Conquering That Great Demon Lord [Xian Ni Fan Fiction] - Chapter 21: Duel by Appointment

Chapter 21: Duel by Appointment

Wang Lin’s eyes softened with tenderness, revealing a faint trace of pity.

The touch from behind was gentle, yet the warmth from his broad palm dispelled the chill of the Frost Pond Realm.

Li Muwan, preoccupied with thoughts of the Spirit herb, had no time to ponder further. “The Restriction is broken, the Blood Lotus Heart, Wang Lin.”

As if still immersed in his thoughts, Wang Lin heard her voice and gently set her down, leaning her against the stone wall before feeding her an Elixir.

“Wait for me.”

Li Muwan nodded slightly, sitting cross-legged to regulate her breathing. She then consumed several more Elixirs to consolidate her foundation and restore her Cultivation level.

“You didn’t need to block that Ice Needle for me earlierI was wearing the Flood Dragon Leather Armor you gave me,” said Wang Lin, who had just retrieved the Blood Lotus Heart, gazing at Li Muwan as she meditated with closed eyes.

Her Spiritual Power was gradually recovering within her.

Her breath was unsteady as she spoke, “This Ice Needle is a creation of the Restriction, a weapon transformed from Ancient Runes. The Flood Dragon Leather Armor is useless against it.”

A lump formed in Wang Lin’s chest as he stared at Li Muwan’s figure, his emotions in turmoil.

She knew full well how perilous this place was, yet she insisted on coming, giving him the only Dragonhide Armor and fearlessly taking the full force of the Ice Needle for him.

The hidden feelings in his heart grew wildly.

“Wang Lin, this Frost Pond Realm is beneficial for your cultivation technique. My injuries are severe, and I need to go into seclusion. You can cultivate hereperhaps you can achieve Core Formation.”

He had already considered this. But with Li Muwan’s injuries not yet healed, Wang Lin was in no hurry. “Senior Brother, focus on regulating your breathing first. I will stand guard.”

Ten days later, after Li Muwan recovered her Cultivation level and emerged from seclusion, Wang Lin began condensing three Frost Pills, needing only to merge them into one before attempting Core Formation.

Previously, while cultivating underground in the Fourteen Valleys of the Sea of Demonic Cultivation, he had converted the cold energy into his own frost energy, barely managing to merge the three pills, though it took a long time.

Here in the Frost Pond Realm, Spiritual Power was abundant, and there were various Immortal Herbs for replenishment. After the Restriction was broken, the Spiritual Energy emitted by these herbs on the frost stones became even more refined and concentrated.

Half a month later, Wang Lin successfully merged the three Frost Pills.

As Li Muwan watched the meditating Wang Lin, she tried to see the shadow of another person in his demeanor. Though their appearances differed, their behavior and mannerisms, no matter how concealed, would inevitably reveal themselves in critical moments.

Her gaze shifted to the Spirit herbs on the stone wall. The variety here allowed her to gather materials on the spot to refine a Sky Sundering Pill for him. Over the years, her pill refinement skills had advanced, and she could now refine the Sky Sundering Pill alone.

She then channeled her energy to retrieve several Spirit herbs from the frost stones and placed them into the Pill Furnace. Two hours later, a Sky Sundering Pill was successfully refined.

“This is the Sky Sundering Pill. It greatly increases the chance of Core Formation. Take it,” she said as the pill floated toward Wang Lin, who opened his eyes.

Sky Sundering Pill?

A memory flashed through his mind: “Senior Brother, this Sky Sundering Pill was refined from Demon Blood Vine, so its effect is slightly inferior,” as Li Muwan hurried into the Stone Chamber holding the pill.

Without hesitation, Wang Lin swallowed the Sky Sundering Pill. “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Three days later, Wang Lin successfully achieved Core Formation, and Li Muwan gathered many Spirit herbs from the Frost Pond Realm.

“We’ve obtained the Blood Lotus Heart, and I’ve successfully formed my core. The Land of Immortal Remains is ultimately a dangerous place. We should return to the sect as soon as possible,” Wang Lin said.

