Chapter 101: Tearing the Void

After some time had passed, Silver Yao and Yin Su returned together. Yin Su’s expression was somewhat stunned, yet the atmosphere between the two of them was free of any hostility—a rare and precious sight indeed.

Just moments earlier, Ji Xuanyu had tried to shield Silver Yao from a deadly strike. Though the sudden turn of events caused by Silver Yao prevented Ji Muyu from succeeding, Ji Xuanyu himself was injured.

When Silver Yao and Yin Su came back, they found Ji Xuanyu unconscious. This puzzled Silver Yao. Hadn’t he just teamed up with Gu Xinyu to deal with Lie? How could he have fallen into such a state so quickly?

“Muye, what happened to him?” Silver Yao looked toward Muye, who was taking Ji Xuanyu’s pulse, and asked.

Muye lifted his head and met Silver Yao’s gaze. “We’re not entirely sure. Right after you two left, Xuanyu suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. When I checked his pulse earlier, I found no major external injuries—perhaps some internal trauma. I’ve treated his surface wounds already.”

At the mention of internal injuries, Li Su, who had been silent since seeing Ji Xuanyu take the blow for Silver Yao, suddenly stepped forward. “Let me handle this.”

Silver Yao nodded, understanding Li Su’s capabilities. If there truly were internal injuries, only Li Su could provide the best and fastest treatment.

Muye stood aside to make room. Li Su crouched, focusing his spiritual energy into his right hand, which he placed on Ji Xuanyu’s shoulder, closing his eyes to sense the condition within.

A dark aura enveloped Ji Xuanyu’s heart meridian, seeping into his blood like a creeping shadow.

Alarm flickered in Li Su’s eyes. Quickly, he summoned spiritual energy with his left hand toward Ji Xuanyu’s heart. The black aura was attempting to invade his heart. If it succeeded, Ji Xuanyu would become someone else—a person with power equivalent to Ji Muyu’s, but, most terrifyingly, one who would lose his humanity and likely become a murderous fiend.

No one had expected such a scene, nor that Ji Muyu possessed such a hidden ability. It seemed his Twin Soul Hooks had undergone a mutation; they were no longer the original form.

Observing Li Su’s actions, everyone guessed that Ji Xuanyu’s injury was far from ordinary. Silver Yao’s intuition warned her that this wound would bring unforeseen complications.

“Li Su, how is he? Speak plainly—no need to hold back!” Silver Yao voiced the question on everyone’s mind. Even Yin Su’s gaze was fixed on Ji Xuanyu, curious about this sudden twist.

Li Su helped Ji Xuanyu to his feet, with Muye aiding as well. Everyone waited to hear what he had to say.

“The Twin Soul Hooks have mutated and carry a toxin. Ji Muyu’s attack on Silver Yao wasn’t just a full-release of power—the toxin was the true threat. Ji Xuanyu took the blow for Silver Yao. Although he appeared unharmed at the time, he was likely suppressing the pain, and the toxin hadn’t yet activated.”

“When I examined him, I found his heart meridian surrounded by a black aura—that must be the toxin. I’ve used spiritual energy to protect his heart. Now, place him on the white jade stone. I will treat his wounds and expel the toxin.” Li Su and Muye carefully carried Ji Xuanyu toward the white jade stone.

No one objected. At this moment, before Li Su, none dared to question his authority.

Silver Yao’s heart ached as she looked at Ji Xuanyu’s bloodied back and wounds. Were she and Ji Xuanyu destined for complicated entanglements?

Their parting at Hanling Valley had been because she sacrificed herself to save everyone, accidentally entering the Hidden Mountain Villa. Now, Ji Xuanyu was injured and unconscious because of her.

The scene on the white jade stone stunned the onlookers. White mourning lotuses bloomed across its surface, releasing faint floral fragrance. The white lotuses, the jade stone, and the pure moonlight created a sacred, ethereal tableau.

For a moment, Li Su hesitated about how to place Ji Xuanyu on the stone. No one expected the mourning lotuses to bloom so abundantly, covering the entire stone and even spreading beyond.

Silver Yao’s mind stirred as the lotuses seemed almost alive, gradually retreating outward to clear a space in the center, encircling the jade stone.

She tried, and to her surprise, succeeded, a faint smile gracing her lips. Li Su and Muye then levitated and settled in the center of the jade stone, seating Ji Xuanyu in a meditative posture.

Muye withdrew as Li Su sat opposite Ji Xuanyu, closing his eyes and circulating his spiritual energy. His hands rested on Ji Xuanyu’s shoulders, a gentle mist gradually enveloping them both.

Silver Yao beckoned the others. “Come here. Trust in Li Su’s strength—he will save Ji Xuanyu. Now, let me tell you the next step.”

Everyone nodded and followed her to the pavilion outside the bamboo hut, sitting in a circle awaiting her words.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard of the Void Continent, but what I can tell you precisely is that there’s a parallel dimension in this world—the Void Continent. My next step is to tear apart the spatial talisman between this space and enter the Void Continent.” Silver Yao spoke directly, skipping all unnecessary preamble.

