Chapter 63: The Attack of the Amethyst Bell

Ning Qingqing could finally breathe in the fresh air, and in that moment, something she had never thought much of suddenly felt incredibly precious. Indeed, only by yielding was she able to escape Bai Shengyun’s grasp!

The effect of the concealment talisman faded, and Bai Shengyun stood before her, his expression once more severe, as if the complex emotions from before had never existed. Hands clasped behind his back, his gaze upon Ning Qingqing was calm and unruffled, though deep within his golden eyes something stirred.

Ning Qingqing thought she must be imagining things, and was about to investigate further when Bai Shengyun turned away, heading alone toward the vanishing point of the blood river. Her heart was in turmoil as she hurried after him. Now Bai Shengyun no longer forbade her from following, maintaining a silent indifference.

She kept her eyes on Bai Shengyun, and seeing he had no intention of stopping her, felt a little happiness bloom within her. Somewhere, the agonized howl of a wolf echoed, and the wind kicked up sand again; Ning Qingqing couldn’t help but recall the little girl, terror clutching at her. After all, who knew when that girl might catch up once more, baring sharp fangs and trying to devour her!

Driven by fear, Ning Qingqing matched Bai Shengyun’s pace, eventually trailing behind him like a little shadow.

The crimson river surged violently, within it blood skeletons bubbling and gurgling. Often swept under by the current, a few fresher skeletons burst from the blood, exposing bleached skulls that snapped their jaws and angrily jabbered curses.

At the river’s center lay an island, teeming with ghosts and monsters, from which shrill cries frequently erupted. Bai Shengyun noticed that many spirits and skeletons dared not approach the island, and those who did were monsters comparable in strength to the Nascent Soul stage.

He sensed a thick, venomous, domineering aura suddenly emanate from that place. His brows knit, and before the owner of that aura could spot him and Ning Qingqing, two concealment talismans appeared in his hands, swiftly pressed against them both, instantly masking their presence, voices, and forms.

Ning Qingqing, still puzzled, heard Bai Shengyun’s magnetic voice: "Don’t move." No sooner had he spoken than the skeletons began to call out in low voices, bowing their heads in submission.

A shadow clad in black stepped onto the blood river, approaching the shore with measured steps. The raging river did not affect him in the slightest; his hem and boots remained untouched by a single drop of blood.

Ning Qingqing could not see him clearly, but Bai Shengyun’s eyes narrowed, murderous intent radiating.

That man was none other than Huo Tianqing.

Though Huo Tianqing did not sense Bai Shengyun, he was aware of the presence of someone from the Immortal Sect—Ning Qingqing. He smiled faintly, swishing his wide sleeves, the embroidered silk flowers shimmering with an ethereal glow.

In an instant, wind and clouds churned, and the already dark sky grew even more oppressive. A heavy silence and overwhelming resentment pressed down as if a giant stone weighing upon the heart. The blood river boiled, steaming, skeletons within wailing in agony; the resentment above thickened, even vaguely revealing the shadow of a colossal beast.

Coinciding with the rare dual presence of sun and moon above the Evil Sect, beneath the sky saturated with death and rage, a blood-red hue stained everything.

Bai Shengyun was unaffected, but Ning Qingqing, unable to breathe, grew pale. Her bones cracked and fractured, pain so sharp she nearly screamed, but Bai Shengyun anticipated this and sealed her voice before she could cry out.

Ning Qingqing could only bite her lip, enduring alone the crushing pressure of the Void’s might.

Huo Tianqing cared little for Ning Qingqing’s interference, knowing that in these days, all members of the Evil Sect were patrolling outside—any trespasser lingering too long would inevitably be discovered.

His figure vanished in a flash, Bai Shengyun’s eyes fixed on the spot where he disappeared, mind replaying every movement before his departure.

Xie Yingying had just stepped out from her cave, stretching and relaxing her limbs. After so long breathing and cultivating, she had absorbed much spiritual energy, successfully converting it to her own power.

Now, the transformed energy swept through her meridians, clearing toxins and residual impurities. Soon, her mind was clear, her body lighter, and her spirits soared.

The only downside was that the purification left her sweating profusely; the circulation of spiritual energy warmed her, making her feel even hotter. She touched her neck, then looked at her hand—beads of sweat, and her hair stuck to her skin, making her uncomfortable.

Silver Bell happened to see her, blinking and asking, "Senior Sister, do you want to bathe in the Spirit Spring?"

Xie Yingying had been thinking the same, nodding, "Yes! But I need to fetch a change of clothes from my quarters. Care to come along?"

"Of course! I’ve been bored lately, and a little time won’t hurt," Silver Bell laughed, not minding at all as she grabbed Xie Yingying’s arm and snuggled close. "Let’s go, Senior Sister."

Xie Yingying shook her head with a sigh, pressing a finger to Silver Bell’s forehead to gently push her away. "Enough, why do you keep seeking me out lately?"

"I just happened to see you!" Silver Bell protested.

Xie Yingying saw the mischievous glint in her eyes and didn’t believe her. She was about to say more when, rounding a corner, they encountered Huo Tianqing walking slowly toward them.

Both straightened and greeted him in unison, "Master."

Huo Tianqing nodded lightly, then smiled at Silver Bell, "Silver Bell, I have some matters to discuss with Yingying."

Silver Bell nodded, "Alright," and quietly stepped away, obedient as ever.

Huo Tianqing approached, intending to walk alongside Xie Yingying to his study. But as he drew within three feet, the purple-gold bell at Xie Yingying’s ankle suddenly rang wildly, its piercing chimes unsettling the mind. Electric serpents darted out, fangs bared, lunging at Huo Tianqing.

Xie Yingying was dumbfounded.

Huo Tianqing, however, reacted swiftly, dodging the serpents with a flash and blasting them away with a palm strike, eradicating them entirely.

Yet in the next moment, electrified iron thorns sprang up within three feet of Xie Yingying, clustered and razor-sharp. Huo Tianqing recognized the familiar spiritual energy, but had no time to ponder. Distracted for just an instant, his arm was pierced through by the thorns, blood seeping as electric serpents gnawed at his flesh.

He gazed at the relentless thorns with a hint of alarm, then decisively leapt away; as expected, the thorns ceased their attack.

Lowering his gaze to inspect the wound on his arm, he arched an eyebrow, eyes glinting with amusement.