“Mm,” Li Muwan pushed against one of the stone walls. “There’s flowing water behind this wall.”

After the Restriction was broken, the water behind the stone wall had gathered into a clear spring. Wang Lin didn’t understand her intention.

“The map records that there is a source of River of Forgetfulness Water beneath the Frost Pond Realmthis must be it. Presumably, this water has been condensed into frost stones over the years by the cold energy.”

“Forgetfulness?” Wang Lin gazed up at the water flowing down the stone wall.

“As recorded in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, the River of Forgetfulness carries away the memories of departed souls, allowing them to begin anew in the cycle of reincarnation.”

Li Muwan suddenly showed a trace of melancholy, saying softly, “The River of Forgetfulness, gentle enough to wind around one’s finger.”

“What do you need this water for?”

“It can help forget the memories one wishes to forget – love and hatred, affection and enmity, important people. Since we’re already here, let’s take some back. It might prove useful someday.” Li Muwan smiled again. “Wang Lin, do you want some?”

Wang Lin shook his head. To forget his hatred? The enmity of his clan’s extermination was unforgivable. If he forgot his family’s vengeance, it would be an outrage to both gods and men. He didn’t want to forget.

As for important people – though he couldn’t acknowledge the person before him, Wang Lin didn’t wish to forget her either.

“No need. I have no one I want to forget.”

“Perhaps I do.” Li Muwan took out a jade flask from her Storage Bag and collected some water. “Let’s go.”

The two returned along their original path to the entrance of the Cold Pool Realm, this time without encountering any illusions.

After half a month’s journey, they finally returned to Cloud Heaven Sect.

Following their return, Li Muwan went into seclusion for another three months. She was using the Blood Lotus Heart to refine Longevity Pills. Initially worried about failure, she found that most of the Immortal Herbs they retrieved helped significantly, making the process twice as effective.

Taking the Longevity Pill could extend her lifespan. At least until she recovered her Soul of Life, her longevity wouldn’t deplete so rapidly.

This timeframe was uncertain – she didn’t know when she would be affected by the Soul of Life, so it was better to be prepared.

***

Cloud Heaven Sect was preparing to host the century-held Immortal Dao Assembly. Selected participants would receive Talisman Tokens to seek treasures in the Secret Realm. Each garden would send Foundation Establishment Stage and Core Formation Stage disciples to compete. Southern Garden already had few disciples, and with Zhou Lin still in seclusion, only Wang Lin remained available.

Several months after Li Muwan and Wang Lin returned from the Land of Immortal Remains to Cloud Heaven Sect, Sun Zhenwei had visited multiple times, but Li Muwan had refused to see him each time using seclusion as an excuse. Sun Zhenwei grew increasingly furious, building up his anger like a high wall that would eventually crush Li Muwan.

“Wan’er, you’ve been in seclusion for months. Has your cultivation level recovered? This Senior Brother has obtained some Elixirs from the sect leader that can help nourish your body.” Sun Zhenwei stared at the light curtains inside the pavilion.

Li Muwan remained silent throughout, and he eventually lost patience, entering uninvited. “Junior Sister, you went to the Land of Immortal Remains. Did you gather any Immortal Herbs? That place is dangerous. You’re only at mid Core Formation Stage and only brought a Foundation Establishment disciple with you. Returning unscathed is quite remarkable.”

“If Junior Sister needs anything, just tell Senior Brother. I would spare no effort to obtain it for you.”

While speaking, Sun Zhenwei watched for changes in her expression, but Li Muwan remained composed, appearing indifferent and uninterested.

He could no longer tolerate Li Muwan’s aloof demeanor. “Junior Sister, regarding the Dual Cultivation matter we discussed months ago – Cloud Heaven Sect’s Grand Ancestor has decreed that after the sect’s Immortal Dao Assembly concludes, we shall begin preparations for our Dual Cultivation Ceremony.”

