Three days after Yun Yao left, Zhen Lu discovered himself studying ancient manuscripts in the sect library. His study of Danxia Sect's Soul Vessels had produced little more than fundamental understanding; they were certainly stores of spiritual essence, usually holding energy from respected ancestors or founding immortals.
Zhao Yunxiao's voice sounded from Zhen's table as he neared, "You've been buried in these scrolls since dawn." Morning practice is already finished.
Zhen looked up, briefly confused. Time slipped away on me.
Senior Sister Mo Yu inquired about you, Zhao said from across the table. She looked worried.
Zhen said, gently folding up a scroll, "I'll find her later." Before the conference, I have been looking into Danxia Sect.
Zhao gave a nod of approval. Clever. Even for many farmers, their alchemy methods are enigmatic. Are you, by the way, coming tomorrow on the herb-gathering trip?
Collecting herbs?
Toward the western slopes. Every season, senior students guide younger ones to find medicinal herbs. Zhao spoke quietly. What is fascinating is that brings us close to the Old Sword Demon's home.
Zhen lifted an eyebrow. The Old Sword Demon?
Haven't you heard the tales? A centuries-old ancient disciple driven insane by cultivation deviance. Some claim he created a banned sword style that drove him insane. Zhao's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. He resides in a cave close to the western edge. Many say he is more over five hundred years old.
Five centuries. The time frame fit exactly with Zhen's prior existence.
Is this hermit named? Zhen inquired nonchalantly.
I believe Elder Li. Many refer to him as the Old Sword Demon. The group neither confirms nor rejects his existence. Zhao shrugged his shoulders. Probably simply stories meant to scare junior disciples.
Zhen, however, was thinking quickly. Loyal and bright, Li Chen had been his most gifted student. Should he have lived through all these ages...
Zhen remarked, "I believe I'll participate in that expedition."
Under Senior Brother Wei's direction, twenty disciples set out to the western mountains the next day. Zhen slid away toward the boundary marks as others scattered to look for herbs, following the delicate signals only a former sect leader would know.
Though aged by time, ancient protective formations still existed here. Until he came to a thin fissure in the mountain face, Zhen negotiated them with skillful ease. From inside, a slight sword aura radiated; it was controlled yet quite strong.
A raspy voice from inside said, "You should not be here, junior disciple." Go back to collecting herbs.
Rather than withdrawing, Zhen advanced and executed a special sword salute—one he had personally created and taught just to his inner circle followers five hundred years ago.
There was quiet. Then, from the shadows, an aged man slowly appeared. Deeply wrinkled, his face showed white hair hanging beyond his waist. But his eyes stayed bright, shining with inner strength.
"That salute...", the elderly guy said quietly, trembling. "That could have been taught by just one individual."
Zhen responded gently, "Hello, Little Chen," using the endearing term he had used for his favorite apprentice years ago.
The elderly man's eyes grew wide. Examining Zhen's energy signature, he circled him carefully. Not possible. Master Jiang perished battling the traitor Ye.
Zhen said, "And yet, here I stand." Reborn via the chaos system.
The ancient cultivator said, "Prove it." "Master would know something only you could tell me."
Zhen grinned. Practicing the Piercing Wind method on your twentieth birthday, you unintentionally broke my beloved teapot. You swapped it out with a worse duplicate, believing I wouldn't see it. Your shame made me laugh, so I never brought it up.
The old man's serious look fell apart. Falling into a profound obeisance, his knees buckled. Your Master! It truly is you!
Zhen murmured softly, "Rise, old buddy." You are no longer under my authority. I'm just Zhen Lu now, a junior disciple.
Li Chen got up unsteadily. How can this happen? When Ye Qingqing delivered the last blow, I sensed your essence scatter.
Zhen said it was a backup plan he had set up. Though at considerable expense, the chaos system permitted rebirth. I have only now come to remember.
They told tales for the next hour. Li Chen fled to develop in seclusion rather than joining Ye Qingqing's side. His powers had increased over the years, but so had his aversion to interact with the cult that had lost sight of its genuine past.
Li Chen said, "The sword methods you taught me marked me a demon." Few grasp their ideas. Eventually, I came back here, sometimes leading lost members when the cult wandered too far from your teachings.
What about Ye Qingqing? Zhen inquired.
Li Chen's face grew somber. Decades after your passing, she vanished. Rumors suggest she went to a higher realm. But recently, I have felt anomalies in the boundary formations—comparable to her energy signature.
Zhen verified, "She's coming back." Grand Elder Yun, I think, is somehow linked to her.
Li Chen nodded. "Yun Wuhen came a century ago." His methods always appeared... known.
Zhen got ready to go as afternoon faded. I had to go back before my absence is seen.
Li Chen pressed on, "Wait." Your present cultivation is too feeble to confront what is approaching. Allow me to assist in restoring what was lost.
Zhen was unsure. I have to be cautious. Any unexpected development would attract notice.
The ancient farmer said, "We'll be subtle." Arrive at dawn every fifth day. I'll show you how to regulate chaotic energy undetected.
Zhen inquired one last inquiry before leaving. The Soul Vessels of Danxia Sect—do you know their origin?
Li Chen's eyes narrowed. They call for the willing surrender of eternal essence. Why?
I found one with my own essence, Zhen said. Still, I didn't sacrifice anything.
The old man's visage grew pallid. Someone then collected your dispersed essence postmortem. Such a miracle could be accomplished by only the best alchemy.
Zhen shook his head sadly. A more enigma to crack.
Zhen's thoughts raced with fresh inquiries as he rejoined the herb-gathering team. But one surety stayed: he was no longer alone in his search. His most devoted follower lived, a bridge between his past and present.
He now had to get ready for the Danxia summit, where questions on the enigmatic Soul Vessel waited—along with possible links to the foe who had finished his former life.