Compared to placing a piece, it is more important to observe one’s own ntal realm before doing so and practice within it.
Mo Wuzheng sotis would think for several days even with a piece in hand.
Ning Chenxiao was no different.
Hiss...
A leaf fell onto the chessboard, and the two remained oblivious.
A mont later, the leaf drifted away with the wind, vanishing from the board, and still, they remained unaware.
Suddenly, Ning Chenxiao’s previously calm and unperturbed face showed an indescribable astonishnt. Clad in snow-white robes, he held a white piece in his hand, but at this mont, everything was interrupted.
Mo Wuzheng asked, "Chenxiao, my friend, why are you moved?"
Ning Chenxiao stood up abruptly, saying, "Sothing’s happened!"
He placed the white piece aside, quickly rising and heading toward the depths of the secret palace on Qingzhu Mountain.
At the end of the palace, five soul lamps hung silently.
Song Yan’s lamp had been taken away before he left; originally, a dim Double Fla Soul Lamp belonged to Ning Chenxiao, as he had once been trapped by a demon barrier, causing his soul lamp to flicker, now stabilized as his soul lamp returned to tranquility.
But while his soul lamp cald, another single fla soul lamp began to dim drastically. In the bronze lotus platform, the originally bright soul fire flickered wildly, rapidly shrinking from a robust blaze to a faint flicker resembling a bean.
Mo Wuzheng exclaid in surprise, "This..."
Ning Chenxiao anxiously said, "It’s Sister Yunmiao!!"
The two watched silently, witnessing the soul fire struggle until it ultimately... extinguished.
Ning Chenxiao was dumbfounded, soon replaced by a furious expression.
Mo Wuzheng, watching the extinguished soul fire, smiled faintly with relief in his heart.
A little over a year after Ming Ruyin’s soul lamp was extinguished, he arrived at Qingzhu Mountain.
He, along with Liu Venerable, knew that Ning Yunmiao had gone to the Western Nether Realm early.
And so did Ming Ruyin.
If Ming Ruyin had died and Ning Yunmiao remained unhard, they would have to prepare for the leak regarding the "Blood River Sect mber," setting an inescapable net for Ning Yunmiao’s return. If she circumvented it and returned, it would inevitably lead to a fierce and bloody conflict.
But... Ning Yunmiao’s soul lamp also extinguished.
A good thing.
All’s well that ends well.
...
...
"Did you leave a back door? Grandpa... are you always this cautious?" Ning Yunmiao looked at the elderly man with surprise.
Ning Daozhen said, "Since there’s an unexpected situation, we must not harbor wishful thinking. Having discovered the issues with the Shadow-Inspection Treasure Mirror, I naturally left a safeguard.
With Chenxiao here, I am reassured. Once Chenxiao perceives anything amiss, he will make his own judgnt and extinguish your soul lamp at the crucial mont.
Since Ming Ruyin has perished, and her soul lamp extinguished, the Blood River Sect mbers will most likely suspect you and send soone to investigate your situation.
Once they co, then... your soul lamp can be put out. Although I did not see it, I trust that Chenxiao has made the right judgnt.
So, my little Yun, as far as the world is concerned, you are already dead."
Seeing that Ning Yunmiao wanted to say more, Ning Daozhen remarked, "The struggle between the Saints is extrely cruel, and the paths of righteousness and evil are rely pieces on their chessboard; beyond the Nine Heavens, much remains obscured.
Since Xiao Song is caught in the crossfire between two Saints, and has ford a cause and effect with the Saint, and the Blood River Saint, I cannot predict the matters of the Saints, but I know Xiao Song is already in the ga as a significant piece.
My little Yun, you ought to be quite familiar with this star domain; take Xiao Song with you, conceal your nas, and grow in peace.
Do not return to the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace!
I know you’re preparing to advance to the Realm Ruins Realm; it’s a good opportunity to guide Xiao Song as well."
Ning Yunmiao remained silent for a mont, then slowly nodded, "Grandpa is right. Impulsively returning now would only spark a war. I once thought this was rely the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace purging spies, but given the widespread involvent, I will heed Grandpa’s advice—hide my identity with my junior brother."
She turned to look at Song Yan, a complex expression flashing in her eyes, saying, "Junior brother, it seems we shall journey together again."
Song Yan was quite pleased.
He felt Ning Daozhen’s arrangents were very adept, befitting a true master looking after juniors.
Previously, he felt returning would certainly take him into a den of dragons and tigers, and he had already steeled himself, planning to observe as he proceeded, escaping at the first sign of trouble.
Being able to avoid returning to the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace was indeed quite fortunate.
He respectfully bowed, saying, "Senior, I have a place in the lower realm with so old acquaintances. I fear the Blood River Sect mbers might retaliate."
Ning Daozhen said, "Most people in the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace are good. I have friends throughout the world. Knowing this, how can I let them easily succeed?
Your world down there is already under the watchful eyes of Elder Dan. Elder Dan has a stubborn personality, but he is a good person, and with my renewed awareness, you just rest assured.
Next ti we et, perhaps there will be many more of your old friends among the new generation of disciples in the Sword Palace."
Song Yan expressed his gratitude, then added, "So... should I still address you as senior, or... master?"
Ning Daozhen chuckled, "To be honest, that seed is the legacy of Brother Mohan. After searching high and low, I found you to be its rightful custodian. Thus... you ought not call master, but Brother Mohan as master."
As he spoke, he closed his eyes slightly, sighing, "Brother Mohan always wanted to enlighten the Sea of Suffering’s obsession, to enlighten the Celestial Demon Evil Thought. Perhaps only you are suitable to inherit his last wish, right?"
As the last three words fell, a smile returned to his face.
Song Yan froze.
His "Great Freedom Realm" coupled with "Substitute Death" could indeed exhaust the entire Sea of Suffering, but... common obsessions in the Sea of Suffering were no longer worthy of "the price."
Ning Daozhen seemingly saw through his mind, smiling, "Plant that seed, and you’ll fulfill your wish. Go now... linger no longer here."
Song Yan and Ning Yunmiao bid their farewells once more, then boarded the ancient ship, changing its appearance, and set off into the starry sky toward an unfamiliar course.
On this spot, Ning Daozhen watched the ancient ship dissolve entirely, his expression complicated, gently stroking his beard, before smiling and uttering, "Daozhen, although you found and freed with a bone shard, and you have great rit, this disciple and I are truly fated, so I won’t let you have him."
His figure transford into another visage.
If Ning Yunmiao were here, she’d recognize that this was not Ning Daozhen, but... the late Gu Mohan.
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