“Immortal Dao Assembly?” Li Muwan lifted her eyelids, gazing out the pavilion window toward Southern Garden where a pair of cranes cut across the sky amidst falling peach blossoms, her thoughts drifting far away.

“How come I haven’t heard of this?”

“Junior Sister went to the Land of Immortal Remains with that disciple and has been in seclusion ever since your return, refusing visitors. With your ears closed to worldly matters, naturally you wouldn’t have heard.”

“Those who obtain Talisman Tokens at the Immortal Dao Assembly can enter the Secret Realm in Cloud Heaven Sect’s back mountains to seek treasures. The Grand Ancestors have stated that the Elixirs and Magical Artifacts within the Secret Realm can assist in Nascent Soul Formation.”

If the Magical Artifacts from Cloud Heaven Sect’s Secret Realm possessed such formidable powers, why hadn’t the Grand Ancestors retrieved them earlier to aid disciples in their cultivation? Sun Zhenwei’s obsession with Dual Cultivation was solely to exploit her assistance in achieving Nascent Soul Formationa scheme Li Muwan could decipher with deeper reflection.

She responded unhurriedly, “How will the competition proceed?”

“Each garden will send disciples to spar with peers of equivalent cultivation from other gardens. The victors will receive Talisman Tokens.”

Li Muwan contemplated silently. Having just returned from the frigid pond realm, another round of magical combat would likely be exhausting. Though Wang Lin was only at the early Core Formation stage, his Death Curse Technique made him invincible among cultivators of equal rank. Yet she reasoned that his concealed identity meant he wouldn’t risk exposing this technique.

Sun Zhenwei interrupted her thoughts. “If Junior Sister’s Southern Garden lacks eligible disciples, you should focus on preparing for our Dual Cultivation.” His voice carried a concealed smirk.

“Cease mentioning Dual Cultivation,” Li Muwan retorted coldly.

Provoked, Sun Zhenwei seized her slender neck, leaving immediate red marks. “Junior Sister, you were far more amenable during my last visit. Did one excursion with that junior disciple Wang Lin turn you distant? Need I remind you that Cloud Heaven Sect most strictly forbids transgressions against ethical principles?”

“What are you implying?” Li Muwan glared at him with visceral disgust.

“Grand Ancestor, I’ve collected the Dewdrops you requested.” Wang Lin’s voice cut through the tension, his steps firm and expression icy. Sun Zhenwei immediately released Li Muwan at the interruption.

Staggering, Li Muwan steadied herself against a wooden table. As Wang Lin approached, she straightened and regained composure, turning her back to him. “Place them on the table.”

Wang Lin moved toward the table beside her. Though the atmosphere thickened with unease, he showed no discomfort. After setting down the Dewdrops, his gaze briefly caught the lingering marks on her neck. His hands clenched imperceptibly behind his back, his breathing deepening.

“Grand Ancestor, some herbs in the Herb Field have been gnawed by Spirit Beasts, damaging their roots. My cultivation is insufficient to assess the damageyour inspection is required.”

Li Muwan understood Wang Lin’s intent to create an exit, but Sun Zhenwei watched like a predator, idly flipping his folding fan with an air of certain victory, unlikely to relent easily.

“Dismiss yourself,” Li Muwan instructed Wang Lin.

After a brief downward glance, Wang Lin withdrew without acknowledging Sun Zhenwei.

“These Dewdrops condense heaven and earth’s essence, preserving one’s beauty. Your junior disciple is quite devoted, delivering them daily,” Sun Zhenwei mused, watching the retreating figure.

The Soul Pearl spoke truthLongevity Pills could only temporarily sustain lifespan. If she failed the mission to subdue the Fiend and reclaim her Soul of Life, death remained inevitable.

Despite her repeated attempts to coax recognition, Wang Lin persistently refused. Though she sensed familiarity in him, the estrangement in his eyes screamed that he wasn’t the person she knew!

The favorability within the Soul Pearl remained static yet present, hinting that the Fiend might still harbor some affectionbut to what extent, Li Muwan couldn’t gauge.

