Stranger Danger

“Each one of us will choose a stone pillar. You will inject your true qi and spirit into it.”

Ancestor Black Robe instructed, “Do not stop until I allow you to stop.”

No one hesitated. They picked a stone pillar and began injecting true qi and spirit into it as Ancestor Black Robe commanded.

Buzz!

The next moment, countless cloud-like patterns appeared on the stone pillars, and the Sages discovered in astonishment that they were slowly losing control of the rate at which their true qi and spirit were pouring into the structures.

Moreover, it felt like the stone pillars were black holes. It could not be filled no matter how much true qi and spirit they injected into it.

Still, they were all Sages, and they knew what was at stake here. No one dared to hold back if only because they did not want to earn Ancestor Black Robe’s ire.

“Stop!”

About an incense stick later, when everyone was at the brink of collapse, Ancestor Black Robe finally gave the command to stop.

“Heavens, that was exhausting.”

Xiahou Zun grumbled after he caught his breath. He then looked up at the stone pillars.

Actually, scratch that. The stone pillars weren’t stone pillars anymore. They were now jade pillars.

For whatever reason, the eight titanic stone pillars had turned as translucent as jade and overflowing with light. They looked like miracles.

“The Jade Pillars That Seal The Nine Heavens: Become!”

Ancestor Black Robe let out a soft cry, and all eight jade pillars shone bright at the same time. The lights intersected and merged with one another until countless mysterious, impressive, and ancient runes covered all nine heavens, forming a restriction of epic proportions. The sky looked positively colorful and fantastical as a result.

Amidst the sparkle of colors and light, the scorched Radiant Tree began growing new shoots and pushing away its scorched barks as if it had gained a new surge of vitality.

Not only that, a thread of hope and light had joined the dark and desolate air that permeated this lifeless wasteland. Perhaps this land could regain its former vibrance once the Radiant Tree had reached a sufficient level of growth.

“The Kunlun Ruins is now sealed by the Sky Restricting Array, but it is very new and fragile because it hasn’t merged with this corner of the world yet. Someone needs to watch over this place for nine years to prevent Strangers or villains from damaging it.”

It was at this moment Ancestor Black Robe looked at Jiang Yunlai, Silver Moon Sacred Lord, Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial and Supreme Origin Profound Sovereign and said, “This incident happened because of you four. Therefore, you will be responsible for this task.”

“But—”

Ancestor Black Robe interrupted Supreme Origin Profound Sovereign before he could finish, “This is not a negotiation. If you hadn’t helped me against the celestial in the Kunlun Ruins, I would’ve killed all of you.”

Supreme Origin Profound Sovereign looked angry, but he did not dare to say a single word. He knew just how scary Ancestor Black Robe was, not to mention that they were all heavily injured.

“As it should be.”

Jiang Yunlai nodded with surprising coolness before looking at Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial and Supreme Origin Profound Sovereign. “This matter began from West Kunlun, so we shall take responsibility and guard this place. You do not need to involve yourselves in this, Dao Brothers.”

“No, this isn’t just your responsibility, Dao Brother. We have a hand in it as well.”

Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial replied, “How about this. We will take turns guarding this place. Do you agree?”

“I have no problems with that.” Jiang Yunlai nodded.

“I don’t care what your arrangements are, but no harm must come to the Sky Restricting Array until it is ready.”

Ancestor Black Robe warned coldly, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, but if something happens, then I will personally pay West Kunlun and East Kunlun a visit.”

That was the Sage’s last words before he disappeared like a bubble.

“Hahaha! I’m leaving as well, everyone. Take care!”

After Ancestor Black Robe was gone, Xiahou Zun let out a guffaw, patted away the soil on his body, and put away his broken saber. Then, he took to the skies and went away.

“My Buddha is merciful…” Wan Lingxiao and Long-browed Divine Monk also gave Jiang Yunlai and the other Kunlun Sages a nod before taking their leave as well. No one thought to linger for even a moment longer.

