Chapter Forty-Seven: Rescuing the Black Jiao

“Brother, you said that as long as we can save Da Ling, we’ll do whatever it takes!” Excitement flashed in Chu Xuan’s eyes.

Little Diao’er also stopped being angry and turned her gaze to Long Yun.

“Xuan’er, remember, even though you haven’t set foot on the path of cultivation, this will help you as well!” Long Yun’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.

Chu Xuan nodded, his expression grave.

“This formation relies on the mutual transformation of yin and yang forces, weaving a net of light. Yin and yang together generate both hardness and softness, which condense into the formation itself! Yin and yang, perfectly combined, are the two elemental natures at the root of all creation!”

“To break this formation isn’t difficult. The properties of yin and yang encompass nearly all things. Two principles beget four manifestations, four manifestations beget eight trigrams, which then give rise to all creation in endless cycles. Thus, to break this formation, one must introduce a third attribute to disrupt the balance of yin and yang!”

Chu Xuan listened intently, as if immersing himself in the explanation, then nodded and said, “But brother, the dual attributes of yin and yang are derived from the supreme principle of Taiji. What third attribute could possibly counter them?”

Long Yun nodded in approval, thinking that Xuan’er’s innate understanding of spiritual forces was truly insightful. He explained, “It’s true that yin and yang are the root, but they are also bound by the five elements. The five elements are five attributes that are distinct from yin and yang—though born from the two, they are not inferior. Using any one of the five elemental attributes is enough to shatter the formation!”

Upon hearing this, Chu Xuan clapped his hands and said, “Brother, you mean that we should break the formation first, then join forces with Da Ling to drive these people away?”

Long Yun shook his head. “These people are from the same place as I am. If I reveal myself, I’ll risk open enmity with their sect. That doesn’t trouble me, but if it brings punishment upon my own sect for my sake, I could not allow it.”

Chu Xuan nodded. “Then tell me what I should do!”

Long Yun smiled. “It won’t be you. Little Diao’er, come here. The task of rescuing your big brother is yours this time. And tell him that once he’s free, he must flee deep into the mountains without delay!”

Little Diao’er seemed to understand, nodding at Long Yun.

Out on the Blackwater Lake, the black flood dragon’s massive body was gradually lifted by the net of light. After a long struggle, the formation conjured by the masters of Azure Sect finally prevailed, wrenching the black flood dragon clear of the water.

The beast still thrashed violently, but its struggles had diminished—a sign that its strength was nearly spent after so much resistance.

Senior Brother Cui, Ling Quan, and the others finally allowed themselves a glimmer of satisfaction. At last, this monstrous creature had been worn down. Now, with it suspended in midair and away from the influence of water, they could focus the power of the formation to kill the black flood dragon, allowing Ling Quan to claim its spirit bone.

Just then, a small shadow shot through the air, drawing a perfect arc as it dove into the forest on the opposite shore.

Though the dark shadow disappeared, it left behind a black streak across the sky.

Before anyone could discern what the line was, the shadow reappeared, gliding along the black streak to hover directly above the yin-yang diagram.

Then, to the disbelief of all, the diminutive figure bared its teeth in a mocking grin and, squatting, urinated directly onto the Azure Sect’s treasured yin-yang diagram.

A fizzing sound ensued—the yin and yang energies, which had been flowing smoothly, were suddenly disrupted by the intrusion of water. In an instant, the energy became chaotic. Before their very eyes, cracks began to appear in the black-and-white brilliance of the diagram, spreading rapidly across the entire fish-shaped motif.

Having finished, Little Diao’er wasn’t done; she let out a series of sharp cries toward the black flood dragon below.

With a sound like shattering glass, the Taiji diagram fractured and exploded, fragments scattering in all directions.

Immediately, the net of light enveloping the black flood dragon twisted and burst into countless points of light, which gradually dissipated.

With a furious roar, the freed black flood dragon understood Little Diao’er’s message. Its massive body lashed out in anger.

A surge of wind swept out—the eight cultivators’ expressions changed drastically. Sensing the beast’s wrath, they had no time to think and unleashed their strongest attacks in unison.

A deafening boom rent the night. The black flood dragon roared again, unwilling yet resolute, and, carrying Little Diao’er, bounded away. In a few leaps, they vanished into the endless darkness.

“Xuan’er, let’s leave as well,” Long Yun said softly. While the eight cultivators were injured and retreating, he quietly led Chu Xuan away.

Shrouded by the night, Long Yun moved with unparalleled swiftness. He dared not linger, for though he did not fear the Azure Sect, he would not risk implicating Jade Sword Gate on his account.

This journey had been for nothing—not only had he failed to obtain the spirit bone, but he’d nearly brought disaster upon himself.

“Brother, thank you for saving Da Ling. He’s the mightiest creature in these parts. If you ever have the chance, Da Ling and his kin will welcome you back to Mount Yandang,” Chu Xuan said sincerely.

Long Yun smiled. “Xuan’er, if you have no wish to cultivate, you’d best stay out of Mount Yandang from now on. If someone else were to find you, you could be inviting trouble.”

Chu Xuan didn’t quite understand, but nodded regardless.

“Come, I’ll take you home, and then we’ll part ways,” Long Yun said. With a few swift movements, they arrived outside the Chu family courtyard.

Suddenly, a murderous aura enveloped the Chu household. Long Yun’s expression darkened. Bursting forth with true energy, he smashed through the wooden gate and appeared in the courtyard, Chu Xuan in tow.

Inside, three figures sat, while Old Chu and Chu Xuan’s mother lay slumped on the ground. Old Chu’s face in particular was bloodied—he had clearly suffered greatly.

The three seated figures narrowed their eyes at Long Yun, sizing him up.

“After this incident, I was ready to let matters rest. Yet you are not content—you’d see me dead. Do you really think Long Yun is so easily bullied?”

In that instant, Long Yun guessed their origins. Only Qiu Di’s men could have followed him here with such murderous intent. No one else came to mind.

There must be a traitor in the Heart Sword branch! Long Yun was certain—otherwise, with how secretive he’d been, Qiu Di could not have known his whereabouts.

This infuriated Long Yun, especially since these three had attacked Old Chu and Chu Xuan’s mother, ordinary people. A surge of unbridled rage erupted within him.

“Long Yun, you should know that after learning the Grand Elder’s plan, there’s only one outcome for you: death!” one of the old men, at the Transcendence stage, said coldly.

Long Yun’s gaze hardened. “Let them go. I’ll go with you.”

The old man shook his head. “No. Cong Gui died by your hand. Do you think we’ll fall for your tricks again? Cut off your arms and walk over—or I kill them first!”

With that, he pressed his sword to Old Chu’s throat.

“Father!” Chu Xuan’s face twisted with grief. He had never witnessed such violence; his face went pale and he fainted on the spot.

“Benefactor, my life is worthless. Please, do not harm yourself for my sake!” Old Chu cried, tears streaming down his face, wholly unconcerned for himself.

Long Yun’s brow furrowed deeply. There was no way he could watch Old Chu die before his eyes.

“Old Chu, don’t speak. I have my own plan,” Long Yun said in a low voice.

The old man sneered. “I once thought you were formidable, Long Yun, but now I see you are ordinary. Letting a mortal die for you—only you would do such a thing.”

“Your taunts are useless. If you want my arms, you can have them!” With that, Long Yun extended his arms and walked toward the old man.

But suddenly, small hands gripped his arm.

“Big brother, you mustn’t! Our family already owes you too much,” Chu Xuan murmured weakly, just regaining consciousness.