Cultivating one's soul was a hundred times more arduous than advancing one's realm, a grueling path that daunted even the mightiest cultivators. Yet, with the lotus's aid, that burden was lifted. He could do nothing, and his soul would grow stronger, more solid, with each passing day. A heaven-defying treasure, it was a miracle that left him utterly satisfied. His grin widened, his heart light with the weight of his newfound power.
"Let's go." He took a deep breath, the cavern's rich World Energy lingering in his lungs. He'd stayed here for over a month, reaping the Soul Warming Lotus's benefits and the cave's treasures. There was no reason to remain.
Mo Yanyu nodded, her expression sobering. "We've got enough artifacts to make any sect jealous," she said, patting the Spirit Blade. "But if word gets out, we'll be hunted."
Mu Yu Die's eyes widened, her zither humming faintly. "The Godly Thief's hoard… it's a curse as much as a blessing," she whispered, her voice tinged with unease. "My father said treasures like these bring blood."
Di Yalan hefted her shield, her stance steady. "Then we move fast and stay sharp," she said. "Yang Kai's insects give us an edge, but we can't linger on this island forever."
Yang Kai gestured to the tunnel. "Up we go," he said, his tone commanding but warm. He focused his mind, summoning a group of Heaven Devouring Insects to scout the path ahead. The women fell into step behind him
The cavern's glow faded as they ascended, the spiral passage winding upward through thousands of feet of stone.
The ascent was steady, the tunnel's World Energy thinning as they neared the surface.
At last, they reached the top of the solitary peak. The Heaven Devouring Insects still guarded the broken stone door, their hulking forms a testament to their loyalty. Yang Kai stepped through, the women close behind, and emerged into the open air. The solitary peak towered above the island, its jagged summit offering a sweeping view of the jungle below, the Endless Sea Islands shimmering on the horizon under a sky streaked with dawn's gold.
Yang Kai stood at the edge, his gaze sweeping the landscape. The jungle was a tangle of green, alive with the cries of demon beasts.
------------------
The jungle hummed with life under the shroud of night. Insects chirped in a relentless chorus, their song punctuated by the occasional growl of a distant demon beast. A small clearing glowed with the warm light of a campfire, its flames licking the air as they devoured the dry wood Yang Kai had gathered. The scent of roasting wolf meat wafted through the camp, rich and smoky, as the group sat in a rough circle on the mossy ground.
Yang Kai turned the makeshift spit, his hands steady despite the weight of his thoughts. The wolf they'd hunted earlier that day sizzled, its juices dripping into the fire with a hiss. Across from him, Mu Yu Die sat with her zither cradled in her lap, her delicate features tense with worry.
Mo Yanyu knelt nearby, her Spirit Blade gleaming as she sharpened it with slow, deliberate strokes.
Di Yalan leaned against a tree, her shield propped beside her, her gaze drifting between her companions and the shadowed jungle beyond.
Yang Kai knew it was time to speak. He'd made up his mind: High Heaven Pavilion was their best refuge. Mu Yu Die's safety was paramount with the Assassin Pavilion still hunting her, and Mo Yanyu—his woman—deserved his protection. His original mission to kill down a demon cultivator could wait; survival trumped duty for now.
He cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "I've been thinking," he began, his voice cutting through the crackle of the fire. "We can't keep running through this jungle. Mu Yu Die, you need somewhere safe—somewhere the assassins can't reach you easily. High Heaven Pavilion is that place."
"And me?" she asked "What about me?"
A grin tugged at Yang Kai's lips, bold and unyielding. "You're my woman," he said.
"I won't let any harm come to you. That's why we're going back."
Her cheeks flushed, and she ducked her head, but not before he caught the small smile she tried to hide. The firelight danced in her eyes, reflecting a warmth that hadn't been there before. Mu Yu Die pouted, her fingers brushing her zither strings in a faint, jealous hum, but she stayed silent.
Di Yalan nodded, ever practical. "It makes sense," she said, her voice calm. "The jungle's too open, too wild. The pavilion gives us a chance to rest, I'm in."
Yang Kai tore a piece of wolf meat from the spit, its heat searing his fingers as he passed it to Mo Yanyu. "Then it's decided," he said. "We head back tomorrow. Eat up—we'll need the strength."
Mo Yanyu took the meat, her fingers brushing his in a fleeting touch that sent a spark through him. "Thank you,"
The group ate in companionable silence, the fire's warmth easing the tension of the day. The wolf meat was tough but flavorful.
As the flames dwindled to embers, Mo Yanyu shifted closer to Yang Kai, her shoulder brushing his. Mu Yu Die watched them with a flicker of envy, while Di Yalan kept her vigil over the jungle. The night stretched on, the decision made, their path set.
Tomorrow, they would return to High Heaven Pavilion. For now, the fire burned low, marking the end of their journey.
End of Volume 2