Chapter 121: The Banquet of the World, There Must Be Parting Times

A few nights later, on Peach Blossom Peak.

“Vilyric, is it convenient for me to come in?”

Hearing the gentle knock of the wooden door and that familiar voice which she had gradually gotten used to over the past few days, the black-haired girl, who was studying the complex chart in her hands at the table, turned her head to look outside her unlocked little room.

“You don’t have to be so polite, just come in.”

“Squeak ~”

The silver-haired girl stepped into the room, bringing a knowing smile to the former’s face.

“Hen… oh, Xiao Kong is here too. What’s the matter coming to find me so late at night?”

The cat daughter following behind crossed her arms, seemingly displeased.

“Hey, what do you mean I’m also here? It sounds like I’m just a sidekick and can’t come to see you if there’s nothing going on? Or am I interrupting your beautiful atmosphere here?”

“I didn’t mean it like that…”

Hit by that combo of words, Vilyric was momentarily dazed and helplessly shook her head.

“Aren’t you both busy dealing with the aftermath and assisting Saint Peach Blossom in clearing out the Demon-Suppressing Sect’s forces from Cangyun Mountain? How come you have time to come see me?”

Hen succinctly replied.

“The spiritual veins inside the Chaos Secret Realm have basically stabilized, and with Tao Mu guarding it, there won’t be any problems for a while. As for eradicating the Demon-Suppressing Sect… that’s not my job.”

“Yeah, I heard that those guys all hid away like turtles after their defeat. The twelve peak masters united with the official forces of Jizhou to issue a wanted notice, but after several large-scale searches, they only caught some irrelevant little fish. Those Seven-day Demons probably escaped the area early and are hard to find for now.”

“To be honest, I really don’t have the interest to play hide-and-seek with those little guys.”

Listening to the two girls describe the situation and slightly surprised at how harmonious they had become without knowing why, the Priestess naturally joined the discussion.

“That’s not too unexpected. After all, this time is different, the Seven-day Demons and the Demon-Suppressing Sect openly attacked the master of Peach Blossom Peak and even secretly infiltrated the Chaos Secret Realm to cause a disturbance.”

“Such heinous behavior basically puts them directly across from the four nations of the Ancient Spirit Realm and Cangyun Mountain’s two core powers, or rather, exposes them to the surface.”

“If there was no reaction to this level of chaos, Cangyun Mountain and the Western Spirit Kingdom would be useless, they would definitely face a backlash. Thus, it’s reasonable to assume the other side anticipated their current actions and is temporarily avoiding the spotlight.”

After all, although the Seven-day Demons and the Demon-Suppressing Sect had some power, enough to frighten the cadres of minor gangs like the Ground Mouse Gang, they could never fully confront the nation or the twelve peaks of Cangyun. They simply did not possess that capability; otherwise, they wouldn’t have waited until now to take action.

“By the way, how is the Ground Mouse Gang doing now?”

Xiao Kong nodded with a smile.

“You are really a sly one; those guys thought right after their defeat that they could wipe out this minor gang related to them that they couldn’t fully control, but they didn’t expect we acted faster.”

“I heard when the Peach Blossom Guards descended the mountain, they happened to encounter the Demon-Suppressing Sect launching a surprise attack. That battle eliminated and captured a number of their living forces, and the Ground Mouse Gang has temporarily been moved inside Peach Blossom Peak for protection since their leader is still imprisoned, now managed by Little Mole instead.”

“Well, that’s fine.”

As these demons had already had the backup plan left by the Pharmacist cleared out by Vilyric, having saved them twice, her promise to Little Mole was basically fulfilled. As for what to do in the future, it was up to them.

Seeing that this topic had reached a pause, Princess Ling naturally spoke up again.

“Also, um… Ling Feng asked me to bring you a letter.”

“A letter?”

Seeing the Priestess revealing curiosity, the silver-haired girl quickly produced a half-folded white envelope from her bosom, sealed with a complete wax seal, clearly untouched.

Taking the letter casually, Vilyric pulled out its contents. Indeed, on that thin white paper were densely packed elegant characters written in the common language of the Ancient Spirit Realm.

This formality, dignified tone, with a hint of authority, perfectly represented the handwriting of her familiar Miss Ling Feng.

[Vilyric, the incident at Cangyun Mountain happened suddenly, and the severity of the situation has exceeded my original expectations. I’m sorry, but I fear I can no longer fulfill the agreement to accompany you in exploring the world until the Four Saints Selection Tournament is held.

By the time you read this letter, I’m probably rushing back to the capital on horseback with Bai’er. As for the unfinished matters, I’ve entrusted them to the Spirit girl to handle for me. Though Hen is still inexperienced, she is stable-minded and knowledgeable, so having her assist you, the fated one, would surely be more fitting.

The aims of the Seven-day Demons, and the control they have exhibited over civilian forces, have exceeded the limits that our four nations and the Immortal Island can tolerate. Soon, the Ancient Spirit Realm will unfold a larger scale of retaliation and cleansing, likely affecting the entire world.

I’ve secretly been preparing for a strike against the Demon-Suppressing Sect for a long time. Taking advantage of this opportunity, it is perfect to unite with the other three nations and completely uproot this tumor from the Ancient Spirit Realm. At the very least, we must severely weaken them to prevent them from causing chaos again at the upcoming [Four Saints Selection Tournament].

Regarding this [Four Saints Selection Tournament], although I am currently unable to disclose too much, this edition is actually quite different from the previous ones and is not merely a simple celebration or selection ceremony, so it’s best to prepare just in case.

Hen will further assist you with specific matters. I believe with Vilyric’s strength, it should be no problem to reach the end if you are careful. Bai’er and I will be waiting for your return in Kaiyuan City.

Hehe, I hope you won’t be too surprised when the time comes, but with Vilyric’s cleverness, I’m sure you have already guessed something.

Due to confidentiality, please do not reveal the contents of this letter to anyone else. After reading, be sure to burn it immediately. Remember, remember.

Additionally, there is one more thing I need to tell you.

The One-eyed Mystic and her daughter Xiao Yi have gone missing without leaving any messages. I believe this matter is unusual and may relate to your previous actions, so you must pay close attention. If you wish, you can consult with the major supervisor at the Lingyin Merchant Association, Shen Qi.

… Although I still have a lot I want to say, it would probably lead to you critiquing me for rambling. Despite the short time of our journey together, it has been one of the most exciting adventures in my life. My friend from beyond the heavens, I look forward to our next meeting. Please take care.

—Ling Feng]

“This girl… she really does leave without a word.”

With a wry smile and a shake of her head, the letter’s paper instantly turned to ashes in the glow of the girl’s palm. She looked up at the other two who had found their spots to sit in the room.

“When did they leave?”

“Not long after descending the mountain to meet with the Jizhou official, Ling Feng hurried back and handed me this letter before leaving. She probably learned some news; her status is exceptional and her responsibilities are heavy. You should see that.”

“Yeah…”

Just as Hen hinted, Ling Feng’s true identity certainly wouldn’t be as simple as being just a high-ranking employee of the Yin-Yang Department. After such a long time together, Vilyric had already speculated in her heart but had silently chosen not to point it out or dwell on it.

Just like when they first met, the Priestess did not care about what Ling Feng’s background truly was.

And within this seemingly just farewell letter, the other side, in a sense, hinted at her true identity, which is why she urged Vilyric to destroy it quickly.

Ling Feng… Ling Feng, haha…

   

---