Upon hearing “Void Continent,” varied expressions surfaced, but Silver Yao noticed that Yin Su and Gu Xinyu recognized the name, while Muye and Aishuo appeared utterly unfamiliar. She suspected this had to do with their respective powers.

“It seems, Yin Su and Xinyu, you know of it,” Silver Yao said, turning to them, inviting their understanding.

Gu Xinyu thought for a moment before speaking. “I don’t know much, only that I’m aware of its existence. Do you remember a few days ago when we reached the peak of the Void Realm and faced obstacles? At that moment, a voice appeared in my mind, telling me that the Void Realm is not the end, that the Barren Continent is but a small part of this world—and then it revealed the existence of the Void Continent.”

Hearing this, Silver Yao looked at Yin Su, who was visibly moved and met Gu Xinyu’s gaze. “My situation is the same. I learned of its existence in the same way. Silver Yao, tell me more—I’m curious about that world. I’ve already promised to join you on this journey to the Void Continent.”

Yin Su’s agreement sparked curiosity among the group. The key point was that she wanted to go to the Void Continent, a place only spoken of but never seen.

Silver Yao smiled softly. “Of course. Actually, my knowledge comes from my parents. You all know my origins are somewhat mysterious—that’s because I’m originally from the Void Continent. Due to certain circumstances, my mother, Silver Fox, brought me here. My father only recently revealed everything to me.”

“Your father?” Gu Xinyu questioned, as she hadn’t encountered any middle-aged men with Silver Yao in recent times.

“It’s a long story, but to summarize: my father is a powerful figure in the Void Continent. He didn’t come here himself, but used a doppelganger to find me and tell me everything, hoping I’d return to the Void Continent. He also said my mother, Silver Fox, wasn’t dead—she was taken back to the Void Continent but has since gone silent. At least, she’s not deceased.” Silver Yao explained patiently, unwilling to pressure anyone.

This was the first time anyone heard Silver Yao speak of her own origins. Gu Xinyu, who had once investigated Silver Yao, was utterly astonished. He had failed to uncover Silver Fox’s past and thus had hit a dead end with his inquiries into Silver Yao. No one had imagined she wasn’t from this world.

Everyone looked at Silver Yao in disbelief. She shook her head with a smile. “No need to look at me like that. In truth, Yin Su, you and Gu Xinyu aren’t from here either.”

“Ah?” they exclaimed in surprise.

“Don’t be shocked. Haven’t you ever wondered why only a select few possess powers like ours? That’s because...” Silver Yao began to share everything she knew.

After listening, the group fell silent, especially Muye and Aishuo, who lacked such powers and felt uneasy.

Finally, Gu Xinyu broke the silence, looking up at Silver Yao. “If Yin Su has agreed to your request, then so have I. No matter what it is, I want to see the Void Continent too.”

“Thank you for your trust,” Silver Yao said.

“Now, one last thing: to tear apart the spatial talisman, we need to gather four people with peak Void Realm strength and one with Li Su’s level of power. The five of us must exert our strength simultaneously on the white jade stone in Hanling Valley, where the spatial talisman is weakest.” Silver Yao revealed the most crucial point.

Gu Xinyu nodded. Naturally, Yin Su had no objections—she wished to leave behind the painful memories here and venture into a new world.

“Silver Yao, sorry, Aishuo and I can’t help you,” Muye said, a flicker of inferiority crossing his eyes. Aishuo remained silent, unusually so.

Silver Yao waved her hand dismissively. “No, Muye, don’t think that. Once we leave, you’ll be very busy. You know I’ll take Ji Xuanyu with me. With him gone, you’ll need to hold the fort. Yang Xun’s throne still needs your support. I’m leaving a lot for you to handle.”

Her smile lightened the mood, and Aishuo and Muye relaxed.

“Let’s wait together for Li Su and Ji Xuanyu,” Silver Yao said, glancing at the two on the jade stone.

“Agreed,” they answered, returning to their tasks.

Unaware, Silver Yao soon dozed off, resting her head on the stone table. At that moment, Li Yue and Yin Rou arrived from the palace and saw Muye preparing to take Silver Yao’s pulse. They knew she couldn’t be so easily exhausted.

Yin Rou stepped forward. “Doctor, don’t worry. The master has been like this lately. It’s a surprise she’s held on this long. After she emerged from seclusion, she’s been especially drowsy at night. We’ve examined her; she insists she’s fine. So you needn’t worry.”

Muye nodded and resumed his place.

The dense mist above the white jade stone lingered, heightening everyone’s anxiety. The long wait made them fear something had happened to Ji Xuanyu.

Around three or four in the morning, Silver Yao awoke slowly. Seeing Li Yue and Yin Rou, she smiled and nodded. “Is everything taken care of?”

Li Yue nodded; Yin Rou spoke softly. “Ji Muyu died, and the Twilight Tower is leaderless. We quickly broke through. Yang Xun has shown the demeanor of a true king. Li Yue and I handled everything before coming here. We’re glad you’re unharmed, but you seemed drowsy again just now.”

