Three

The sword energy suddenly engulfed the silvery shadow, yet Michuan, undaunted, reached out his hand from the remaining layer of protection, as if attempting to grasp something

He removed the silver ring from his right hand, muttering something indistinctly, as if a thin mist began to spread. The mist grew thicker, enveloping the entire azure pool, extending towards the Heavenly Gate mountains, where it overlapped with the bluish-gray sword light, drawing the sword energy into it.

"She is not the fierce sword spirit!" Michuan said, looking at the trembling sword body, "I have witnessed the power of the Soul of Wuling. If there were not a trace of kindness still residing in her heart, you would never be able to suppress her so easily!"

There was no smile in his gaze; he was merely observing a spirit beast—one that contained the inner elixir he required

After a long time, she sat down dejectedly: "Little Taozi, there is nothing at all"

"Look at me, Michuan. Do you see a sword? The Soul of Wuling!" An Qingye asked urgently, "Have you seen that sword?"

The wind was truly fierce, and Mi Chuan shrank her neck, hiding on the side of the sword platform to catch her breath. As she tilted her head, she happened to see a sign next to her that read: "Tianmen Water Crossing"

Mikawa bit his lip forcefully and said: "Do you think I am unwilling to help? But I can only see this part; I do not know what happened afterward"

The bluish-gray sword energy suddenly came to a halt for a moment, and the sword body slowly descended, revealing a faint red glow.

The Soul Sword of Wuling came to a slight halt

If it were not for your inner elixir, there truly would be no soul of Wuling in this world. Xi He, with a blank expression, began to silently recite the heart mantra

Sword Sovereign? Is Xi He the Sword Sovereign?

Mikawa knelt on one knee, concentrating all her attention to part the mists of time and reach out to that scene from a thousand years ago. The moonlight grew brighter, casting a chilling hue over all things in the world, and drawing her figure into an ever smaller silhouette.

But it is getting dark soon

At the foot of the heavenly ladder, there is a massive incense burner. Due to the off-peak season, the incense offerings are sparse. Mi Chuan walked up to the meditation cushion and involuntarily knelt down, gently touching his forehead to the ground, as if he could feel the myriad emotions of countless people—their joys, sorrows, desires, and thoughts flashing before his eyes, so insignificant yet so real

The Heavenly Gate has once again turned turbulent

Mikawa tentatively touched the seemingly ordinary stone wall with his finger, concentrating his mind

However, tonight, Feifei is somewhat unusual, constantly biting at her hem, as if urging her to leave

"Step back!" An Qingye's fingertips emitted an unending brilliance, coalescing into a dense and substantial cloud shield. The soul of Wuling was hindered, yet the radiance surged violently, the tip of the sword carrying an intimidating force, gradually piercing into the giant shield

Little Taozi looked eagerly at his master, chirping twice.

"So you deliberately brought me here to help?" Mi Chuan asked

It seems that besides us, they are also waiting for the "Heavenly Gate to open the waters".

Senior Brother?" Huanxing looked utterly astonished

The Qingyun Sword behind Xihe automatically drew a barrier, blocking them outside. He merely said to Huanxing, "I know your demonic power is not weak, red fox, feel free to fight me with all your might."

Mikawa dared not think any further and ascended step by step

"What are you doing?" Michuan asked anxiously, "What will Huanxing... be like?"

An Qingye's handsome face was filled with solemnity: "First, tell me, where is the soul of Wuling?"

Mikawa was so terrified by the killing intent that he could hardly move. Only An Qingye, instead of retreating, took a step forward. Although his face was pale, his tone remained as calm as ever: "Huanxing, the millennium period has arrived! Let go of your obsession, and I will help you leave this sword."

Mikawa inquired: "What is that?"

