Chapter 189: Chapter 186: Altar, Eyeball, Leaving Cyan Cloud
The mouth of the ancient well was not large, but looking down into it revealed a vast space below.
The interior was awash in a dim, crimson hue, oppressive and spine-chilling.
What made Ning Jiang’s expression change drastically was the altar at the center. Upon it... was a giant eyeball!
This was definitely not a human eyeball. It was as large as a water vat, a truly startling sight. A pitch-black sword was plunged into its center, causing blood to flow from the wound and cover the altar.
Astonishingly, the blood was still bright red and had not dried. It was impossible to know how many years had passed, yet it remained vibrant.
The entire scene was demonic and utterly bizarre, filling one with a sense of profound terror.
Not only that, but the area around the altar was littered with skeletons.
There were human remains as well as the bones of various unknown Demon Beasts. Some of the skeletons were immense, as large as mountains.
It was difficult to tell how many years had passed, but the bones were still smooth and glossy, showing no signs of decay. Moreover, they emanated a heaven-storming Evil Qi.
This indicated that the owners of these skeletons had all been powerful experts in life.
’This is a sealed land.’
Just then, Ning Jiang noticed that the walls of the ancient well were covered in dense arrays of runes. With his knowledge, it was not difficult to see that these were runes used for a Seal.
However, the runes had already dimmed, their Power severely faded. In perhaps just a few years, the Seal would fail completely.
’Hmm?’
As Ning Jiang was observing, the eyeball on the altar actually swiveled to stare at him.
’The eyeball is alive!’
The moment their gazes met, Ning Jiang’s mind sank as an invisible Power descended upon him.
In that instant, it was as if he had lost control of his body; it no longer belonged to him.
’A type of Soul-Catching Technique?’
Ning Jiang remained calm. This method was similar to a Soul-Catching Technique. Anyone with a weak will would be instantly controlled, becoming a mindless puppet.
’Begone!’
His will erupted like a thundering tsunami. As a former Venerable, Ning Jiang’s will was incomparably tough. How could this possibly affect him?
In an instant, he expelled the invading Power from his mind.
He regained control of his body.
’Impressive.’
Ning Jiang’s gaze was solemn. Even an expert at the Primordial Spirit Fourth Tribulation Realm would likely have fallen for that trick.
And this eyeball was impaled by a sword, wounded and unable to exert its full Power. Otherwise, even he might have fallen prey to it here.
BUZZ!
Suddenly, the surface of the eyeball began to glow.
In an instant, Ning Jiang’s entire body tensed, his skin hardening like bronze. A wave of Evil Qi, sharp as a blade, rushed toward him. An ordinary Martial Artist would never be able to withstand it and would disintegrate on the spot.
This was the eyeball displaying its might. The terrifying Evil Qi flew at him like a volley of arrows, intending to grind him to dust.
It was horrifying. The bones throughout Ning Jiang’s body creaked and groaned, on the verge of shattering.
At the critical moment, the sword impaling the eyeball trembled slightly. Instantly, the eyeball seemed to have been struck by a painful blow. It quieted down, its rampage ceasing.
However, a voice emanated from it.
"Meng Daoyi!"
When these two words sounded, Ning Jiang’s pupils shrank violently.
’This eyeball knows my name!’
This was incredibly strange. He had only learned the name Meng Daoyi a short while ago at the bottom of the Qingjiang River and had never told anyone.
"Who are you?" Ning Jiang asked.
"Come down, and I’ll tell you," the eyeball’s voice replied, laced with a bewitching charm. An ordinary person would be mesmerized just by hearing it.
’Come down?’
Ning Jiang gave a cold smile. Of course he wouldn’t fall for it.
This eyeball was extremely dangerous. His strength was not yet fully developed. If he went down rashly, he might meet an untimely end.
’It’s a pity I can’t use the Power of the Myriad Stars Immortal Realm, or I could go down and investigate.’
Ning Jiang felt a sense of regret. The Myriad Stars Immortal Realm also had a major problem. If he were to draw upon its World Power, he feared the entity he had suppressed would immediately break free.
Otherwise, he really wanted to go to the bottom of this well and find out what was going on.
Through the well’s mouth, he could only see a small part of the space below and couldn’t grasp the full picture.
’I’ll come back when I’m stronger.’
Ning Jiang understood the principle of quitting while he was ahead. With his strength still lacking, he couldn’t afford to take such risks.
He immediately retreated from the cavern.
"What was it like in there?"
Yue Lianxi asked curiously after he came out.
"Nothing much."
Ning Jiang shook his head. There was no benefit in telling Yue Lianxi about such things.
Still, that place weighed heavily on his mind. An eyeball actually knew his name.
Putting those thoughts aside, Ning Jiang looked at the surrounding environment and nodded in satisfaction.
’I can set this place up and bring Sister An and the others over. With the Spiritual Qi here, they can practice their Cultivation and break through to the Spirit Realm.’
After leaving Cyan Cloud Country, Ning Jiang’s biggest worry was for Ning Yu’an and the others.
Fortunately, on this trip to the Demon Mist Mountain Range, he had actually discovered a blessed land for Cultivation.
"When do you plan to leave with me?"
Yue Lianxi didn’t press the matter and changed the subject.
"Let’s say the fifteenth of November."
That was the day he had been reborn, so it held extraordinary significance for him.
"Alright," Yue Lianxi nodded.
...
Time slowly passed. October arrived, and the weather grew cooler.
During this time, Ning Jiang had his closest confidants move into this valley in the Demon Mist Mountain Range.
Only his trusted inner circle, people he could truly rely on, were allowed to enter.