The word “drowsy” made Silver Yao turn away, not wanting others to see her strange expression. When she faced them again, her smile was calm and gentle. “Is that so? Lately, I don’t know why, but I’ve been feeling unusually sleepy.”

After tomorrow, it would stop.

Those few whispered words went unheard by anyone else.

Another night passed. As morning sunlight bathed everyone, the mist on the white jade stone slowly dissipated. Li Su, looking weary, appeared before the group. Silver Yao stepped forward, supporting him and channeling some spiritual energy into him. Li Su smiled in gratitude, but Silver Yao shook her head, indicating it was unnecessary.

Li Yue took Li Su’s place as Silver Yao hurried back to the jade stone. Ji Xuanyu remained unconscious, but his face had regained some color. His wounds had healed—Li Su’s prowess was undeniable.

Summoning Muye to care for Ji Xuanyu, Silver Yao returned to the bamboo hut. Li Su, now supported by Li Yue, sat in the pavilion. Seeing Silver Yao return, he spoke without waiting for her, “I’ve heard everything. Don’t worry if I’ll agree—I will help you, rest assured.”

“Thank you, Li Su.”

“No need for thanks.”

With matters at this stage, Silver Yao began giving instructions, mainly to Li Yue and Yin Rou. Soon, only a few would remain here.

Li Su instructed Li Yue to return to the villa and update his father, so he wouldn’t worry.

Ji Xuanyu regained consciousness but was unable to move. In his mind, a sea of blood stretched out. He tried to escape but was powerless. At the edge of this blood sea stood a white figure—so familiar. Ji Xuanyu tried to approach, desperate to see her face clearly.

“Ah!”

A piercing cry drew everyone’s attention. At that moment, Ji Xuanyu’s eyes flew open, fixed on a point. Countless images flashed through his mind.

Silver Yao instinctively rushed to him. Seeing her approach, Ji Xuanyu stood and embraced her tightly. “Yao’er, I remember! I remember! Please don’t leave me again, okay? Please!”

His grip was fierce, as if he wanted to merge her into his very bones and blood.

Hearing his cries, onlookers halted, knowing this was a private moment between them, one they could not intrude upon.

Silver Yao’s heart swirled with emotions as she was held close. She gently spoke, “Xuanyu, please let go for now, alright?”

“You promise not to leave me again first!” Ji Xuanyu stared at her face, unwilling to forget her.

Silver Yao nodded, and only then did Ji Xuanyu slowly release her—but he still wouldn’t let her stray far.

Suddenly recalling something, Ji Xuanyu hurriedly said, “Yao’er, let’s go together to the Void Continent to find your parents!”

Silver Yao was stunned—she had no idea Ji Xuanyu knew about this. Of course, he wouldn’t tell her that Silver Fox had just appeared in his mind.

Now, with everyone’s agreement, they awaited the coming night.

As Silver Yao and Ji Xuanyu stepped down from the jade stone, the gazes of the others shifted. Muye and Aishuo felt uncertain—joy or sorrow—because Ji Xuanyu had regained his memory at such a moment.

Li Su forced himself not to overthink.

Gu Xinyu and Yin Su were speechless.

A heavy silence fell over the group until Silver Yao broke it. “Let’s all rest well. Tearing the spatial talisman won’t be easy. We must remain in our best condition. Li Yue and Yin Rou, return to the palace to check on Yang Xun. Muye and Aishuo, you should also go back. Last night’s events will have spread. You must maintain stability in the martial world and prevent any impact on the court.”

The four descended the mountain, leaving the five to enter meditation.

Night fell quietly. The five opened their eyes simultaneously. Silver Yao stood first. “Let’s go. Li Su will stand on the white jade stone. The rest of us will position ourselves at the four directions around it, directing our full power toward the sky directly above. No holding back—use all your strength!”

The others nodded.

“Begin!”

Five beams of light ascended, converging in the sky and illuminating the night.

In the palace, Li Yue and Yin Rou, with Yang Xun, gazed toward Hanling Valley. In the Lingyu Pavilion, Muye and Aishuo stood by the window, watching the five beams shoot upward. They understood—the five were about to leave this place.

Above, a vortex slowly formed, drawing in their power. The five in Hanling Valley poured every ounce of their strength into the sky.

Suddenly, spectral images of a white fox, a blazing dragon, a tiger king, and a phoenix appeared, circling the vortex and roaring fiercely.

Sweat beaded on the five faces, their complexions paling. Their strength waned, but none chose to give up. They persisted, believing that perseverance would bring success.

“Ah!”

Despite the spiritual energy sustaining her, Silver Yao was the first to cry out—she was the one who faltered first.

On the jade stone appeared a vague, ethereal figure, standing beside Li Su. With hands raised toward the sky, an overwhelming force erupted. The vortex shattered; a rift appeared in the heavens. The five were uncontrollably drawn in, losing consciousness as they vanished.

No one saw who the phantom was.

The sky returned to calm, as if nothing had occurred.

—End of side story—

From today onward, a new world awaits.