The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 226: "Dragon Mountain" - An Unforgettable Memory

Weapons were drawn as the group stood alert. Xue Zhengyong shielded Xue Meng behind him, his expression grim. "Meng'er, stay back. Stand well behind me!"

Of course, nobody had thought of breaking the Soul Array just now, for if an outsider were to disrupt it, Xu Shuanglin's spiritual energy would rapidly wane, and he might die instantly. They still needed to question him.

None of them expected that Xu Shuanglin had concealed another formation beneath the Soul Array.

What kind of formation was it?

A spatial rift for escape? Or a fierce blood curse in a desperate bid for survival?

Chu Wanning raised his hand, casting a barrier between the group and the mysterious formation.

He didn't wish to witness more young cultivators meet their end before him, as he had with Nan Gongsi.

Chu Wanning warned, "Be cautious, don't rush in."

The sky darkened abruptly, clouds gathering to obscure the once-bright moon with inky shadows. Sand and dust swirled, blinding the eyes in an instant.

Xu Shuanglin stood amidst the whirling gale in a pristine white robe, suddenly grinning at them. "Thank you for listening to my ramblings for so long. Thank you, thank you, everyone. The formation is about to open."

As he spoke, the withered ghostly claw pointed backward, and the black formation, like a dragon ascending through clouds and surging across waves, frenziedly rushed into his palm. With this layer of the formation retracted, it revealed the colorful, shimmering spell array beneath.

Xue Meng exclaimed, "What kind of formation is this?"

"Is it a Rebirth Formation?" This was Xue Zhengyong's question to Master Xuanjing of Wubie Temple, but the master shook his head. "Though Huaiwei from our sect is proficient in Rebirth Arts, he never demonstrates them in public. Thus, this old monk has no knowledge of it."

Everyone stared intently at the formation, taut as drawn bows, waiting for any move Xu Shuanglin might make. The air was deathly still, save for the eerie howling of the fierce winds.

They were like a pot of oil that appeared calm but was searing hot.

It only took a single drop of water...

"IT'S A CORPSE SOUL FORMATION!!"

A sudden, thunderous shout echoed, shattering the silence and setting off a tumultuous uproar.

It was the renowned expert Hua Binan, known as Cold Scale Saint, who first identified the formation. He shouted, "Corpse Soul Formation! Xu Shuanglin is attempting to summon Luo Fenghua's corpse demon to perish alongside us! Quick! We must prevent the formation from completing!"

Upon hearing the words "Corpse Soul Formation," virtually everyone panicked. They all knew it was an evil secret technique, second only to the three forbidden arts, and a sinister practice of the Medicine Sect. As the world-renowned master of the Medicine Sect, Cold Scale Saint's judgment could not be doubted.

Being skilled in alchemy himself, Jiang Xi had long been familiar with the Corpse Soul Formation since childhood. Thus, his reaction was quicker than most. In a flash, he rushed to the barrier, drawing his Silver Phoenix, his spiritual energy surging as he struck fiercely at the formation's core!

"Clang!"

Swords clashed, sparks flew. Xu Shuanglin had astonishingly appeared in front of the Corpse Soul Barrier in an instant, drawing his blade to parry Jiang Xi's weapon. A cold glint shone in his eyes.

"All I seek for the rest of my life lies here. Don't even think about stepping any closer," Jiang Xi declared fiercely.

Jiang Xi erupted with rage, "Is your entire life's pursuit to destroy everything, even at the cost of your own ruin?"

Xu Shuanglin gritted his teeth and replied, "Nonsense!" The hand gripping his sword trembled uncontrollably, veins bulging on his forehead, and his cheeks flushed red.

Jiang Xi continued, "You're already battered and bruised. Even if you become a zombie demon, what difference would it make? How many Dolas will accompany you in death?"

"What zombie demon? What accompaniment in death? Open your eyes and look clearly! How can this possibly—"

"Whoosh!"

Just as Jiang Xi was engaging Xu Shuanglin, an enchanted arrow imbued with spiritual energy suddenly shot from an unknown direction, hurtling towards the barrier behind the two.

