The Fifth Volume Chapter 2 (Part 1) A Man More Beautiful Than a Woman

  Dark clouds suddenly floated up and rushed towards me. The white clouds in the field of vision expanded infinitely, covering the dark night sky again.

  "Yun Dalang, I'd like to ask, when ice is on a fiery spearhead, how can it solidify without melting?" I suddenly shouted.

  Yun Dalang was taken aback and casually said: "The form is transformed but the intention is not, take its spirit and condense it."

  Haha! I understand now! A surge of wild joy rushed to my head, and with a loud bang, the cauldron opened. The tiger's eyes melted at this moment, but although its form dispersed, its spirit did not dissipate, and in the next moment it condensed again, transforming into two streams of frosty air that shot out of the cauldron, following the meridians straight down, absorbing all of Yunying's cloud energy, melting into two icy pure streams of air that flowed throughout my body!

  "Bang", Yun Dalang suddenly crashed into me, and we both fell backward. I fell to the ground, while he let out a mournful grunt and flew far away, falling into the Fragrant River.

  The white clouds burst open on the river surface, breaking into small white dots, scattered by the night wind. Yun Dalang floated on the water, stumbling and staggering, his whole body seemingly dislocated, shaking constantly.

  Everyone was stunned, but I knew clearly in my heart that the tiger's eyes had turned into frost and snow, and the strange power of breaking wind and clouds also flowed through my body. Now, as long as Yun Dalang touches me, he will suffer a backlash.

  "Yun Dalang, you're dead for sure!" I sprang up with a fierce momentum, pouncing on Yun Dalang as the Frost and Snow energies surged out of my body.

  Yun Dalang hastily dodged, and the places on his body where the frost and snow had landed shattered in an instant, leaving only a few wisps of cloud connected together. Faced with such a formidable enemy as the tiger's eye, he was like a mouse encountering a cat, at a loss for what to do.

  "Boom! Boom! Boom!" With each punch I threw, Yun Dalang was forced to retreat a step back. I threw hundreds of punches in a row, and he retreated hundreds of steps, completely overwhelmed by my attack, without any chance to counterattack.

  The crowd erupted in thunderous cheers, with many people gleefully shouting and waving their arms: "Kill him, kill him!" Mizuroku stared at me incredulously, muttering to himself: "Impossible, impossible!" Tsukihana was also bewildered: "What's going on? Even if you ate the Tiger's Eye, you shouldn't be able to survive!"

  Looking at Yun Dalang retreating, I felt exhilarated and extremely satisfied. If Yun Dalang hadn't answered my questions in a muddled way, I would have gone to the underworld to report long ago, but now he only deserves to be beaten. As I pounced on him, just as I was about to throw a punch, the Frost and Snow energies inside me suddenly stagnated and stopped flowing, failing at this critical moment!

  I was shocked and stunned, as if I had fallen from the clouds to hell in an instant. Fortunately, I reacted quickly, my fist paused at Yun Dalang's chest, and I forced myself to stop, my fierce expression instantly changing to a warm smile: "Brother Yun, let's just call it a draw, shall we?"

  The whole field was in an uproar, and everyone could see that I had the upper hand. Now, suddenly conceding defeat, they all thought I was showing mercy and deliberately displaying my elegance. Yun Dalang's body shook violently, and he stood stiffly, his current state like a fragmented cloud shadow, as if it would dissipate at any moment. After a long time, he spoke in a hoarse voice: "Brother Lin, don't speak kindly of me on my behalf, this battle... I have lost."

  Mizu Rokurou shouted in dismay: "Big brother, how can you admit defeat like this? You still have a finishing move left!"

  "Even if I were to use it, at most it would be a case of '玉石俱焚'. The tiger's eye has already merged with Lin brother's body, I no longer have the opportunity to win." Yun Dalang said calmly, stretching out his hand and beckoning, the black robe flew up from the river and covered him, dripping wet. A moment later, Yun Dalang returned to his original appearance, biting the tip of his tongue and spitting a mouthful of fresh blood onto the black package, instantly breaking one small part of the thousand curses. He spat out three mouthfuls of vital blood in succession, panting heavily, almost unable to hold on, but all the curses were completely broken.

  I was shocked and opened my eyes wide, it turned out that this guy had the ability to break the curse, but he didn't want to waste his energy, so he didn't do it.

  The atmosphere was already electrifying, with cheers and applause thundering. Hai Ji excitedly ran over, grabbed my hand, and smiled brightly. Gan Ning glanced at me, wiped her sleeve across her forehead, and a few dark sweat stains seeped out.

  "Lucky you're clear-headed and didn't kill Yun Dalang." Hai Ji leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Otherwise, Mo Zhu would be looking for you and that'd be trouble."

  I let out a wry laugh, with bitterness in my heart that I couldn't express. Silently examining my body, the Frost and Snow energies began to flow again, but only intermittently, stopping inexplicably at times. I recalled that "Frost and Snow Transformation" specifically mentioned that a strange insect called Shegong was needed as a catalyst to fully refine it. Could it be that the lack of Shegong insects was the reason why the Frost and Snow energies were sometimes effective and sometimes ineffective?