A full moon slowly rises from the other side, its light dispersing the nearby mist, passing through the Heavenly Gate, and quietly casting its glow into the distance

Countless sword energies cascaded down from the stone wall, instantly penetrating the body of the little red fox, as blood flowed into a thin stream, and the fiery red inner elixir emerged from her body, ultimately merging with the Qingyun Sword

Above the nine hundred and ninety-nine steps, the Heavenly Gate is shrouded in clouds and mist, revealing a vast opening that seems capable of devouring all things

The "Heavenly Gate Waterfall" gradually ceased, and the clear spring water seemed to be tainted with the color of blood, the blood of that infatuated little red fox from a thousand years ago, still flowing to this day

They are the clan of the Wandering Star, having sought the Soul of Wuling for nearly a thousand years. An Qingye explained softly, "Recently, they found the inn and entrusted me with the task of searching for the Immortal Sword. We have searched through numerous ancient texts and traced our way here, yet the clues have completely run dry.

Xi He preserved the human world during the battle between humans and demons with the spirit of Wuling, and was revered by later generations as the Sword Master. It has been nearly a thousand years since the soul of Huanxing was sealed within the spirit of Wuling. Once the thousand-year period is reached, the red fox within the spirit of Wuling will transform into a malevolent spirit

Mikawa couldn't help but shiver, and softly pleaded, "Could you... allow me to speak with Huanxing?"

Who exactly carved the solid rock walls into this shape

Mikawa looked up at such a magnificent scene and could only think of one phrase

At that moment, the little Taozi, curled up in Michuan's arms, suddenly leaped up and dashed towards the highest point of the Tianmen Cave

An Qingye smiled and said, "Innkeeper, what is it? Are you afraid that I am a bad person?"

"Yes, we still have to wait for a few more hours." An Qingye smiled and asked, "Are you willing to?"

Mikawa stood not far away, aware that Huanxing was still hesitating. ... Because she could sense the despair, resentment, and helplessness of the soul within the sword ... . ... She could also feel the last trace of her warmth.

Where did the Sword Master finally place the sword

A thousand years ago, was there also a little spirit fox kneeling here, seeking the fulfillment of love? And in the end, what did she ultimately receive?

An Qingye supported Mi Chuan's shoulder, his voice deep and warm: "What did you see?"

What will the malevolent spirit do...?

Suddenly, several figures appeared in the distance, and the companions of the fox clan anxiously shouted: "Xiao Hong! Your spiritual power is still present; you can still fight him!"

The soul of Wuling is forged, its brilliance pierces the night sky

A gust of wind blew in, and a few drops of water splashed onto Mi Chuan's face. She shivered, as if she had entered another world

The palm was immediately cut to a bloody mess by the invisible sword energy, yet amidst the excruciating pain, she remained fully focused and softly said: "Huanxing, Xihe back then... was not entirely heartless!"

An Qingye's expression grew increasingly solemn as he spoke softly, "Huanxing, once it transforms into the spirit of a fierce sword, there will be no turning back!"

The malevolent spirit will have no emotions and can only sustain its existence through slaughter. The Sword Master has long since vanished, and there is no one left in this world who can control the soul of Wuling. Unless she relinquishes her obsession and willingly disperses her soul

The sword's edge lunged towards the nearest Mi Chuan, the cold air severing a few strands of her long hair at the neck. An Qing Ye behind her quickly recited an incantation, and a beam of light appeared as if it were a shield, slightly resisting the force of the sword. The tip of the sword halted just an inch away from Mi Chuan's throat

Huanxing suddenly recalled the moment she first saw him, silently carving a wooden sword, from morning till night, his hands blistered yet he did not stop. ... That boy was so stubborn, with deep black eyes, making her feel a pang of heartache ... . ... She couldn't help but approach him, forging the sword for him, joining the Sword Sect, simply to make him a little happier

Huanxing stood beneath the stone wall, filled with a sense of anticipation, yet also a hint of anxiety. Today, she had finally mastered "Pacing in the Peng Pool," and her senior brother should fulfill his promise and present her with a celestial sword

Shocked by such a spectacle, the two stood up in unison

The water light resembled the sword energy from a thousand years ago, cold and hard, just like the sword formation of Xi He at that time, mercilessly piercing through the body of Huan Xing. The soul of Wuling trembled violently, and that thread of soft emotion was completely extinguished, as hatred surged forth.

