Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Xiao Yue, you need not associate yourself with the likes of this boy. Sealing talismans is one of the most intricate and difficult arts. If you wish to break the seal, you will need at least the skills of a rank three sealing artist. Now that the martial arts competition is coming up, I’m not even asking you to make any sacrifices for our Clan, but I only hope that you will think about your own future,” said Xiao Yuanshan.
“Papa, Ye Mo’s beliefs are also my beliefs. He has been nothing but kind to me. Not only did he gave me the Azure Light Sword, he even promised to help me reach top five in the competition. I know he genuinely wishes to help me. Now that he lost all of his powers, I can’t possibly just leave him,” Xiao Yue said. A clear look of determination graced her face.
“He gave you the Azure Light Sword? Didn’t you say that the sword was given to you by a master of the True Energy Realm?” Xiao Yuanshan inquired with surprise in his voice.
“I’m not that lucky. Ye Mo disguised himself as the master, and this sword was also obtained from the auction when he was in disguise,” said Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yuanshan had heard many rumors about this mysterious alchemist in the True Energy Realm. Not only could he create a Stabilizing Pill with aroma and markings, he could also subdue the Evil Energy coming from the spearhead, which even Ye Kuang did not succeed in doing. Ye Mo was indeed full of surprises.
Ye Kuang was such a fool! So what if a useless nobody died? If Ye Mo’s Energy Center had not been sealed, he could have represented Ye Clan and easily surpass Qin Clan, and even become the Castellan of Limestone City.
“A pity. Xiao Yue, seeing your determination, I won’t try to stop you anymore. But what will you do about the Limestone Champion List Competition?” Xiao Yuanshan sighed.
Ye Clan had Ye Changsheng and Ye Hou, Qin Clan had Qin Tianmu and Qin Shaoyang, Mo Clan had Mo Rulong and Mo Feng. Each of the prodigies’ abilities and experiences exceeded Xiao Yue’s by a lot. Not to mention that they all would be armed with weapons and be equipped with powerful techniques.
“Limestone Champion List? I suppose I will just have to try my best.” Xiao Yue’s fists were clenched tightly, and her palms were dotted in cold sweat. Her eyes that normally resembled the clear, round moon, were now clouded with worry. Now that Ye Mo had lost all his abilities, she was not confident in landing a place within the top five in the Limestone Champion List.
In addition, Man Tai would definitely play dirty in the competition, meaning that she would be entirely on her own.
“Try? Don’t worry, you won’t have to.” Ye Mo laughed lightly and walked towards Xiao Yue.
His confidence and ease bad returned to his face, causing Xiao Yue to ask quizzically, “You avoided the sealing?”
“This is no place to discuss important matters. Let’s head back to the Xiao Clan Complex first!” Ye Mo said as he alloted six dragons to his legs and dashed towards the Xiao Complex. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared from where he was standing before.
“Xiao Yue, looks like Ye Mo hasn’t had his Energy Center sealed. He was just testing us.” Xiao Yuanshan smiled ruefully.
In the Xiao Clan Great Hall, a curious Xiao Yue asked, “Ye Mo, what actually happened?”
Ye Mo filled Xiao Yue in on what had transpired. Hearing his recounting of events, Xiao Yue’s frown deepened with each passing moment, and when he reached the part where his Energy Center was being sealed, even Xiao Yue, who was normally very calm and collected, nearly swore out loud in anger.
“If your Energy Center was sealed away, how did you possibly undo the seal?” asked Xiao Yue.
Xiao Yuanshan, who sat next to them, was silent the entire time, as he knew that he had left a bad impression.
“How could a measly seal possibly restrain me? In fact, not only did it fail to seal my Energy Center, it was actually a blessing in disguise, as it gave me the opportunity to unlock the Gates within my legs,” said Ye Mo.
“Unlock your Leg Gates? How did you manage to do it so quickly?” Xiao Yue asked in amazement. For most people in the Corporeal Strengthening Realm, opening one Gate on average took about half a year’s time, which explained her utter amazement when she heard that Ye Mo had opened both the Gates in his legs.
“That is my secret. If anyone finds out, we will all be in danger, so I hope you won’t ask me any more questions concerning it. Once I retrieve my Formation-Breaking Spear from the Ye Clan Complex, I can face enemies up to Spirit Cultivating Fifth Realm. Once I open my last Gate, none of these so-called prodigies in Limestone City will stand a chance against me. And after that, securing a spot amongst the top five champions will be a piece of cake,” said Ye Mo.
