Chapter Eighty-Eight: From Now On, It's Always Your Reflection

Setting up a third-grade trapping formation was a matter of ease for Zhou Xuanhong. His mastery of formations had already reached the level of a fourth-grade formation master, though there was some ambiguity in that claim. After all, the formations he had studied were the most advanced among the fourth-grade ones, while he was far less familiar with the more basic types—trapping arrays, killing arrays, large spiritual gathering arrays, and such. Yet, his high level was undeniable; given a little time, he could comprehend them all, becoming a true fourth-grade formation master in name and in fact.

With a wave of his hand, he gathered the remnants of formation restrictions within the cavern, then approached one of the passage entrances. Drawing a formation source with a flick of his wrist, he began to set up a simple third-grade trapping array, its power precisely enough to restrain the Centipede Beast for a period.

Meanwhile, his vision shifted, switching to Li Li's perspective. At this moment, Li Li was cooperating with Shangguan Liming and the other three to distract the Centipede Beast; more accurately, they were fleeing rather than holding it off.

Zhou Xuanhong had great confidence in this corpse puppet—his proudest creation to date—combining the arts of puppet refinement and soul forging. Its physical instincts and combat prowess far surpassed those of ordinary sword cultivators. More importantly, Li Li cultivated the Ruthless Sword Dao, though he had never achieved perfect entry into the Dao, for Qiao Yixue never gave her love to Li Li without reservation; she was only the second choice after Luo Tuan had found a companion. Thus, at Li Li's death, some emotion still lingered.

Now, as a puppet, Li Li was devoid of any emotion, which indirectly perfected his Ruthless Sword Dao. Though not truly complete, the sharpness of his sword core was far beyond ordinary internal sword cultivators.

Through Li Li's eyes, Zhou Xuanhong saw Shangguan Liming repeatedly try to assist Li Li in dangerous moments, but ultimately restrained himself. Clearly, he was a selfish and survival-driven individual—a typical cultivator.

Soon, Zhou Xuanhong saw that Shangguan Liming and his group could hold out no longer. He used a voice-transmission jade talisman to notify them, directing the Centipede Beast toward the tunnel where the trapping array had been laid.

The five soon burst from the tunnel entrance, followed by the massive body of the Centipede Beast, which paused to gaze at the six, as if hesitating to enter.

At that moment, Zhou Xuanhong raised his palm, manifesting a formation source. As it began to rotate, array patterns and restrictions appeared beneath the Centipede Beast's feet, transforming into a cylindrical wall that imprisoned it, suppressing its movement.

Seeing this, Shangguan Liming was overjoyed. Without waiting for Zhou Xuanhong's instructions, he and his three companions flew toward the opposite tunnel, fearing the beast would break the formation in the next moment.

Zhou Xuanhong and Li Li hurried after them. Though there were many ways out, Zhou Xuanhong still had use for these four.

After more than four hours, the six emerged from the cavern onto the surface. Shangguan Liming and his three companions wore smiles of survival. Zhou Xuanhong smiled as well, but his thoughts were unreadable, while Li Li wore a wide-brimmed hat that blocked spiritual sense, hiding his emotionless face.

Shangguan Liming cupped his hands toward Zhou Xuanhong. “Many thanks for your help today, fellow Daoist. Without you, the four of us would have been in grave danger!”

Zhou Xuanhong waved his hand dismissively. “Consider the two of us unlucky. Had I not been skilled in formations, and with the remnants of restrictions in that place, things would have been troublesome. Don’t forget the reward you promised.”

Shangguan Liming nodded. “Of course, I won’t forget. Anything within my power, I will do to assist you.”

Yin Qimeng chimed in, “Rest assured, fellow Daoist. We won’t forget. I am a third-grade artifact refiner; if you need equipment made, just ask.”

Zhou Xuanhong chuckled. “It’s not such a difficult matter. I’ve already approached the threshold of a fourth-grade formation master, but my brother and I are mere itinerant cultivators, so resources are scarce. The price of fourth-grade formation jade slips in shops is simply too high. Seeing that you all wear such fine attire, I assume you hail from powerful backgrounds. Would you mind lending a hand in this small matter?”

At these words, Du Wanyue and Jing Yuanxun, who had been silent, brightened. They hadn’t expected his formation skills to be so advanced—a formation master is highly sought after wherever he goes.

Jing Yuanxun cupped his hands. “I would be glad to help. Today, I owe you a debt for saving me. When I return to the Taiyin Extreme Corpse Sect, I’ll see if there are any jade slips you could use.”

Du Wanyue smiled sweetly, tucking her hair behind her ear. “I am Du Wanyue, a celestial physician. I too owe you my life. If ever you are injured, I’ll be at your service.”

Shangguan Liming realized Zhou Xuanhong’s immense potential but was puzzled. With such talent in formations, and a formidable sword cultivator companion, surely they would be prized anywhere—how had they ended up as itinerant cultivators?