"No—!"

For the first time tonight, the usually calm and composed Xu Shuanglin let out a blood-curdling scream, "Stop it!!"

In that brief moment of distraction, Xu Shuanglin was struck by Jiang Xi's descending sword. Blood gushed out in an instant, and he fell to his knees in agony. His eyes, however, were wild and desperate, fixated not on his severed flesh and exposed bone but on the direction of the barrier.

Blood spatters adorned his face, his eyes bulging, and his lips trembling uncontrollably.

Such a terrified expression had never been seen before on either Nangong Xu's face or Xu Shuanglin's.

Shaking, he maintained the posture of channeling spiritual energy with his palm.

He had poured all his strength into that strike, solely to intercept the deadly arrow before it reached the array.

And he succeeded.

Xu Shuanglin gasped for breath, his arm slashed by Jiang Xi still spurting blood, and blood foam seeped from the corner of his mouth. But when he saw the feathered arrow successfully blocked and shattered beneath his spiritual power, his ashen lips quivered, and a faint smile tugged at them.

At that moment, Mo Ran heard Shi Mo muttering softly beside him, "This... This isn't a Corpse Demon Array."

Huang Xiaoyue overheard this and, twirling his beard, snorted coldly, "At your young age, aren't you ashamed? Cold Scale Sage Hand wouldn't be wrong in identifying it as a Corpse Demon Array, would he?"

But Shi Mo shook his head firmly. "A Corpse Demon Array isn't like this."

"You, what do you know? Is Medicine Sect's Sage Hand's eyes keener, or are yours?"

Before Shi Mo could reply, Mo Ran placed a hand on him to silence him.

"Shi Mo, don't waste time with this old man," Mo Ran said. "Are you absolutely sure this isn't a Corpse Demon Array?"

"It only resembles one, but it definitely isn't. The Corpse Demon Array has a scaly luster to it, but this array has a continuous glow, not patchy."

At that moment, Jiang Xi, standing before the array, shouted angrily, "Nan Gongxu, what exactly are you up to?!"

Xu Shuanglin ignored him, the array radiating a dazzling light. Dragging his severely injured body, he stumbled to the front of the formation, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

His smile grew more pronounced, the radiance of the formation illuminating his face with a vibrant spirit, momentarily transforming him into a dashing youth in furs and on horseback.

He murmured softly, "It's almost time..."

Lifting his hand, he gently touched the surface of the array, his fingertips leaving ripples behind.

He seemed to be on the verge of reuniting with an old friend he'd been separated from for years, or a beloved relative after a long absence. Neither the grotesque wounds nor the decaying flesh could deter his joy.

His eyes sparkled as he repeated, "Almost there... almost, just a little more..."

The swirling gales around them suddenly ceased, and the dense clouds dispersed, revealing a full moon in the sky. Xu Shuanglin's eyes widened with hopeful anticipation. He was trembling again, but this time, it wasn't from fear; it was from an uncontrollable excitement.

"Master..."

The crowd noticed golden shimmerings within the barrier, followed by the emergence of a translucent spirit core. The barrier continuously funneled its brilliance towards the core, the rays intertwining and gradually coalescing into a human form—

"It's Luo Fenghua?!"

"It's Luo Fenghua!"

Luo Fenghua, who had been deceased for many years, suddenly materialized on the Soul Summoning Platform of the Confucian Wind Sect! Within a boundary shimmering with golden light, an orange tree blossomed, its white petals softly fluttering down. Luo Fenghua, dressed in the Celestial Azure Crane Robe of the Confucian Wind Sect, sat beneath the tree with his eyes closed, serenely playing a konghou.

He was still a mere specter, an indistinct, illusory figure akin to a mirage in a moonlit reflection on water. The only tangible element was that Reborn Ghost Fetus Spirit Core he acquired from the Netherworld, shimmering with brilliance beneath his ethereal form.

"A few petals scatter upon the pond's surface, while a solitary melody echoes along the bank."

A gentle and indifferent male voice, unruffled by honor or disgrace, echoed softly from the very core of the spirit nucleus.