What? Anqingye was astonished

Her gaze swept over the azure pool beneath the Tianmen Cave, where the reeds rustled, and many pairs of bright, sparkling eyes were also watching the heavenly ladder

Huanxing's face gradually turned pale: "You ... ... have known ... ... long ago ... ... that I ... ... "

The Qingyun Sword emerged, and countless rays of sword light gathered from above the stone wall, converging into a brilliant waterfall-like group of swords, which fell just dozens of zhang above Huanxing's head. As long as he lightly waved his hand, when they descended, it would be the moment when the little red fox perished and the soul of Wuling was refined.

Huanxing ... ... Xihe ... ... '' She was already in tears, sobbing and unable to speak.

"Tianmen Waterfall" is one of the mysteries of Tianmen Mountain. All waterfalls in the world have a source, yet here, the stone wall has no water source, and every few decades or even a century, it violently gushes forth water during the dry season, flowing down for several tens of zhang, leaving all observers in awe of its wonder

Senior Brother Zhangmen, I have mastered 'Wandering in the Pond'! Huanxing approached with a beaming face.

Mikawa broke free from his hand and stepped forward, her ankles already submerged in the water. The pond water was icy and piercing, yet she remained completely unaware.

Yes. Even if it is for the final peace of Huanxing, please try once more

Who exactly are you

Mikawa saw many foxes peeking out from the reeds under the moonlight, huddled together, their eyes reflecting a sense of unease

Oh no! Michikawa instinctively stepped back

Is it cold? An Qingye casually draped his coat over her shoulders

That was a young girl quietly weeping for lost love and hope

A rustling sound came from the bushes, and a fluffy large tail was faintly visible.

"A thousand years ago, perhaps?" An Qingye suddenly brightened up, "Are you saying... the Heavenly Gate might have been opened by the soul of Wuling?"

You say that there is no soul of Wuling in this world

Boom

But who is this person with a cold expression before me

The might of heaven and earth, or the power of spirits and deities

Mikawa suddenly stood up and turned around to see a young man behind her with a handsome smile, one hand in his pocket, casually looking at her, greeting her: "Hi, Miss Lin"

The wind and snow gradually ceased, and the sky became exceptionally clear, revealing a few stars that quietly twinkled, as if the bright eyes from a thousand years ago were gazing until now

Huanxing closed her eyes, and until this moment, she still could not believe that those once warm moments were merely traps set by him

Mikawa Shinzi shuddered slightly and suddenly awoke. At that moment, the light filtering through the Heavenly Gate fell perfectly into the azure pool beneath the Heavenly Ladder. Her expression was a mix of joy and sorrow as she pointed to that spot: "The soul of Wuling is there!"

The soul of Wuling ... ... is the sword of Xihe. I have only seen it forged, but I do not know where it is.

An Qingye nonchalantly shifted his gaze: "It must be a wild fox; there have always been foxes on Tianmen Mountain."

This man exuded a mysterious aura, arousing her desire to explore. Michuan nodded and said, "You are also going to Tianmen Mountain? If I had known earlier, we could have come together."

The silver net gathered, wrapping around the girl like armor, layer upon layer. And thus, Michuan, draped in that silver mist, slowly stepped into the azure-gray sword energy

The moonlit night is clear

The sky was approaching evening, the wild wind howled, and it seemed as if the heavens were being torn apart, with snowflakes swirling down in a flurry

"Otherwise, how could I persuade the master to take you under his wing?" Xi He said indifferently, "Now, the battle between humans and demons has reached a critical juncture, and the soul of Wuling must be refined.

The lake surface, like a mirror, splashed with a sudden burst of water, as if a ferocious beast were emerging from within, creating an astonishing spectacle. A slender ancient sword leaped out of the water, its surrounding sword energy sharp and restless. The small soul inner elixir from a thousand years ago is now overflowing with murderous intent

Mikawa turned sideways to look at him, perhaps noticing something unusual in her gaze, An Qingye smiled faintly and asked, "What is it?"

