things in detail along the way.”

Xu Ziqing listened attentively, his spirits lifted, and he promptly nodded. “I’m grateful for your kindness, dear friends.”

With the decision reached, the two parties agreed to journey together. Although they retained a degree of vigilance, their goal was clear: one side sought camaraderie with disciples from prominent sects, while the other desired deeper insights into the current circumstances.

The trio advanced side by side, maintaining a gap of about a foot between them as a sign of mutual respect.

It was then that Wu Anyi began to speak slowly.

To understand the Heavenly Demon Cave, one must first delve into the concept of the Nine Thousand Worlds.

Legend has it that within the world, there exist nine thousand major worlds, each accompanied by innumerable minor ones. The vastness of the world is beyond measure, populated by ordinary people and cultivators akin to grains of sand along the Ganges River, a multitude without end.

Among them, cultivators pursue enlightenment according to the heavens, challenging fate in defiance of the heavens, and each nurturing their unique aspirations. At the core of these ambitions lies the desire to transcend the mortal coil, ascending to higher realms—the immortal realm.

Rumored to be a realm of refinement, the immortal realm is a place where the lives of the cultivators mirror those of immortals. Here, existence is eternal, and the beings are as luminous as the sun and moon. Immortality is embraced, radiating with the brilliance of celestial bodies. The domain of the immortals is intertwined with the Dao of Heaven, each breath born is a manifestation of the spiritual essence, offering nourishment to the ethereal, and bestowing boundless joy upon all.

Yet, as cultivators tread the path to immortality, they also recognize that if the most pristine qi resides above, its antithesis, the foulest and most polluted qi, inevitably exists below. Over time, these accumulations gave rise to a distinct realm—the Demon World.

Within the Demon World, myriad impurities converge to create an essence of corruption known as the “Heavenly Demon.” Through prolonged existence, these entities grow in power, eventually dominating the entire realm.

And where does the Demon World come into play?

Yet, wherever impurity resides, the borders of the Demon World touch it. In truth, the connection spans across all nine thousand major worlds and countless minor worlds.

Taken aback by this revelation, Xu Ziqing inquired, “Could it be that the Heavenly Demon Cave is situated within the Demon World?”

Wu Anyi chuckled and shook his head, replying, “No.”

Ji Rui joined in with a smile, “The demon energy pervades the entire Demon World. If cultivators from the Immortal Path were to be tainted by this energy, they would be turned to blood. On the other hand, practitioners of the Demonic Path can harness it. They possess unique methods to wield the dark energy.” She paused and added, “So, even though there is demon energy present here, it doesn’t necessarily imply the location of the Demon World.”

Hearing that the Demon World wasn’t the exact setting for the cave put Xu Ziqing at ease, and his curiosity regarding the Heavenly Demon Cave grew.

Wu Anyi, being a reserved individual, continued the conversation.

Following this, Xu Ziqing continued to journey alongside the two senior disciples. With their invaluable information, he couldn’t simply part ways. However, their presence also constrained Rongjin’s utility. It took considerable effort for Xu Ziqing to present Rongjin as an endearing decoration rather than a formidable force.

As they ventured deeper into the cave, the population of sky demons grew denser. Though the Qingtian demons were frail, they congregated in packs. Xu Ziqing adeptly dispatched them with his “Four Seasons Sword Art,” an act that left the two sibling pairs of disciples staring in astonishment.

Ji Rui glanced at Wu Anyi, transmitting her thoughts privately: “Brother, what’s your impression of this man?”

Wu Anyi responded: “His swordsmanship is refined, and his demeanor is sincere. I believe his words hold truth.”

Ji Rui nodded in agreement: “Then, we should draw closer to him.”

Wu Anyi concurred, “Befriending him could indeed boost our standing within the sect.”

After a brief pause, Ji Rui added, “If he’s merely an outer disciple, his utility might be limited. Brother, your thoughts?”

Wu Anyi grinned and responded, “Junior Sister, do you possess a suspicious mind? Observe his extraordinary swordsmanship and potent true essence. The techniques he wields must be of high quality. It’s unlikely he’s just an outer disciple. Moreover, consider the significance of the Heavenly Demon Cave. Our Zixiao Sect is a sixth-rank sect, well aware of the cave’s advantages and drawbacks. We even established the Heavenly Demon Cave in our inner sect’s secret domain. The Wuling Immortal Sect is a second-rank sect. Would it easily admit outer sect disciples here? His claim of inadvertently entering the sword cave during diligent cultivation is quite believable. I’m well-informed that the sword cave within the Wuling Immortal Sect is restricted to inner disciples. Given this information, it’s highly plausible.”

Ji Rui comprehended and responded, “In that case, there’s a strong probability that his identity is genuine. We should invest in this friendship.”

Wu Anyi smiled approvingly, “Exactly. Even if he’s an outer disciple, achieving his cultivation level in such a demanding environment speaks volumes. Establishing rapport with him can’t possibly be a poor choice.”

Ji Rui, an exceptional disciple of her master’s sect, had considered cultivating favor with an inner disciple of a significant immortal sect. However, if her attempts at ingratiating were directed at an outer disciple, her enthusiasm might wane. Yet, now, upon hearing her senior brother’s assessment, she felt reassured.

Wu Anyi was content to see his junior sister’s relief.

Heavenly Demon Cave wasn’t a benign place; danger lurked at every turn.

In the vast Great Falling World, each cardinal direction—east, west, north, and south—hosted a Heavenly Demon Cave. Zixiao Sect and Wuling Immortal Sect belonged to the same Eastern Region, thus finding themselves in the same Heavenly Demon Cave by chance.

In the vast Qingyun Great World, second-rank sects were scarce, placing them among the elites. Encountering a member of a major sect stranded within the Heavenly Demon Cave was a rare stroke of luck for these siblings.

For the two pairs of disciples, this was an auspicious opportunity.

If they could extend their support to Xu Ziqing here... Consider the resources within a prominent sect; could they not reap substantial benefits?

Observing Xu Ziqing’s demeanor, it was evident he wasn’t one to disregard favors.

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