Chapter 129: An Unexpected Companion

Once Ji Yao had exited the space, Situ Jing immediately entered the Universe Disk to enter seclusion. The moon-white disk returned to its appearance from the first time she had used it for seclusion: a dusty, unremarkable object resting on the desk in the study.

After resting for three days, Ji Yao’s first order of business was to inform Gu Qiu and Ling Ru that she was setting off again, and that she did not want them to risk their lives by accompanying her.

Ling Ru was the first to object. "Ji Yao, you cannot burn bridges like this. Wherever you go, I am coming with you. What if you encounter something like today again?"

Ji Yao looked at Gu Qiu, who wore an equally disapproving expression.

"Junior Sister, there are some things I may not ask about, but if you intend to act on your own regarding this matter, as your Senior Brother, I must intervene."

"Second Senior Brother! This doesn't sound like you. Shouldn't you be the one calculating every possibility for me and then letting me handle the execution? Where did the trust you once had in my abilities go?" Ji Yao teased.

Gu Qiu reached out and tapped Ji Yao on the forehead. "You know full well that I would calculate everything for you, so how can you not understand my concern? I think you’ve just grown too accustomed to your freedom."

Rubbing her sore forehead, Ji Yao sighed helplessly. "Why have you both suddenly lost confidence in me? Fine, I’ll show you something precious."

Guided by Situ Jing, Ji Yao began to speak. "When the Immortal Realm ascended and separated, the three thousand worlds were severed, leading to a deficiency of energy in every realm."

"Indeed," Situ Jing continued, explaining. "It is precisely because of this insufficient energy that these ancient sealed demons, lacking the energy to sustain themselves, have been forced into a permanent slumber."

"This is also why there is an Immortal-Demon War in the Immortal Realm every so and so years, while the three thousand worlds remain relatively peaceful. While the separation from the Immortal Realm limits the growth of all races, it also provides them with enough space to survive."

"Although small realms occasionally face demon-related disturbances, they rarely escalate into major catastrophes. However, the situation in the Cang Realm this time is clearly no minor incident. If not handled properly, it could become a great disaster."

Ji Yao’s face darkened. These events felt far removed from her, yet she found herself entangled in them, unsure of what kind of pawn she was in this grand design.

"Very well, tell me what you sensed," Situ Jing said, changing the subject.

"These are only our speculations, and we have no concrete evidence. Some things must be verified in person; otherwise, how can we find the best strategy to deal with them?"

Adjusting her mindset, Ji Yao nodded and described her intuition.

"Senior, I saw the existence of that poison, and I felt two distinct forces calling out to it. One was filled with malice, while the other was merely a simple summons, devoid of any other hidden meaning."

"Although both forces point towards the northwest, the malicious one likely originates from the Forbidden Demon Lands, but the other lies further north."

Ji Yao projected a simple map of the Cang Realm. She pointed to the location of the Forbidden Demon Lands and traced a line further north, landing on a canyon known as the Abyss of Desolation, located at the junction of the Great Yu Mountains in the Northern Barrens and the Western Ridge.

"What kind of place is this Abyss of Desolation?" Ji Yao had not previously studied the map of the Cang Realm in detail, so while she might have heard some names, she had never delved into them. If not for the sensation pulling her further north of the Western Ridge, she would never have pointed there.

Situ Jing frowned as she looked at the location Ji Yao indicated, lost in thought. "Are you certain? You said it is even further north—could it be within the Great Yu Mountains?"

"It shouldn't be the Great Yu Mountains," Ji Yao said, touching her brow as she recalled the feeling.

"The two summoning signals are similar and connected, yet distinct. Estimating by the distance of their tether," Ji Yao tapped the name of the Abyss of Desolation on the map again, "it must be here."

Ji Yao did not understand why Situ Jing had such a troubled expression upon hearing the name, until she explained the situation of the Abyss of Desolation.

The Abyss of Desolation was a canyon over a thousand meters deep, stretching exactly far enough to separate the Western Ridge from the Northern Barrens. It was a forbidden zone for cultivators because it was a land devoid of spiritual energy—and devoid of demonic energy, as well.

Of course, that alone did not define its deadliness. The true danger lay in the gray mist that filled the air above the canyon year-round, accompanied by a strange suction force. Any person or beast that attempted to fly over it would be drawn in by this force and vanish without a trace.

Some of those who went missing had left behind soul lamps; within three days of being pulled in, their lamps would extinguish, which was clear evidence that they had perished.

Therefore, the Abyss of Desolation was truly a place where no soul dared tread, and not even birds could cross.

At some point, rumors began to spread that the gray mist of the Abyss would occasionally clear in certain spots, allowing those with the skill to descend and ascend safely. However, this timing was not fixed; it was entirely random, both in frequency and duration. If one failed to navigate the path while the mist was clear, they would be pulled into the fog and perish. No one could verify these claims, and those who spread them had never actually approached the place. Perhaps some had entered and returned safely, but they certainly kept their secrets, preventing such rumors from spreading so wildly.

Situ Jing summarized, "The Abyss of Desolation has existed for as long as I can remember. I do not know when it was formed, but if your intuition is correct, I suspect it may be the site of an ancient demonic seal."

Ji Yao was speechless for a long time. This place sounded even more treacherous than the Forbidden Demon Lands.

"Since the summons from there can reach out and is linked to the Forbidden Demon Lands, it is very likely that some sort of breach has occurred there," Ji Yao speculated to herself.

Situ Jing tapped her. "Do not overthink it. Even if you could enter, your current cultivation level would make it impossible. So, for now, we will not consider that place."

Ji Yao scratched the back of her head and muttered, "We could always prepare for the worst!"

"You said that the summons from there hasn't targeted you, so we will ignore it for now and focus on the more urgent matter ahead," Situ Jing analyzed for her.

"Currently, you have three tasks: first, continue to investigate the Forbidden Demon Lands; second, strive to improve your cultivation; and third, obtain the Source of Wood as soon as possible."

Ji Yao felt this last point was an unexpected joy. She had thought that after so many complications, the Source of Wood would no longer be enough to solve her problems, but it seemed it was still effective.

"Senior, can the Source of Wood still clear this poison?"

Situ Jing slanted a look at her. "What are you thinking? The poison is a fact, and the summoning is merely an auxiliary effect. Detoxification is essential. Regardless of whether those summons persist after the poison is gone, at least you will no longer have to worry about your life at every moment. Or are you saying you no longer wish to be cured?"

How could that be! Ji Yao quickly waved her hands. "Senior, I misunderstood. If I can be free from the threat of the poison, I would dream of it with a smile. How could I not want that?"

Situ Jing chuckled softly, then rubbed her temples, her exhaustion evident.

"Enough. Rest for a few days and prepare to continue your journey. Take this backtracking stone; once you get close to the Forbidden Demon Lands, hang it on your person. It will record everything you see."

Seeing Situ Jing’s condition and hearing these words, Ji Yao could not help but feel anxious.

"Senior, are you planning to enter seclusion immediately?"

For the first time, Situ Jing reached out and stroked Ji Yao’s hair like a close elder.

"Yes. I must recover the spiritual energy I have expended as quickly as possible. I will not be able to watch over you on the road ahead. You must be extremely careful. Do not venture deep into the Forbidden Demon Lands. If you encounter something you cannot resolve, return to the Lingyun Sect immediately."

"Senior!"

"Only with sufficient cultivation can you plan for the future. Do not be reckless, do you understand?"

"Understood, I will listen to you."