Chapter 58: The Printing, The Arrival

Since that’s the case, it seems the possibility of collusion between the human and demon clans within the Surging Moon Sect is rather slim. After all, a demon king perished in that battle. For either race, such a loss would be agonizing.

What surprised him, however, was the formidable strength of Elder Shadowmoon, who had once spared his life at Sun and Moon Gorge. He had never expected that the elder possessed such power.

Hongyun closed his eyes in contemplation, quietly digesting these insights, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the tabletop, each sound crisp and resonant.

The two demons, terrified of disturbing Meng Lian, dared not so much as breathe loudly throughout.

After a long while, the tapping suddenly ceased. Hongyun opened his eyes, gazed at the pair before him, and with a wave of his hand, conjured a spell and sent it into their minds.

Seeing the confusion on their faces, he explained, “This is a Nirvana technique crafted specifically for avian beings like you. It is called the Shadowfeather Phantom Sword Art. It emphasizes speed and explosive force, its strikes invisible and unpredictable. Once mastered and cultivated to profound levels, even demon kings in this world would be hard-pressed to contend with you.”

So powerful!

The two demons, awed by the depth of the art, had not expected it to be so formidable and instantly wished to bow in gratitude.

Yet before their bodies could lower, they were lifted effortlessly and sent out of the room.

“Cultivate well, you two. I will come to test your progress.”

They felt an inexplicable force restraining them, and by the time they regained their senses, they were already outside, exchanging fearful glances, too shocked to speak.

...

Inside, Hongyun paid no heed to their reactions. Once settled in meditation, he began cultivating the Surging Moon Sect’s arts.

Yet, lacking the advanced transformation techniques of the Surging Moon Sect’s later stages, he could only probe and deduce on his own.

Still, he knew little of this world’s requirements for transcending tribulation, and with no further manuals for cultivation, he keenly hoped some kind soul might “help” him.

For with only a remnant soul at the Nirvana Realm, completing his host’s obsessions and fulfilling the mission would be exceedingly difficult.

He desperately needed a breakthrough.

But increasing his power was not limited to ascending realms—honing his martial skills was equally important.

With this in mind, he retrieved the crescent moon blade he always wore and began refining it with his own baleful aura.

At the same time, his aura swirled in an eerie fashion, drawing the faint power of moonlight from the heavens into his body, his figure bathed in a gentle lunar glow.

His corporeal form, strengthened through countless hardships, was now capable of overpowering mid-Nirvana demons with sheer strength alone.

...

This region lay near the far northern Demon Plains. Though it was high summer, warmth was scarce.

Nearly a hundred days after their arrival in Mirror City, Chai Xiaoyue, wrapped in a thick robe, approached Hongyun with a face full of delight.

“Uncle Yun, I’ve mastered the Kuiyun Demon-Sealing Seal you taught me!”

Mastered it?

Hongyun had sensed the girl’s presence long before. Hearing her words, he paused, genuinely pleased—this meant he could finally pursue what he wished.

He smiled gently, his voice softer than usual: “Show me.”

“Oh.” Chai Xiaoyue answered softly, a little disappointed at the lack of praise.

She focused her mind and performed the technique. As it took shape, a tiny vortex appeared at her brow, and a delicate seal manifested on her forehead.

She truly had mastered it, though its quality was lacking.

Hongyun studied the soul-forged seal, noting the cracks and lifeless gaze in its design, yet still felt satisfied. The girl had managed to form it, which was enough for now.

He had expected her to create only a rough prototype, but this was already a detailed one. Now, he would refine it further.

Concentrating, Hongyun’s soul formed invisible hands, enveloping the Kuiyun Demon-Sealing Seal. With careful smoothing, the cracks vanished, and the cloud patterns on the seal became more vivid.

After some thought, he drew a drop of soul-blood from his host, letting it fall upon the seal.

A crimson radiance surged, gradually infusing the seal’s eyes and inscriptions.

Once it was fully formed, Hongyun withdrew his spiritual power and returned the Kuiyun Demon-Sealing Seal to her mind, reaching out to gently pat her head.

“I have now awakened the seal’s spirit for you. Practice with it often, and nourish it with your soul. When it becomes tangible, its power will be such that even demon kings will find it hard to escape.”

Chai Xiaoyue felt a warmth, as if she stood beside a roaring fire.

When that feeling faded, a trace of loss welled up inside her. Still, she smiled and replied to Hongyun’s words.

Without wasting a moment, she seized this rare chance to see Uncle Yun, knowing how difficult it was to visit him on ordinary days. Her spirits rose once more.

“Oh, right, Uncle Yun—during this time, I composed a new tune. Let me play it for you.”

Seeing her smiling, squinting eyes, Hongyun felt only greater fondness.

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

...

A silvery streak of light flashed across the sky, racing toward Mirror City.

As it neared, the light slowed, revealing a figure.

It was none other than Youming Huan, the influential elder of the Howling Moon Wolf Clan.

Faced with the man blocking his way, a hint of wariness flickered in Youming Huan’s eyes. After a moment’s silence, he spoke in a low voice, “I mean no harm. Within Mirror City is the murderer who killed one of my clan’s direct descendants.”

“You cannot simply barge in,” the man replied coldly, his expression unchanged. “The protection of Mirror City cannot be compromised. You may tell me his name, his identity, or your intentions. But if you plan to enter and kill, I will not allow it.”

“You...” A fierce glint flashed in Youming Huan’s eyes. He wanted to retort, but forced himself to swallow his words.

With a cold snort, he turned and left. There were other ways to lure someone from the Surging Moon Sect out.

As the figure blocking his way watched him depart, it too gradually faded away.