The red fox ...! ... He only calls himself the red fox! Huanxing smiled sadly, tears uncontrollably streaming down, while the cinnabar mole on his forehead seemed to drip like fresh blood.

I came to wait for the spectacle of 'Tianmen Waterfall.' He rubbed his hands together, revealing a harmless smile, "Would you like to join me?"

An Qingye raised a helpless bitter smile at the corners of her lips and said softly, "It can only be this way."

At that moment, a gentle breeze suddenly arose between the rock walls, and a thin stream appeared on the right wall of the Heavenly Gate Cave. The water vapor grew increasingly dense until it formed a waterfall, with the water flowing down like a thousand troops and ten thousand horses.

An Qingye merely smiled, her gaze falling on Xiao Taozi: "Your pet?"

Three years ago, when you joined our faction, I knew that it was the will of heaven, sending forth the long-lost inner elixir of the red fox, allowing the soul of Wuling to be refined

Suddenly, someone whispered behind her: "Tonight there will be a flood at the Heavenly Gate, do you believe it?"

The two streams of spiritual energy in the sky were still entangled. Amidst the shifting light, An Qingye fixed her gaze on Mi Chuan's resolute expression and said, "Alright, let's take a gamble!"

An Qingye held Mi Chuan back, protecting her behind him: "There is no time, she ... is about to become a deadly sword"

The coat carried the warmth and scent of An Qingye, yet, just like last night, Mi Chuan was still unable to read any message.

What did you see?" An Qingye couldn't help but ask

"Senior brother, if you wish to take my inner elixir... feel free to do so."

After nearly a thousand years of integration, the little red fox that was once trapped in the sword body in despair can now easily manipulate the soul of Wuling

Mikawa saw the black marks on the stone wall crisscrossing like water weeds, and suddenly felt something in his heart, murmuring: "When was the Heavenly Gate Cave opened"

The soul of Wuling ... ... Yes. '' She gradually came to her senses and murmured, `` The inner elixir of the red fox, the sword of Xihe. ''

However, Xiao Taozi suddenly changed from his earlier timid demeanor and began to chirp loudly at the bushes

"Fifi, be good, and I will find something for you to eat when we go back." She squatted down to comfort the little spirit beast, while constantly looking up to see if her senior brother had arrived.

Mikawa cautiously touched the scarred fingers to the blade, saying: "You must be able to see it..."

The cold wind swept through the dark hair of Anqing night, his gestures transformed into intricate seals, simply stating: "Soul Capture"

The demon realm is increasingly rampant, and the righteousness of heaven and earth hangs by a thread. Huanxing, I have no other choice. He lowered his gaze, applying slight pressure with his fingertips, tightening the ropes that bound the young girl even more securely

Xi He smiled faintly, lightly brushing her sleeve, as invisible ropes sprang forth, binding Huan Xing's hands and feet, fastening her to the stone wall

As Xi He arrived on her sword, the young girl slightly tilted her head back, a bright and vivid cinnabar mole adorning her forehead

In that moment, there was no longer any thought of life

The light of the bright moon dimmed, and everything around seemed to have its soul drawn away by some force, gradually transforming into black and white. The shrubs by the azure pond withered at a visible pace, and with a gust of wind, all the branches and leaves fell; meanwhile, small fish continuously leaped from the surface of the lake, landing with their bellies up, covered by a faint layer, which was quite terrifying

Mikawa took a step back: "How did you end up here?"

They rushed towards the lake, where the surface stirred slightly, and everywhere was the glint of swords

Heaven and Earth are indifferent, treating all things as mere straw dogs

Mikawa did not respond: "I am certain that the soul of Wuling is there"

The soul of Wuling rises high into the air, the bluish-gray hue has covered most of the mountain peak, resembling a state of madness

The night was colder than Mi Chuan had imagined, and she crossed her arms and stamped her feet.

At this moment, his ring unexpectedly began to glow quietly, and a thin silver thread emerged from it, extending slowly towards the blade like an antenna

If you are a bad person, I will not sit with you." Michikawa said