  Yun Dalang remained silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a low sigh: "Brother Lin, if you don't mind, I'll take my leave first. There are still many things waiting for me to arrange in the city of Datian." He paused and said: "Thank you, Brother Lin, for sparing my life."

  I waved my hand casually: "We don't have any deep-seated grudges, why must we fight to the death? Let's just exchange blows and prioritize our friendship over competing. Besides, I took a liking to you, Cloud, at first sight and could tell that you're a good person - how could I possibly try to kill you casually?"

  Yun Dalang's hands trembled as he held the black package: "Lin brother is truly a friend worth befriending, unfortunately..." He sighed halfway through his words.

  I suppressed a smile, this guy is indeed a bit silly, I just said a few sweet words, and he actually believed it. Hmm, if he wasn't under the Demon Lord's command, he would be worth befriending.

  "Boss, the map is still in their hands." Shui Liu Lang said calmly: "Although you lost in a one-on-one fight, boss, Master Mo ordered that we must get the map."

  "Personal wins and losses are trivial, the map is crucial. The future of all demons in Mochizuki depends on it." He flashed to my side with a smile: "It's been years since we last met, little brother has become so strong. However, the Tiger's Eye is only useful against the boss. Let's have some fun next."

  Tubalao sneered: "I and Lao Liu will deal with Hai Ji, Lao Si, Lao Wu, and Lao Qi will deal with Gan Ningzhen, and Lao Da will provide support at any time."

  Except for Yun Dalang, who remained motionless on the spot, the other six demons surrounded him. Shui Liu Lang shouted loudly: "All spectators, get out of here! Daqian City is now the territory of Mo Sha Tian, and anyone who doesn't show respect will be treated as an enemy!" He stretched out his hand, and a huge transparent water dragon roared out of his palm, its four claws spinning around, pouncing on the nearby crowd. Blood splattered everywhere, and more than ten people cried out in agony, their skulls cracked open by the dragon's claws. The dragon's tail swept across, knocking down another group of people. The crowd panicked and scattered in all directions, and soon they were all gone. Even He Ping quietly left with Hu Laogou's corpse.

  "Hand over the map, and we can discuss everything peacefully. We don't want to be enemies with Mibu no Okimi or Hikoroku either." Sanzaburou said with a smile. Suirō shouted proudly: "Even if it's Hikoroku, the Demon Lord can crush him!"

  I glared with both eyes, clenched my fists and rubbed my palms: "Damn it, let's fight if we're going to fight, who's afraid of whom? Want the map? Dream on! I made a move as if to pounce, but suddenly felt a sharp pain in my chest. The injury I sustained from fighting with Yun Dalang wasn't light either.

  "You demons like to seek death, we won't be polite." Hai Ji said coldly, exchanging a glance with Gan Ningzhen, standing on either side of me, protecting me. Hai Ji took out the golden shell, Gan Ningzhen's hand pressed on the hilt of his sword, taking a deep breath.

  "Lin brother," Cloud Big Lang wanted to speak but stopped, in the deep night color, monsters each face was ferocious, scattered star osmanthus flowers on the Fragrance River flashed and went out, making their gloomy faces more prominent. Others had all left, the river water patted the shore's cobblestones, the sound clear and quiet.

  In the midst of this quiet sound, quiet confrontation, and quietly drawn swords, a faint singing voice suddenly appeared, like ripples on the river's surface, echoing from afar.

  "Some people come from heaven and sing the Song of Azure Falls."

  In the morning, boil white stone, in the empty mountain release green deer.

  Weary of watching flowers bloom in the mirror, I idly grasp the moon's dance on the water.

  I wish to ride the wind and follow it, but it's hard to find a place where clouds can be climbed.

  A fluttering young lad, on the long road to the north.

  A traveler beneath the Lucky Bridge, a boat without a bottom crosses over.

  Human affairs are joyful for a short time, but the bitterness of life lasts an entire lifetime.

  "What is sought for longevity, and obtained from the immortal's dew?"

  The singing voice was elusive and uncertain, accompanied by the clear sound of a pipa, it sounded like it came from behind, but in a moment it had moved to the other side of the river. Listening carefully, it seemed to be right next to me. I used my Wind Ear Secret Technique, but still couldn't tell where the singer was.

  The monsters looked at each other in dismay, and Tsuchi Hachirō cursed, "Who the hell is singing at midnight?" But Hyōtan-san closed his eyes, shook his head and said, "This ditty is carefree and mysterious, with a hint of an otherworldly elegance. What a great poem, what a great poem!"

  Gan Ning's mouth curled up into a faint smile, his hand relaxed its grip on the hilt of his sword, and he said in a soft voice: "Ning has seen Master Uncle."

  In the dark riverbank corner, a handsome young noble suddenly appeared, holding a pipa, walking slowly and singing in a gentle voice. His purple long hair was beautiful and elegant, even the night color was reflected with a magnificent light.

