The Mysterious Figure

Seed Demon Holy Sect – Main Hall

Gu Feiyan sat regally on the sect master’s throne, her demeanor composed and noble. Holding a jade slip in her hands, she began studying the Dao Break Technique left behind by the Forgotten Self True Master for the first time.

She was unaware that a new life was quietly forming within her.

She also didn’t know what kind of extraordinary changes would occur when her Piercing Illusion Eyes, the unparalleled Dao Break Technique, and the Enlightened Body bloodline merged together.

A new legend was about to unfold. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure cloaked in black sat silently on the roof of the main hall, watching over Gu Feiyan. No one, not even Gu Jinghong, had detected this person’s presence.

—

Three Days Later – Mystic Maiden Palace

In just three days, Qin Gou had used his newly acquired Black Bamboo aptitude and spent 3,000 merit points to successfully break through to the mid-stage of the Hidden Artifact Realm.

Under Ye Qishuang’s personal leadership, a group of disciples from the Mystic Maiden Palace set out for the Falling Immortal Forest to confront the Nine Hells Manor.

“Why am I even here? It’s bad enough that Brother Qin is a substitute, but I have to fight with everything I’ve got,” Chi Yuchao grumbled, clearly unenthusiastic.

Qin Gou chuckled. “Perhaps the Palace Master was impressed by the power of your life-bound spiritual tool during that battle with Yan Huixue.”

“My life-bound spiritual tool isn’t that strong. It just temporarily disables cultivators of the same realm when I make direct contact with them,” Chi Yuchao said, sounding bored.

“That’s not strong?” Qin Gou raised an eyebrow. “If that’s the case, you could probably end this whole contest by yourself.”

“Let’s hope so. The sooner it’s over, the better. I’m not interested in the Rebirth Tower anyway. I only came because the Palace Master personally called me out,” Chi Yuchao said, his tone lazy.

“You really have no interest in the Rebirth Tower?”

“Of course I do, but it’s pointless. Not everyone can breeze through the tower like you, Brother Qin. For me, it’s just a decoration. Even if the Palace Master rewards me with twelve hours in the tower, I’d just sit there enviously staring at the golden mountain,” Chi Yuchao said with a sigh.

—

The group soon landed at the edge of the Falling Immortal Forest, where the disciples of the Nine Hells Manor were already waiting.

The Nine Hells Old Ghost’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “The Palace Master of the Mystic Maiden Palace is indeed a woman of her word.”

Ye Qishuang waved dismissively. “Spare me the pleasantries. Your disciples are no match for mine.”

“We’ll see about that,” the Nine Hells Old Ghost replied with a sly grin.

Qin Gou’s sharp eyes caught sight of a veiled woman in white among the Nine Hells disciples. Something about her seemed oddly familiar—the patterns on her robes and her slender figure stirred a sense of recognition.

He wasn’t the only one who noticed. Ye Qishuang’s gaze locked onto the woman, and with a wave of her hand, she reached out with her spiritual energy.

The Nine Hells Old Ghost immediately stepped in front of the woman, his expression dark. “What’s the meaning of this, Palace Master?”

“Who is she?” Ye Qishuang asked, her brows furrowed and her eyes cold.

The Nine Hells Old Ghost smirked. “Why the rush, Palace Master? You’ll find out soon enough.”

The veiled woman laughed lightly, her voice as clear as wind chimes. Tossing aside her hat, she revealed a pair of enchanting peach blossom eyes and an imposing aura. “No need to keep my second senior sister waiting. Outside of his presence, she’s got quite the temper.”

“You?” Ye Qishuang’s eyes flickered with a hint of surprise. “Qiu Qianyue, is this how you choose to reunite with me after all these years?”

Qiu Qianyu smiled faintly. “Senior Sister, we’re just doing what we must. Surely you won’t disown me as your junior sister just because we’re on opposite sides this time?”

Ye Qishuang’s expression darkened as she turned to the Nine Hells Old Ghost. “You’ve planned this well. Among cultivators with less than fifty years of training, there’s likely no one in the entire cultivation world with a higher realm than my fourth junior sister.”

“Fate is fate,” the Nine Hells Old Ghost said with a sinister laugh. “Surely the Palace Master isn’t thinking of backing out?”

Ye Qishuang’s smile returned, though it was laced with coldness. “From this moment on, the Nine Hells Manor will be listed as one of the least welcome sects in the Purple Mystic Alliance.”

The Purple Mystic Alliance was a coalition of demonic sects led by the Purple Extreme Demon Sect and the Mystic Maiden Palace. Being blacklisted would make life difficult for the Nine Hells Manor, creating numerous obstacles even if it didn’t cause major losses.

“Isn’t that a bit excessive, Palace Master?” the Nine Hells Old Ghost said, his face darkening with anger.

Ye Qishuang chuckled. “Didn’t my fourth junior sister just say it? I’ve always had a temper.”

The Nine Hells Old Ghost’s face turned ashen. After a moment of silence, he barked, “Nine Hells disciples, enter the Falling Immortal Forest! The contest begins now!”

Ye Qishuang nodded to her disciples, signaling them to proceed.

—

Disciples from both sides began entering the forest, scouting the terrain and setting up ambushes. They awaited the signal from their leaders to start the battle.

Qin Gou stopped Chi Yuchao, his expression serious. “Brother Chi, listen to me. If you encounter that woman, Qiu Qianyu, in the forest, turn around and run. If you can’t escape, surrender immediately. Don’t even think about stalling or trying to buy time… or you might face consequences you can’t imagine.”

“Surrender? No way,” Chi Yuchao said firmly. “I know she’s strong, far beyond my level. But a man should fight with honor, even in defeat. I won’t give up without a proper fight.”

Qin Gou sighed, glancing at Chi Yuchao’s thin, delicate frame. Smiling bitterly, he said, “You misunderstand me. I’m saying that with your current appearance, if you fall into her hands… you might experience something you’ll never forget.”