MSBITRS Chapter 86 V1

Southwest of Duxian Sect, ten thousand miles away—

In a secluded valley hidden by an array formation, several dark figures sat silently in meditation.

Outside the formation, a few more figures were stationed in all directions, alert and ready to fend off any sudden ambushes.

Even underground, three or four individuals were lying in wait.

At the deepest part of the valley, three Daoists hovered in a triangle formation, suspended mid-air. Beneath each one bloomed a gently rotating seven-petaled blood lotus.

These three blood lotuses, drawn from the netherworld’s Blood Sea, had already been half absorbed by each of them.

A faint mosquito-like buzz echoed in their minds, causing them to simultaneously interrupt their cultivation and listen closely.

Moments later, all three opened their eyes and responded in unison:

“Yes, Master.”

The buzzing slowly faded from their minds.

Old Daoist Yuan Ze took a slow breath and said firmly:

“Though the vanguard has fallen, it was only because we had yet to perfect our respective paths and were unable to act in time.

Once we’ve refined the blessings bestowed upon us by our Master, we will surely—”

“Enough, my friend! Spare us the words.”

The middle-aged Daoist to his left quickly cut him off. “Talk is cheap. Let’s focus on completing our task. That’s what truly matters.”

“Well said.”

Yuan Ze chuckled awkwardly and gradually closed his eyes again, murmuring:

“Once we attain our Golden Immortal Dao Fruits, the likes of Duxian Sect will be nothing. We’ll take it down with ease.”

As he spoke, a confident, serene smile curled at his lips.

The two other cultivators—refiners from Jinao Island whose souls had also been corroded by blood mosquitoes—exchanged a quick, concerned glance.

He said it…

Maybe we should suggest to the Master that he appoint someone else…

They shook their heads, pondering briefly before slipping back into their emotionless expressions and silently continuing their meditation.

By now, their minds were entirely occupied by a singular command—

“Absorb the lotus. Form your Dao Fruit. Destroy Duxian Sect.”

The time left for them to think freely was growing scarce.

Once more, the three blood lotuses spun slowly. Strands of blood-red light streamed into their robes, feeding their slowly forming Dao Fruits…

Meanwhile…

“Xiaoya, there’ve been disturbances near the sect recently—some petty intrusions. Things are uneasy. Don’t shut yourself in to cultivate right now. If disaster strikes, head to the Hundred Affairs Hall immediately.”

Standing atop a cloud, Youqin Xuanya let the cool, spiritual wind brush past her, her master’s words echoing in her heart.

Disaster…

If the sect were truly attacked, what could she, as the sect’s current top disciple, do?

Should a powerful enemy come to the gates, there was no way unascended disciples like her could stop them.

But if calamity did come, and the defensive array began to fail, perhaps the best thing the disciples could do was to stay out of the way, protect themselves, and allow the immortals to focus on battle without distractions.

She hated that she hadn’t yet ascended—she couldn’t help shoulder the burden for her master or grandmaster.

But she had to do something.

Pressing her lips together, her eyes shone with resolve. She turned and flew straight to the Hundred Affairs Hall.

Soon, she received permission from the hall and obtained an elder’s token, which would allow her to visit each peak and inform fellow disciples of the emergency escape routes connected to the sect’s ley lines.

After stepping out of the hall, she paused for a moment of thought, then headed directly for Little Qiong Peak.

Only Senior Uncle Qiyuan, Senior Brother Changshou, and Junior Sister Ling’e reside there. If danger comes, they’re more vulnerable than the larger peaks. It makes sense to inform them first.

With that logic in mind—along with a hint of unease—she soared toward Little Qiong Peak.

From a distance, she spotted Ling’e floating casually on the surface of the lake. Her tension eased, and she descended gently on a cloud.

Just as she entered the outer protective array of the peak, she heard—

Ribbit… Ribbit…

Frog croaks echoed around the area, and shimmering jade silhouettes darted near the shore.

Though it was a place of spiritual cultivation, it carried a tranquil, pastoral charm.

Youqin Xuanya landed at the lakeside, her gaze falling on the energetic jade frogs. A soft smile crossed her face.

Ever since Senior Brother Changshou had gifted her an adorably chubby pink pig-spirit beast, she’d unexpectedly discovered an entirely new side of the world.

Though, due to frequent closed-door cultivation, that poor piglet had died under her care, which had left her heartbroken for months. She even buried it beneath Po Tian Peak…

Still, from then on, she’d developed a soft spot for cute spirit beasts.

Standing by the water’s edge, she leaned forward gently. The lake reflected her breathtaking beauty and slender figure.

She gazed at two dainty spirit frogs and, for once, a gentle smile broke across her typically cold expression.

But as if sensing her eyes on them, the two frogs, having only recently matured, suddenly leapt back toward the shallows and kicked away, vanishing beneath the rippling water.

Youqin Xuanya tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes still warm and soft.

Just then, ripples formed in the center of the lake. Three glowing pearls began to rotate, casting a soft, ambient light.

From within the glow, a graceful figure slowly rose from the lake—Ling’e—holding two water spheres in her hands. One contained a spiritual fish, the other a jade frog.

Bathed in gentle light, Ling’e squinted and called out with a playful tone:

“O beautiful Senior Sister~
Do you want this delicious liwei fish?
Or perhaps this scrumptious jade frog?
Or maybe you’d prefer your adorable and capable Junior Sister Ling’e to brew you tea and whip up some snacks?”

Youqin Xuanya couldn’t help but laugh, bright and clear, like plum blossoms blooming or snow lotuses opening in spring.

Ling’e skipped over from the lake, grinning. “Let’s head inside, Senior Sister. My brother’s gone to Dan Ding Peak.”

“All right,” Youqin Xuanya replied softly and began walking with her.

But halfway there, she paused, suddenly startled by a realization.

Tasty…?

“Wait—are those… edible?”

Ling’e blinked. “Of course!

Liwei fish are delicious—pan-fried, steamed, stewed, soup—you name it. And my brother’s secret seasoning is amazing!

Jade frog? You can make frog-fish stew, spicy frog… I’ve learned all his recipes!”

Youqin Xuanya frowned slightly. “But we’ve already learned to fast. Why do we still eat these?”

Ling’e giggled. “Maybe Uncle Jiujiu could explain. Alcohol’s useless for cultivation, but he treats it like half his soul. So why not indulge the taste buds too?”

“I suppose… that makes sense.”

“Words mean little without proof,” Ling’e said, rolling up her sleeves and pulling out her seasoning pouch. “Just wait, Senior Sister—your little sis is going to show off today!”

Youqin Xuanya blinked, about to respond, but Ling’e was already humming and hopping toward the stove.