After everyone was gone, the four Kunlun Sages finally allowed their emotions to appear on their faces. Dark, brooding emotions.

“Dammit! It was all for nothing!”

The hot-tempered Supreme Origin Profound Sovereign was the first to yell out in annoyance.

Not only did they gain nothing from this venture—they had failed to find a way to neutralize their curse—they had gotten themselves a thankless labor as well. It was the worst possible outcome.

“That is how fate is sometimes. No one is to blame!” Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial sighed with surprising candidness and acceptance.

“Dao Brother—”

Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial wanted to say something, but Jiang Yunlai interrupted him first, “Please take your leave, Dao Brothers. This place is closer to West Kunlun, so we will take the first watch. We can discuss the details afterward. Agreed?”

“We shall happily accept your generosity, Dao Brother. Thank you, and see you later.”

Cyan Radiance Superior Celestial did not turn down the offer. They were seriously injured and in need of immediate medical attention. Otherwise, their foundation would become damaged. They took their leave after saluting Jiang Yunlai.

“What should we do now, senior brother?” After the duo were gone, Silver Moon Sacred Lord looked at Jiang Yunlai and asked.

“Quit pretending already!” A moment of silence later, Jiang Yunlai glared at Silver Moon sacred Lord with eyes full of coldness and murderous intent.

“What are you talking about, senior brother?” Silver Moon Sacred Lord asked in confusion.

“I am really not in the mood for pretenses right now, Imperial Princess!” Jiang Yunlai cut straight to the case.

A moment of silence later, Silver Moon Sacred Lord suddenly broke out into a grin. “Interesting. How did you find out?”

Silver Moon and I may share a disciple relationship, but she always addressed me as Sacred Lord, not senior brother,” Jiang Yunlai answered with ice cold eyes.

“I see. Then why didn’t you expose me earlier?”

A smile spread across Silver Moon Sacred Lord, or more accurately, Xuanyuan Xin’s lips. “Oh right, I haven’t fulfilled my promise to you yet. Of course you couldn’t bear to kill me yet.”

“Get out of Silver Moon’s body right now!” Jiang Yunlai growled murderously.

“Didn’t you promise me a body earlier? This one’s pretty high quality and suited for me,” Xuanyuan Xin beamed while caressing her own cheeks.

“I will not go back on my words. I will find you an excellent body.”

Jiang Yunlai uttered, “But not Silver Moon. Get out of her body, now!”

“Aw, really? It’s too late though. Besides, I’m quite fond of this body!” Xuanyuan Xin chuckled.

“It’s too late? What did you do to Silver Moon?!” Jiang Yunlai’s kkilling intent doubled when he heard this. He glared at Xuanyuan Xin like he would eat her alive.

“What’s wrong? Are you going to kill me?”

Xuanyuan Xin was unmoved, however. She continued to beam at Jiang Yunlai. “If you kill me, you will have nothing. The celestial arts, the secret arts, the way to neutralize the Life Tribulation. Nothing.”

“Can you bear to lose that?”

Jiang Yunlai’s eyes slowly grew bloodshot, and blue veins were popping on his tightly clenched fists. His killing intent was so thick that it almost felt tangible, and his emotions were reflected on the world around him. A dark, brooding storm gathered around them.

Xuanyuan Xin remained unperturbed, however. She continued to look at Jiang Yunlai smilingly and awaited his decision.

A dozen or so breaths later, Xuanyuan Xin finally revealed a hint of scorn. “What’s wrong? You couldn’t do it after all? If you couldn’t, then just tell me already. This bark-and-no-bite show is getting unsightly and tiresome.”

Boom!

Jiang Yunlai abruptly clenched his fists tighter, and the ground directly beneath their feet ripped apart dangerously. In the end though, he did not attack Xuanyuan Xin.

“Fine, fine. I’ll stop teasing you.”

Xuanyuan Xin gave Jiang Yunlai a harmless push on the shoulder and said smilingly, “I didn’t kill her. I’m just borrowing her body for the moment.”