Chapter 76: Mu Xiyao’s Return to Resolve
The two arrived at the entrance of a vast cave dwelling.
“The Bi hai Skyflood Jiao guards this place. Let’s set up a joint barrier here before we enter.”
This was a common tactic among cultivators exploring dangerous domains; a barrier not only concealed their presence but would alert them if intruders crossed the threshold.
Mu Xiyao nodded silently. Together, they wove a complex restriction array at the cave mouth.
As they ventured deeper, a strange object suddenly shot toward Mu Xiyao.
Without hesitation, her sword sliced through the air.
BOOM~!
The object shattered instantly but a sinister red mist burst forth, spreading rapidly.
Mu Xiyao inhaled a trace before she could react, and her heart sank.
“Dragon Lust Incense Powder!”
She recognized it immediately. This substance could cripple one’s cultivation and stir suppressed desires into uncontrollable frenzy. Only a King-Sealed Starsea cultivator could purge it through sheer force. Otherwise. The antidote required physical intimacy.
Her instincts screamed danger. She turned to flee.
CLANG~!
A blade flashed behind her. Forced to parry, Mu Xiyao steadied herself, eyes narrowing with killing intent.
She understood now.
“You’ve figured it out? Good. I’ve waited twenty years for you, Mu Xiyao. I have status, talent, everything. Why do you still reject me?”
Nangong Liuyun’s voice dripped with obsession.
“You’re a born sword cultivator, gifted with three supreme sword talents. I’m the top blade master of the younger generation. We’re a perfect match. Why deny fate?”
He planned all of it.
Even the encounter with the Skyflood Jiao, its core, was used to refine this powder.
Mu Xiyao’s gaze remained icy, refusing to dignify his madness with a response. But inside, panic stirred. The powder was already affecting her shallow breath, her thoughts clouded.
I need to suppress it but if I circulate my qi, the effect intensifies.
Nangong’s expression twisted.
“I’ve laid countless restrictions here. You won’t escape. And I’ve enhanced the powder it absorbs through my skin now. Feeling it yet?”
Mu Xiyao’s face paled. The powder had seeped into her arms and cheeks. Her body burned with unnatural heat.
Stay calm stay focused
Nangong stepped forward, eyes gleaming.
“If you won’t accept me willingly, then I’ll take what I want. Once you’re mine, your master won’t dare refuse our union.”
“Sword Cleaves the Heavens!”
Mu Xiyao’s eyes sharpened. Sword intent surged, and she unleashed one of her trump cards, a strike with a hundredfold amplification.
Nangong’s face darkened.
“I expected this. Begone!”
His blade met hers mid-air, infused with fourth-layer blade intent.
BOOM~!
The clash echoed like thunder. Nangong was flung into the wall, but emerged mostly unscathed, his cultivation formidable, and Mu Xiyao weakened by the poison.
“You’re struggling. How many more moves can you make?”
He waited, confident the powder would soon overwhelm her.
Mu Xiyao’s heart chilled. She raised her sword toward her own throat.
CLANG~!
Nangong struck it aside.
“Trying to die? Not so easily. I’ll wait right here… until you beg me.”
He tossed a pill into her mouth, one that increased the chance of conception below the Cave Heaven realm.
He’s insane and he’s not alone. Even powerful figures from Cangyuan Ancient City support this.
Outside, Ye Wushang hesitated at the barrier. He and Mu Xiyao were friends, barging in uninvited could be awkward. But something felt wrong.
His blade instincts tingled. He sensed sword clashes and Nangong’s triumphant roars.
His eyes sharpened. A terrifying aura burst forth.
BOOM~!
The barrier shattered under his pressure alone.
Without pause, Ye Wushang laid a new restriction and rushed inward.
Mu Xiyao and Nangong both sensed the breach.
Mu Xiyao’s heart lifted then dimmed.
Even if he defeats Nangong will he spare me?
She knew her beauty was rarely resisted. Despair crept in again.
Nangong’s face twisted.
“Someone dares interrupt? Then they die.”
He turned a black-clad youth and appeared in a flash.
Seeing Ye Wushang, Nangong relaxed. Not one of the top-tier prodigies.
“Die! Blade Breaks Three Lives!”
His strike roared toward Ye Wushang.
Ye Wushang saw Mu Xiyao’s condition and the incoming blade.
His gaze turned cold.
“Pathetic.”
He raised his hand.
WHOOSH~!
A simple hand blade sliced forth no flashy aura, just pure mastery.
BOOM~!
Nangong’s attack shattered. The backlash sent him flying into the wall, buried in rubble.
Ye Wushang didn’t spare him a glance. He approached Mu Xiyao, waved his hand, and dispersed the powder.
“Are you alright?”
Mu Xiyao gritted her teeth, eyes pleading.
“Kill him.”
Ye Wushang nodded.
“Gladly.”
Nangong staggered out, blood pouring from his chest.
“Who are you?”
“Ask the underworld.”
SWISH~!
A blade flashed no scream, no resistance. Nangong was reduced to a blood mist.
Ye Wushang turned.
Mu Xiyao collapsed into his arms, trembling.
“Calm down.”
Ye Wushang froze. He hadn’t touched a woman in nearly a year and now, this peerless beauty clung to him.
“Ye Wushang I’m lucid. If it were anyone else, I’d rather die. But you, I choose you.”
He was stunned.
Before he could speak, her lips met his.
He hesitated then embraced her, no longer resisting.