Under the blossoming tree, Luo Fenghua sat pensively, softly singing a melody from Shu, his voice echoing like a gentle breeze.

"The prime of youth is most delightful, galloping on swift horses, taking in the blooms at the edge of the world..."

Suddenly, a hoarse voice intertwined with Luo Fenghua's ethereal tone, forming an unexpected duet - it was Xu Shuanglin responding in harmony. His voice quavered, unpleasant to the ear, akin to a cracked gong or rusted metal, yet it persisted stubbornly, disregarding all else as it echoed in accompaniment.

"This, this is a Corpse Demon?" Xue Zhengyong stammered in astonishment. "What on earth is going on here?"

He was not the only one harboring such doubts; even Jiang Xi's brows faintly furrowed, his lips pressed together in silence, his eyes betraying a hint of uncertainty.

Glimmers of golden light flickered as Luo Fenghua gradually took form, his eyebrows, nose, and lips becoming increasingly distinct. Amidst the serene and distant melody, Hua Binan suddenly cried out, "Quick! The zombie demon is about to materialize!"

Shi Mo had been quiet the whole journey, likely aware of his own insignificance and thus refraining from speaking much. But now, he suddenly turned to Hua Binan and declared loudly, "Senior Sacred Hand, you're mistaken! This isn't a Corpse Demon array! It's...

It's a Rebirth Array."

Mo Ran understood it all now.

Yes, Shi Mo was right. This wasn't a Corpse Demon array, but a Rebirth Array!

But when a group gathered, would they believe an unknown cultivator or a renowned Master of the Medicine Sect? Once Hua Binan claimed that the Corpse Demon was about to manifest, even if Shi Mo refuted it, most people would prioritize their own survival. A dark green shadow flashed past them swiftly. Before Xu Shuanglin could react, the shadow plunged a spirit-infused dagger fiercely into the barrier.

"No!!!"

The blow shattered Luo Fenghua's spirit core. The barrier flickered with golden light for a moment before collapsing in disarray.

"No! No! Master! Master!!"

Xu Shuanglin abruptly leaped up, roaring as he knocked the perpetrator flying several feet away. It was a cultivator from Solitary Moon Night who had followed Hua Binan's instructions in the crisis. The man suddenly vomited a mouthful of blood—Xu Shuanglin's strike had been vicious, and despite being at the end of his strength, it still sent the man crashing to the ground, writhing in pain. He soon lost his breath.

But it was too late.

The death of this cultivator couldn't alter anything.

Xu Shuanglin, with all his effort, had retrieved Luo Fenghua's ghostly spirit core from the depths of the Eighteen Hells. Now, it was fractured with a huge gash. He crawled all the way to Luo Fenghua, attempting to grab hold of his master's sleeve. However, the humanoid form was dissipating, and Luo Fenghua's sleeve in his hand felt like sand slipping through fingers, water spilling from a basket – impossible to grasp.

"Master... Master..."

He called out like this at first.

Then, he approached madness, his eyes shimmering with a frenzied, quivering light.

"Luo Fenghua! Luo Fenghua!!"

It was useless.

No matter how he shouted or addressed him.

Luo Fenghua's remnant image rapidly dissipated, ultimately transforming into countless flickering lights that were whisked away by the wind...

There was nothing left.

Xu Shuanglin remained kneeling in place, his body stiff and upright, an eerie stillness about him.

He didn't move.

He didn't cry.

And he no longer called out.

On the Soul Summoning Platform, amidst the biting wind, a cracked spirit core lost its luster, plummeting to the ground, lifeless and dull.

The array's spiritual currents that were meant to reconstruct Luo Fenghua's reincarnated limbs now fluttered like countless willow catkins, swirling in the air, rising and falling, like stars in the vast expanse of the world.

Xu Shuanglin knelt amidst this ashen, shattered illusion.

After a long while, he seemed to mutter to himself, or perhaps it was a self-deprecating smile, as he spoke, "The best years are those of one's youth, when one rides swiftly on a horse, taking in all the wonders of the world?"

