Chapter 0.102: Ancestor Ye’s Arrival
In Wankun Forest, Das Prefecture, Qin Gou arrived as scheduled, carrying his sword on his back. The disciples of Linjiang Immortal Nunnery all looked at him with admiration, indicating Xia Luyin’s great reputation in Das Prefecture.
“Fellow Daoist Xia is truly a man of his word, coming as promised. You are a model of righteousness and heroism,” Yang Mu said with a wide smile, every wrinkle on his face radiating joy.
“You flatter me, Fellow Daoist Yang. I merely act for reward, how could I be as noble as you say?” Qin Gou exchanged pleasantries while surveying his surroundings. He noticed that besides Yang Mu, there was another Dharma Aspect True Person present at Linjiang Immortal Nunnery.
Coupled with the impostor claiming to be a top-tier combatant, whom they had paid a price to invite, it was clear they were determined to obtain the Huaxuan Fruit Tree.
“Fellow Daoist Yang, has the maturity time of the Huaxuan Fruit Tree been confirmed for today?” Qin Gou asked.
Yang Mu nodded slightly and stated decisively, “There will be no mistake. When the Huaxuan Fruit Tree matures, a unique fragrance will fill the air. We will then enter the forest and harvest it together.”
“Then why don’t we just guard near the Huaxuan Fruit Tree and wait for it to mature before harvesting?” Qin Gou asked, confused.
Yang Mu’s tone turned vigilant. “Fellow Daoist Xia is engrossed in swordsmanship and may not be aware of this matter, which is understandable. In truth, unusual beasts always appear when the Huaxuan Treasure Tree matures. It is best to deal with the current trouble first, to avoid being attacked from both front and back.”
“So that’s how it is,” Qin Gou said with a slight smile. How could he not know? It was all an act. “But perhaps Fellow Daoist Yang is worrying too much. Ye Qishuang at this moment has no way of knowing Linjiang Immortal Nunnery’s true intentions, let alone come here to cause trouble.”
Yang Mu agreed with a smile. “But the sect’s message is that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Xia. Whether the demoness comes or not, Linjiang Immortal Nunnery will not reduce the reward promised to you by half.”
“Interesting.”
Suddenly, a melodious and pleasant female laugh, like water and song, rang out. It caused almost everyone present to tremble with fear and brace themselves.
The peerlessly elegant woman in a black dress, her demeanor majestic, stood alone in the air with her arms crossed. Her eyes were as cold as bone, as if a divine being had descended.
“A fine divination art. The esteemed members of Linjiang Immortal Nunnery are indeed waiting here for death,” Ye Qishuang said, a proud smile playing on her lips. She lightly held the world-renowned ‘Fate-Seizing Dice’ between her fingertips.
“It seems I’ve jinxed it,” Qin Gou revealed an embarrassed smile, feeling his face slapped.
Yang Mu looked sharply at Qin Gou’s reliable figure and heaved a sigh of relief. He cupped his fists and said, “I humbly request Fellow Daoist Xia’s assistance!”
Qin Gou calmly stepped forward, looking directly at Ye Qishuang. He effortlessly drew the sword from his back, standing as imposing as a dragon. The demeanor of a generation’s hero was fully displayed.
“Mystic Maiden Palace Lord, let my Myriad Derivations Sword Art of Xia meet you!”
As soon as the words fell.
Ye Qishuang, high above, descended like a meteor chasing the moon. Without any hesitation, she flew past Qin Gou. During her descent, the Fate-Seizing Dice showed a ‘five’, and with a punch as powerful as lightning splitting the sky, she struck directly at Yang Mu and the other Dharma Aspect True Person.
A deafening roar echoed, ancient trees shattered, and a large number of Linjiang Immortal Nunnery disciples were flung backward. Yang Mu and the other two resisted with all their might and retreated. Only after they managed to stabilize their figures were their feet already deeply embedded in the ground.
“Ye Qishuang, your opponent is me!” Qin Gou’s eyes blazed with anger.
Ye Qishuang did not respond at all, as if she regarded him as invisible. Her movement technique was so swift and dazzling that it was mesmerizing, continuing her assault on Yang Mu and the other with imposing might.
“Fellow Daoist Xia, quickly come and help me kill this fiend!” Yang Mu roared through gritted teeth.
