The western city's abandoned district was a world apart from the bustling center of Qingrong City. Broken walls and dilapidated ruins cast ghostly shadows under the pale moonlight; weeds overgrew everywhere; the air carried the scent of rot and dust. Occasionally, night owl cries or wild dog howls drifted over, adding to the desolation and deathly silence.
Xiao Qi all his aura, moving like a wisp of blue smoke through the ruins under the cover of night. Following the jade pendant's guidance and the map's markings, he quickly found the Banyan Ancestor Temple.
The temple was even more decrepit than imagined. The main hall originally dedicated to the Banyan Spirit had long since collapsed, leaving only a few tilted beams and a ruined roof, barely maintaining a rough outline. Giant banyan aerial roots sprawled across the temple ruins like monster tentacles; some had even broken through the cracks, appearing eerie and grim.
Xiao Qi didn't rush in. Instead, he concealed himself behind a distant broken wall, his spiritual sense spreading like mercury, carefully probing the temple's interior and surroundings. Confirming no ambushes or other life signs, he cautiously approached.
The jade pendant at his chest grew warmer, guiding him toward a corner at the rear of the main hall, nearly completely covered by aerial roots and vines. Pushing aside the thick roots and creepers, he discovered a downward-leading, narrow stone staircase just wide enough for one person. A cold, damp breath of air rose from below.
The stairs led underground. Xiao Qi didn't hesitate, ducking through.
The stone steps descended roughly thirty feet, ending at a half-ajar, moss-covered heavy stone door. Faint light leaked through the door's cracks. Xiao Qi gently pushed open the stone door; a mixed scent of mildew and sandalwood wafted over him.
Beyond the door was a modest stone chamber, clearly once the temple's secret room. The walls were bare; only a damaged stone table and several stone stools occupied the center. On the table, an ancient oil lamp burned with flickering yellowish light, illuminating a figure standing quietly beside the table.
The person wore unremarkable black nightclothes, their graceful figure concealed; their face covered by black, revealing only a pair of deep, complex eyes. Though features were hidden, that familiar aura and the resonance from his blood made Xiao Qi instantly confirm her identity—Aunt Su!
Xiao Qi... Aunt Su's voice came through the, carrying an unnoticeable tremor and relief. You came.
Aunt Su! Xiao Qi strode forward quickly, his heart turbulent. Words jammed in his chest; he didn't know where to begin. He studied Aunt Su, noting stable aura but lingering exhaustion and worry between her brows—clearly these recent days hadn't been easy for her.
Time is short; I'll be brief. Aunt Su raised her hand, stopping Xiao Qi's questions. Her sharp gaze swept toward the stone door, confirming no followers, then lowered her voice, speaking rapidly. I know you have many questions, but I cannot stay long. Shadow Snake Pavilion's internal searches are extremely strict. I'm risking coming to see you about something of utmost importance.
Xiao Qi took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. Please speak.
Aunt Su's gaze fell on Xiao Qi's face, carrying both heartache and resolve. First, about your father. Xu Zhan... he truly still 'lives,' but his soul is completely imprisoned by the Soul-Controlling Jade. His body and consciousness are both controlled by that demon's remnant soul; he's now like a puppet, imprisoned in the Ten Thousand Souls Hall at the deepest part of Shadow Snake Pavilion's main altar.
Despite having suspected this, hearing confirmation from Aunt Su directly still made Xiao Qi's heart feel like an invisible hand was crushing it, painfully. His fists clenched, nails digging deep into his palms.
The Soul-Controlling Jade... how can it be undone? Xiao Qi's voice carried suppressed hoarseness.
Very difficult. Aunt Su shook her head, pain flickering in her eyes. The Soul-Controlling Jade is an ancient demonic artifact, connected to that demon's origin. Unless one could completely destroy the demon, or... find power that can counteract it. She glanced meaningfully at the jade pendant on Xiao Qi's chest.
What is the demon's current state? What is Shadow Snake Pavilion scheming? Xiao Qi pressed.
This brings me to the second thing I must tell you—and the most urgent threat. Aunt Su's expression turned grave. The demon's remnant soul was not lightly damaged in the last battle at Clear Void Sect, but it hasn't given up. It's frantically gathering something called the Four Symbol Soul Crystals—ancient treasures.
Four Symbol Soul Crystals? Xiao Qi had never heard of this.
According to ancient forbidden texts, there are four Four Symbol Soul Crystals, corresponding to the origin soul power of the Four Symbol Holy Beasts—Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. They contain the most primordial and powerful soul forces in heaven and earth. Aunt Su explained. The demon gathers them for two purposes: First, use their immense and pure soul power to completely solidify and strengthen its control over Xu Zhan's soul, making escape impossible forever. Second, repair its own damaged origin, even restoring part of its power!
Xiao Qi drew a sharp breath. If the demon succeeded, his father would fall into eternal darkness with no hope of rescue, and the demon's restored power would be a catastrophic disaster for the entire cultivation world!
Has it found them yet? Xiao Qi urgently asked.
Not all, but there are clues. Aunt Su said. Based on fragmentary information I've secretly investigated, the demon seems to have already sensed the general locations of the Azure Dragon Soul Crystal and White Tiger Soul Crystal. Shadow Snake Pavilion's elite forces, including Silver-Faced Envoys, have mobilized entirely for this matter. The Silver-Faced one you encountered in Qingrong City probably wasn't just targeting the auction fragment, but mainly searching for Four Symbol Soul Crystal clues—or... tracking you, who possesses purification power and could threaten their plans!
Everything clicked for Xiao Qi. No wonder the Silver-Faced Envoy appeared here. The auction's ancient fragment might contain a trace of soul power that drew their attention, but the real main event was those Four Symbol Soul Crystals!
We must stop it! Xiao Qi's gaze was determined, showing no fear.
I knew you'd say that. Aunt Su looked at him, her eyes carrying both approval and deep worry. But this matter is extremely dangerous. Where the Four Symbol Soul Crystals exist must be dangerous heavens and earth, ancient forbidden domains with guardians. Shadow Snake Pavilion's influence is vast; experts are numerous. You...
No matter how difficult, I must go! Xiao Qi cut her off, his tone resolute. This isn't just about saving my father—it's about preventing that demon from devastating all living beings!
Aunt Su watched Xiao Qi, whose expression so resembled his mother Su Wan's—that stubbornness that never turns back once a decision is made. She knew she couldn't dissuade him. She sighed softly, took out a translucent jade slip from her, and pressed it into Xiao Qi's hand.
This contains what I've been able to investigate about the possible region where the Azure Dragon Soul Crystal exists, and some of Shadow Snake Pavilion's known outpost locations. Remember, be careful in all things; preserve yourself above all! I will continue infiltrating within Shadow Snake Pavilion. If there's new intelligence, I'll find ways to contact you.
She finished, gazing deeply at Xiao Qi as if memorizing his appearance at this moment, then turned decisively. Her figure ghostly, she swiftly disappeared through another secret exit deep within the stone chamber.
In the stone chamber, only Xiao Qi remained, the flickering oil lamp on the table, and the jade slip in his hand bearing heavy mission and a thread of hope.
The secret meeting beneath the temple was brief yet urgent, with enormous information. Father's situation, the demon's scheme, the secrets of the Four Symbol Soul Crystals... A clearer yet more dangerous path stretched before him.
He gripped the jade slip tightly, his gaze like solid rock. No matter whether the road ahead led through mountains of knives or abyssal depths, he would advance fearlessly.