"The Alchemy Alliance has now been formally established, and branches are opening all over the country. With your name and the Third Transformation Refining Pill Technique you provided, Alchemists are now scrambling to join."
Inside the valley, Wei Yanran was briefing Ning Jiang on the status of the Alchemy Alliance.
Ning Jiang had entrusted her with the great responsibility of taking over Pill King Valley and managing the entire Alchemy Alliance. Despite having been in this high position for less than two months, she had already developed a noble air.
She was an Iceberg Beauty to begin with, and now, with the noble temperament of a superior, she sparked an even greater desire for conquest in the hearts of men who saw her.
"Mm. Remember, we don’t need numbers, we need quality. And most importantly, do not accept anyone with character issues," Ning Jiang said slowly.
During this period, under his guidance, the affairs of the Alchemy Alliance had basically stabilized.
He had used the "Third Transformation Refining Pill Technique" as a reward, easily inciting a frenzy among countless Alchemists.
As long as one made sufficient contributions, they could obtain this Pill Formula. Because of this, many Alchemists who had previously been reluctant to join the alliance cast aside their prejudices and chose to join at the first opportunity.
"Yes, I understand," Wei Yanran nodded obediently.
"The Alchemy Alliance has gained unstoppable momentum. Even when I’m gone, Lu Changsheng and the others will assist you. Of course, don’t neglect your own Cultivation. Let others handle the minor details; you don’t need to do everything yourself," Ning Jiang said in a leisurely tone.
"Mm."
Wei Yanran nodded gently, sighing in her heart. ’Ning Jiang really is leaving Cyan Cloud Country.’
...
Walking along a quiet path, his feet rustled against the fallen leaves. A gust of wind blew, sending yellow leaves spiraling through the air before they slowly settled back onto the ground.
It was now November.
Only fifteen days remained until Ning Jiang’s departure.
The brother and sister walked slowly, enjoying the quiet, beautiful moment.
The main reason Ning Jiang had chosen to leave on November fifteenth was to spend more time with Ning Yu’an.
They had been together since childhood and had almost never been separated.
This time, he was leaving Cyan Cloud Country to travel far away, with no idea when he would return. He knew that the person who would miss him the most was Ning Yu’an.
Once he left, Ning Yu’an would inevitably be heartbroken.
Unfortunately, he still had a long road ahead and could not stop here. He had no choice but to leave this place.
As the days passed, Ning Jiang could clearly feel Ning Yu’an’s reluctance to part and her attachment to him growing stronger.
"Little brother, will you watch the sunrise with me?"
"Of course."
That night, the two sat atop a mountain, gazing at the starry sky.
A smile on her face, Ning Yu’an pointed to the sky, counting the stars one by one. Ning Jiang sat with her, his mind empty, feeling relaxed and at ease.
The moon slowly set, and the first light of dawn appeared in the east.
Before long, the fiery red sun slowly rose, illuminating the world.
"It’s so beautiful..."
Watching the rising sun, Ning Yu’an’s eyes suddenly grew moist. The sunrise was truly beautiful. If only it were possible, she wished Ning Jiang could stay with her forever.
She gripped Ning Jiang’s hand tightly, as if afraid he would leave.
Sensing her feelings, Ning Jiang sighed softly and gently pulled her into his embrace.
The actual day of their separation came suddenly.
It wasn’t November fifteenth.
November tenth.
Yue Lianxi rushed to find Ning Jiang. "We can’t wait any longer! I have to return to the Yanyue Sect now!"
"What happened?"
Ning Jiang frowned slightly. It was the first time he had seen such an anxious expression on Yue Lianxi. The charming woman always seemed so carefree, as if nothing in the world bothered her.
But now, her expression was a mixture of urgency and worry.
"I received news that something has happened to the Yanyue Sect. I have to go back as soon as possible," Yue Lianxi said urgently.
"I understand. I’ll go with you," Ning Jiang decided.
He owed Yue Lianxi a favor. Now that she was in trouble, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
Since he had agreed to join the Yanyue Sect, he would fulfill his promise.
"I’ll go tell the others," Ning Jiang said.
A short while later, when Ning Yu’an heard that Ning Jiang was leaving immediately, the news struck her like a bolt from the blue. She froze, her pretty face turning pale.
But she was strong. She forced herself to calm down, and a thousand words were ultimately condensed into a single exhortation: "You must be careful out there. You have to live well."
"I will!"
Ning Jiang promised solemnly.
...
On the day of departure, tens of thousands gathered on both banks of the Qingjiang River to see him off.
Watched by countless eyes, a ship cut through the wind and waves, departing like an arrow.
"The Peerless has left."
"He’s gone. I should be happy. There’s one less person looming over us Nine Great Young Masters now. But why do I feel a bit empty?"
"We have to work harder. Otherwise, when he returns in the future, we might not even be able to see his shadow."
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, respectfully watching as the strongest expert of Cyan Cloud departed.
Ning Yu’an’s eyes were blurry with tears. As Ning Jiang’s ship sailed farther and farther away until it disappeared from sight, she finally couldn’t hold back any longer. She buried her face in Li Qingyun’s arms and began to cry with a loud "WAAH!"
"Silly girl, goodbyes aren’t forever. You’ll see each other again in the future," Li Qingyun comforted her.
P.S. Volume 2, "The Peerless Young Master," ends here. Volume 3 is next, and the plot will get more and more exciting. I hope you all enjoy it. By the way, today is 520 (China’s unofficial Valentine’s Day). I went to a wedding, and as a single person, I got hit with a ton of PDA. So tragic, tragic, tragic! The next update will probably be around 2 AM, so everyone should get some sleep.