  I was stunned, wow, there's actually such a beautiful young man in the world! His eyebrows and eyes are like a painting, his spirit is like an immortal, even more beautiful than Gan Ning and Hai Ji!

  "Is the master of Bi Luo Fu? Could it be that Young Master Sakura - the one who is said to be closest to a deity?" A pale-faced demon trembled as he spoke, and Sanzaburou sucked in a breath: "I heard he went into seclusion for cultivation several years ago, how did he suddenly appear here?" The demons all had tense expressions, staring at each other like they were facing a great enemy.

  The noble young master walked with a carefree and elegant demeanor, his fingers waving as if conducting an orchestra. His movements were so refined that even when squatting in a latrine, others would think he was riding a crane.

  "After ten years of seclusion, Young Master Sakura's demeanor remains unchanged, perhaps he has reached the realm of knowing subtlety." Hai Ji said in a low voice: "He is truly a genius! No wonder that at his weak crown year, he already holds the first name of Qingxu Tian."

  What's going on? I was startled, and the delicate little face in front of me was so...? It wasn't until Gongzi Sakura walked up to us that I noticed a tall, majestic old man standing behind him, with a leopard-like head and piercing eyes, exuding an aura of power and strength, like a mighty lion. However, he stood behind Gongzi Sakura, completely overshadowed by the latter's radiance.

  "See you later, Master Lei." Gan Ningzi slightly bowed to the old man.

  "Miss, don't be too polite." The old man hastily said, looking around with a fierce glare, his voice thundering: "Which blind fool dares to trouble our miss? Bi Luo Fu Lei Meng is here, and those who itch for a fight can come out!" He rolled up his sleeves, his massive fists clenched, crackling with energy.

  The monsters were silent, and Yundalang didn't even raise his head, coldly saying: "So you're the famous young master Sakura from the north."

  The young master smiled slightly: "It's just a false reputation, not worth mentioning." His voice was warm and polite, neither rushed nor slow. His eyes were azure blue, like clear seawater. Gazing at Gan Ningzhen, the young master still had that warm voice: "Ningzhen, it's been a long time since we last met."

  Gan Ning quietly gazed back at him, suddenly stretching out her hand to pluck the pipa strings. The sound of the pipa was like the dew on a quiet night, cool and flowing. Gongzi Sakura smiled and pressed the strings with his right hand, following Gan Ning's fingers as they changed positions. The two played together in perfect harmony, as if they were one person. When the piece ended, they exchanged a smile, their eyes locking in understanding. Gan Ning softly said, "Master Uncle, you arrived just in time."

  When he heard the two words "Shu Shu", a hint of melancholy flashed in Gongzi Sakura's eyes, like the shadow of floating clouds passing over the sea. He turned around, first politely asking Hai Ji how she was doing, then said to Yundalang and his group of monsters: "It's late at night, everyone has been busy all day, it's time to rest."

  Mizu Rokurou gritted his teeth and said, "Although Sakuya's reputation is great, it's not easy to let us leave with just a nod without showing any real skills."

  "What does this friend mean?"

  Mizu Rokurō said in a stern voice: "We must have an explanation for the Demon Lord!"

  Lei Meng's eyes widened in anger: "You dare to be so presumptuous with the sect leader, just because you're still wet behind the ears?" Without warning, he punched at Shui Liu Lang, who hastily dodged out of the way.

  "Rumble", like a thunderclap, shook my ears. Mud and stones splashed, at the original position of Mizu Rō, a large pit was blown out, and the yellow earth turned dark black. Kanryū smiled: "Uncle Rai's Thunder Fist aura is still as strong as before, and his personality hasn't changed one bit."

  Lei Mengzi smiled and was about to punch again. Gongzi Sakura waved his hand to stop him, his eyes scanning the demons faintly: "I heard that under the Demon Lord's seat, there is a Water Six Lang who once set up the Xuanbing Array, causing Ning Zhen to be injured, which one of you is it?"

  "That's right, it's me!" Water Six郎 shot a fierce light from his eyes, and his palms moved in rapid succession. A thick water dragon swirled around his head, baring its teeth and claws. The other monsters gathered around him, forming a battle array.

  "It was you." Sakurako gazed intently at Mizutaro for a moment, who involuntarily took half a step back.

  "Then I'll give you an explanation." Young Master Sakura said elegantly, slowly drawing out a pale blue curved knife from the soundbox of his pipa. Even in the action of drawing his sword, he didn't have a hint of roughness.

  "A hint of eyebrow knife!" Hai Ji exclaimed involuntarily, Shui Liu Lang let out a loud roar, his hair transformed into water arrows shooting out, the dragon's claws stirred up a howling gale, opening its huge mouth, and diving towards Gongzi Sakura.

  A crescent-shaped knife light, lightly swung open, in the night color shallow and delicate green dripping, like a girl's eyebrow lightly opening, with three points of charm, two points of loneliness, one point of thinness.