Zhou Xuanhong, sensing Shangguan Liming's suspicion, sighed. “Thank you all for your kindness. Li and I were once disciples of a major power in the Left-Hand Region, but we offended someone we shouldn’t have, so we left the sect and fled to the Nameless Region. Now we’re weary. Would you be able to find a place for us to settle?”

At this, the four fell silent. The prospect of a future fourth-grade formation master was enticing, but the risks were considerable; if their enemies came seeking them, it would be difficult to handle.

Eventually, Shangguan Liming spoke. “Having benefited from your aid, it’s only right we repay you. How about this: you change your appearance and join my Shangguan family as guest cultivators. Are you willing?”

In the cultivation world, guest cultivators are those who serve a family or faction from outside its ranks, holding positions with some authority. Guest cultivators are usually highly capable and enjoy considerable autonomy, their relationship with the organization largely mutual benefit. Zhou Xuanhong, with his potential as a fourth-grade formation master, was more than qualified.

Seeing Zhou Xuanhong's hesitation, Shangguan Liming turned to Li Li. “Does your companion have any particular skills?”

Li Li said nothing. A sword light shot from his spiritual palace, instantly streaking toward Shangguan Liming, splitting into thousands of strands that filled the sky, shocking Shangguan Liming.

Li Li’s attack vanished as quickly as it appeared, withdrawing before Shangguan Liming could raise his defenses.

Zhou Xuanhong laughed. “Forgive the slight, fellow Daoist. Li’s temperament is such that actions speak louder than words. He is remarkable—once a prodigy of his sect, a standout among internal sword cultivators. From what I see, you too are half a sword cultivator; perhaps there’s much you could learn from each other.”

Shangguan Liming swallowed, sweat breaking out on his back. In that instant, Li Li, only at the third layer of the Golden Core, had threatened his life. The sword light hadn’t even reached him, yet he felt as if it had already pierced him through.

“Dao… Li, your sword is formidable. Even the Songshan Sword Pavilion of the Left-Hand Region would compete to recruit you. Is it not beneath your talents to join my Shangguan family?”

Li Li replied, “Give me cultivation resources, and I’ll work for the Shangguan family, including sharing sword techniques.”

Shangguan Liming was delighted. “Truly?”

“Truly.”

With a hearty laugh, Shangguan Liming soared on his sword with Yin Qimeng, calling, “Friends, come with me. The Shangguan family will not treat you poorly!”

Li Li mounted his sword as well; Zhou Xuanhong stamped his foot and flew with his physical body.

Jing Yuanxun and Du Wanyue exchanged glances and followed.

Along the way, Zhou Xuanhong discreetly inquired about the events of the past five years, especially regarding Xiaona. Upon learning that Xiaona had remained indifferent to his safety, a pang struck his heart.

It now seemed there were only two possibilities: either Xiaona had been possessed, so his fate meant nothing to her; or, in her heart, he had long ceased to matter, and even knowing his plight, she chose apathy.

Zhou Xuanhong closed his eyes, sitting cross-legged atop his flying sword. He appeared calm, but his heart was wracked with pain.

Even the ordeal of having his body fused and refined by arrays hadn’t hurt him so deeply. He was a selfish man, yet had always treated Xiaona with single-minded devotion. Sixteen years of accumulated affection had taken root in his heart, and now, this news struck like thunder on a clear day. Though he had prepared himself, the sorrow was overwhelming.

To love someone doesn’t require a tangle of grievances, love and hate, or mutual destruction. Sometimes, a single event, even a glance, can be etched in the heart and never forgotten.

All my life I’ve been wild and unruly, yet only in your presence do I display endless tenderness.

All my life I’ve been cunning and sly, yet only for you do I reveal true emotion.

I am not afraid to wait, even if it takes a lifetime!

But I fear there’s no return, fear empty joy, fear… that you are not truly you…

I touched you by accident, but you scattered like a dandelion; now everywhere I go, I see traces of you.

The journey to the Shangguan family was long. Along the way, Jing Yuanxun took his leave, as the Taiyin Extreme Corpse Sect had to change direction.

Soon after, Yin Qimeng and Du Wanyue also departed together, as they had reached the Kun Gu Gate. Before leaving, Du Wanyue gave Zhou Xuanhong and Li Li sub-talismans for voice transmission, making it clear she was interested in maintaining contact.

Only Shangguan Liming remained to guide them. He could not fathom Zhou Xuanhong’s thoughts; from his eyes, he could read nothing, and though he wore a smile, his gaze was unnaturally calm.

Li Li, silent as ever, fit the image of a sword cultivator; the stronger their sword, the stranger their temperament.

Whether bringing these two into his clan was the right choice, he did not know. But a formation master of boundless potential and a powerful internal sword cultivator were enough to secure his position as the young master of the family.