Her fingertips curled into fists as resolve solidified. She would test this herself!

“If the Cloud Heaven Sect’s Grand Ancestor commands me to undergo Dual Cultivation with you, it must be by my willing consent. Over the years, Wan’er has been aware of Senior Brother’s devotion and is grateful for your repeated considerations.”

“Though I am a woman, I refuse to let others dictate my choices.” Li Muwan exuded strategic confidence. “During the upcoming Immortal Dao Assembly competition, if Senior Brother defeats me, I will agree to Dual Cultivation.”

“What say you?”

Wang Lin, who had been waiting outside the door, suddenly sharpened his gaze! He clenched his back teeth tightly, his brows furrowing into a deep knot.

Xu Liguo: “Master, is your grandmaster really going to undergo Dual Cultivation with that guy? He doesn’t seem like a good personhis intentions are clear, and who knows what he’s scheming. Moreover, the grandmaster is an Elixir Cultivator. If it comes to a fight, winning will be difficult.”

“Why don’t you go and reveal yourself, Master? After all, her Pill Crafting skills are now exceptional. You could take her away, and with her expertise, helping you achieve Nascent Soul Formation wouldn’t be a problem.”

The Cloud Heaven Sect elder had betrayed the sect and turned against his master, so it was inevitable that the Cloud Heaven Sect would hunt down the traitor, hence they had dispatched numerous people to search. Chu Kingdom was a third-tier cultivation nation, and the Cloud Heaven Sect was its foremost major sect…

Wang Lin never expected Li Muwan to use this as a condition.

Sun Zhenwei was cautious and, fearing that Li Muwan might play tricks, did not immediately agree.

“If Senior Brother Sun doubts my sincerity, I am willing to swear a heart demon oath.”

Sun Zhenwei chuckled, his attitude shifting. “Junior Sister, how could I not trust you? We are both at the Core Formation Stage, which already meets the conditions for the Immortal Dao Assembly duel. Since you wish to spar, I will gladly oblige.”

He narrowed his eyes, revealing a sly look. “If you lose, Junior Sister will obediently await the Dual Cultivation Ceremony.”

Li Muwan curved a faint smile. “See you at the Immortal Dao Assembly.”

[Soul Pearl: If you agree to Dual Cultivation with him, how will you switch to targeting the Fiend later? Unless you’re willing to change targets.]

[Li Muwan: One last time, I’ll gamble once more.]

[Soul Pearl: Gamble, gamble, gamblehow many times have you gambled already? Where is the Fiend?]

After Sun Zhenwei left, Wang Lin remained standing outside the door. Li Muwan knew he hadn’t left but did not call out to him.

Through the gauze curtain, what remained unseen was not just each other’s faces, but also the clash after two hundred yearsa mix of scorching heat and icy cold, alternating between darkness and light.

At some unknown time, Wang Lin’s figure vanished from the Southern Garden pavilion. In the side courtyard, he sat in meditation, regulating his breath, yet he couldn’t calm his mind to cultivate.

Xu Liguo was frantic with worry. “Master, what are you thinking? If Li Muwan goes through with the Dual Cultivation, no one will refine pills for you anymore. With your own lackluster alchemy skills, achieving Nascent Soul Formation will take ages.”

Already irritated, Wang Lin took a deep breath and silently recited the Heart-Cleansing Mantra once more.

Xu Liguo sighed in frustration. “The Heart-Cleansing Mantra againit didn’t even work in the Deep Abyss. If not for the Ancient God Mantra, you would have been lost in the illusion of her dying to block a sword for you.”

“It’s been two hundred yearscan you finally wake up? I’m going crazy with anxiety.”

“My vengeance remains unfulfilled,” Wang Lin murmured softly. His immediate priority could only be achieving Nascent Soul Formation and returning to Zhao Kingdom for revenge.

But if it meant merely using Li Muwan’s feelings to achieve Nascent Soul Formation and seek revenge, he was unwilling to trample on such a precious sentiment.