Qin Gou charged forward with his sword, “Ye Qishuang, are you afraid of me?”
“Yes,” Ye Qishuang replied directly, uttering a single word. It wasn’t just fear, but rather respect and affection.
Ye Qishuang’s response immediately gave Yang Mu and the other a sense of absolute confidence.
Qin Gou let out a cold snort. The blade in his hand moved with divine skill, pointing towards Ye Qishuang’s unguarded back. “Since that’s the case, you still dare to trap yourself and attack me? This sword will behead this demoness!”
Just as Qin Gou was about to succeed, Ye Qishuang still did not dodge. She sneered, “Sect Master Xia, your beloved daughter is naturally beautiful. This Palace Lord is quite fond of her.”
In an instant, Qin Gou’s sword stance faltered, and he was greatly alarmed. “Demoness, what do you mean?”
Ye Qishuang’s eyes showed a venomous glint, and with a mischievous and evil air, she said, “If you dare to harm a single hair on my head today, I guarantee that Sect Master Xia’s precious daughter, Xia Zhu, will willingly become a plaything for all to covet, and the biggest joke in Das Prefecture!”
“You!” Qin Gou’s face turned ashen, his right hand gripping the sword trembling slightly. His eyes widened with fury as he roared, “You venomous woman, how can you be so insidious and wicked! I will surely slay you with my sword to vent my hatred!”
Ye Qishuang sneered arrogantly, provocatively licking her lips at Qin Gou. “If Sect Master Xia does not cherish his own daughter, feel free to try! If you do not dare, then immediately get out of my sight and flee like a stray dog.”
Qin Gou let out a hysterical roar and plunged his sword into the ground. He looked at Yang Mu, who was struggling to hold on, and said with heartache, “Fellow Daoist Yang, it is I, Xia Luyin, who has failed you, Linjiang Immortal Nunnery!”
Yang Mu’s chest was deeply caved in, and he was severely injured. His eyes were filled with despair, and he cried out in misery. Who would have thought that this Mystic Maiden Palace Lord had already made arrangements? She had even long been aware of Linjiang Immortal Nunnery inviting Xia Luyin for assistance. Since Xia Luyin had taken a Spirit Oath, he would never divulge this matter and conspire with Ye Qishuang. There must be a damned mole within Linjiang Immortal Nunnery.
At this moment, ‘Sect Master Xia’s’ face was pale, his eyes were lifeless, and he dropped his sword. Being utterly controlled by Ye Qishuang, he was clearly unable to fight any longer. Yang Mu had already realized that the Ye Qishuang before him was several times stronger than the rumors suggested. Even if the Palace Lord of Linjiang came out of seclusion and arrived in person, without the protection of the Mountain Guarding Array, it would be difficult to defeat her. As for the two of them, it was only a matter of time before Ye Qishuang brutally killed them.
“Please forgive me, Ancestor Ye!” A flicker of terror flashed in Yang Mu’s eyes, and he said with difficulty, “The previous disrespect was due to our momentary foolishness at Linjiang Immortal Nunnery. This junior is willing to compensate Ancestor Ye at all costs, and implores for peace.”
“Oh?” Ye Qishuang said with a playful smile, feigning interest. “How do you intend to compensate this Palace Lord, old man? Tell me.”
Yang Mu gritted his teeth fiercely, not daring to hesitate. He revealed his last resort. “I heard that the person Ancestor Ye hates most in her life is the Demon Master of Arc-Moon Mountain, precisely because that scoundrel was presumptuous enough to attempt bestial acts on Ancestor Ye when she was young. Linjiang Immortal Nunnery is willing to join forces with Ancestor Ye to hunt down this traitor, and tear him to pieces and grind his bones to dust!”
As soon as the words fell.
Ye Qishuang froze completely.
At the same time, a white-clothed goddess dharma image, with several evil, pitch-black spider-like spears growing from its back, stood towering between heaven and earth. This characteristic combination of sacredness and brutality made all those present involuntarily recall its name… ‘Mother of Cursed Gods’.
What was even more baffling was that the usually compassionate expression of this ‘Mother of Cursed Gods’ dharma image had, on this day, transformed into a pair of sharp, ferocious eyes. The fierce might between her brows was deeply furrowed, emanating an eerie evil aura.