“Then go ahead and focus on training. You are welcome to stay at my home, and I will give you my full support,” said Xiao Yuanshan.
“Uncle Xiao, although I do not like you, Yueyue is my friend. So, I will give you my help unconditionally. However, I won’t be staying at the Xiao Clan Complex for the next few days, as I have some errands to run,” said Ye Mo.
“Ye Mo, don’t do anything reckless,” said Xiao Yue.
“Don’t worry. I know my own strength, I won’t be seeking revenge from Ye Kuang at this stage,” said Ye Mo.
“Then where are you going?” asked Xiao Yue.
“I want to head to Spirit Valley!”
“Spirit Valley? That’s no place for people. It is thick with poisonous gas and heavily populated by vicious beasts. Even martial artists in the Energy Shaping Realm don’t travel through their easily,” said Xiao Yuanshan.
Many adventurers entered Spirit Valley, seeking its treasures and exotic beasts, only to never return.
Once there was a masterful Energy Shaping Realm martial artist who was very skillful, in that they were capable of creating a pair of wings using Yuanli. Yet even this person was rumored to have gone insane after venturing into the depths of Spirit Valley, and they died a gruesome death one month later.
“Uncle Xiao, don’t worry. If I wasn’t confident in my abilities, I wouldn’t make this decision,” said Ye Mo.
“Well then you better be on your guard!” reminded Xiao Yue, who noticed his resolve.
Ye Mo nodded and grinned at Xiao Yue. As he was about to leave, Xiao Yuanshan said, “Ye Mo, if you are going to Spirit Valley, can you do me a favor and seek out a plant, the Yin Poison Grass?”
Yin Poison Grass was a highly poisonous plant. Brief contact with its sap would be capable of causing instantaneous death.
“What do you need Yin Poison Grass for? This plant is extremely toxic. I heard that it even has a poisonous snake guarding it,” said Ye Mo.
“Papa, this plant is too dangerous, it’s better not to put Ye Mo at risk,” Xiao Yue said anxiously.
Xiao Yuanshan ignored Xiao Yue and continued, “Ye Mo, I’ve once ventured into Spirit Valley too. Unfortunately I never succeeded. This plant is key to Xiao Yue’s life, so I really hope you can keep an eye out for it.”
“Alright, I shall try my best!” said Ye Mo.
Xiao Yue took out a seal from her pockets and passed it to Ye Mo, saying, “Ye Mo, this is a Lightning Seal. You can use it on your Leg Gates. When activated, you can reach up to Spirit Cultivating Seventh Realm.”
“Thank you, Yueyue. With this seal in hand, I’m sure I will find the Yin Poison Grass,” said Ye Mo with a smile, and then he turned around and left for his journey.
After Ye Mo’s departure, Xiao Yue said angrily, “Papa, have you lost your mind? Most people can’t even approach the Yin Poison Grass, let alone Ye Mo, who hasn’t even reached Spirit Cultivating Realm. Are you trying to get him killed?”
“Are you worried about him? Do you fancy him?” asked Xiao Yuanshan plainly.
“Who said I fancy him? He’s my friend, of course I will worry about him,” said Xiao Yue, with a slightly embarrassed expression.
“Xiao Yue, your curse will be fulfilled within two months time. Not only your face, but your entire body will be covered in sores. Worst case scenario, your body will not be able to withstand the toxins, and you will essentially transform into a ticking time bomb. When it explodes, the entire Limestone City will perish from the noxious fumes,” said Xiao Yuanshan, his face etched with worry. In comparison to the championship, he was much more worried about the curse.
When Xiao Yue was merely a toddler, she picked up a bead, thinking it was harmless. It wasn’t, and it was this bead that inflicted the curse on her. If it was not for Xiao Yuanshan’s timely intervention by using a profuse amount of Yuanli to suppress the curse, it would have been fulfilled a long time ago. However, the curse seemed to have grown with Xiao Yue, as it had only gotten more powerful. Although the progression was slowed, Xiao Yue’s face was marred by green sores due to the curse.
“Can he really bring back the Yin Poison Grass?” wondered Xiao Yue.