What a beautiful melody.

In his childhood, he had often heard Luo Fenghua sing it.

In his sight, the floating spirit fibers transformed into memories of bygone years. Amidst the golden willow fluff, he saw the scene of when he first met his master as a child—

Back then, he and his elder brother were still young. Their father brought them to the Scholarly Wind Academy. It was autumn, and there stood an ancient tangerine tree in the courtyard, its branches heavy with fruit. Beneath the tree, two men conversed. One had an unremarkable appearance, his expression faint, someone who would quickly blend into a crowd.

The other, however, exuded charisma and grandeur.

Their father led them over and said, "Pay your respects to your master."

His elder brother promptly bowed, addressing the extraordinary man, "Nan Gongliu, disciple, pays respect to Master."

The man waved his hand, saying, "I'm just here to consult Mr. Luo on some scholarly matters. I am not your master. You have mistaken me, young masters."

Their father chuckled, guiding them towards the seemingly ordinary man. He said, "This is your true master, Immortal Luo Fenghua."

He looked up, meeting Luo Fenghua's slightly bashful smile. Luo Fenghua was young at the time, and under pressure, appeared even more youthful. His round eyes reflected the image of his two disciples, his cheeks faintly flushed. The former sect leader took his hand and said, "Immortal, my two children have vastly different personalities, and their cultivation paths might differ. In the future, I'll need you to be patient and teach them accordingly."

Luo Fenghua held a tangerine in his hand. He seemed to be striving for the dignity expected of a master, but his fidgeting with the fruit betrayed his inexperience and shyness.

Nan Gongliu, mischievous as he was, immediately approached with a sweet greeting, "Master Luo, Master Luo."

Luo Fenghua's face flushed crimson, right down to his ears, which were now tinged with blood. He waved his hand dismissively. "I... No, there's no need to be so formal. I'm also new to this teaching role and still have much to learn... In the future, I hope both of you young masters will kindly guide me. I..."

He stumbled over his words, unsure what to say. Xu Shuanglin vividly recalled that day in Lin Yi when the sunlight drenched the city. Luo Fenghua, who felt more like an elder brother than a master, stood beneath a tree heavy with oranges, bathed in the glow of the heavens.

His earlobes were thin, and under the backlight, one could discern the faint blue veins beneath the skin. The edges of his delicate ears shimmered with a translucent orange-yellow hue.

Thus, Xu Shuanglin spoke his first words to Luo Fenghua.

"Immortal Luo, have you turned twenty yet?"

The question was meant as a taunt, even Xu Shuanglin's father standing nearby perceived it. However, Luo Fenghua didn't seem to catch the sarcasm. Instead, he smiled genuinely and replied, "Not yet. I'm seventeen this year."

"..."

Xu Shuanglin opened his mouth, intending to say something but ultimately remained silent. With a huff, he turned and walked away.

His father pulled him back and took him aside, sternly reprimanding, "How can Xuer call someone's abilities into question based solely on their age?"

"He isn't much older than us."

"Earlier, you complained about Elder Wang being too old!"

"Not old enough?" Xu Shuanglin rolled his eyes. "He's ninety-seven; I think he's almost transcended to become an immortal."

"Seventeen wasn't good, and ninety-seven isn't either. What do you want then?"

With a casual tone, Xu Shuanglin replied, "Dad, can you at least not find someone eighty years older the next time?"

"..." The elderly leader felt frustrated but was also embarrassed by his son's words. After grinding his teeth for a while, he finally said, "Although his skills aren't the best, he has broad knowledge and is well-versed in various techniques and martial arts. Just follow him obediently for a year. If you're still not satisfied after that, we'll change again!"

After much persuasion, the two of them emerged from the corner and returned to the academy. To Xu Shuanglin's surprise, he saw his brother Nan Gongliu chatting cheerfully with Luo Fenghua. The expression on his brother's face suggested that they had known each other for over a decade.

However, this wasn't too astonishing, considering that Nan Gongliu had the ability to quickly form a close bond with anyone if he wished.

On the other hand, Luo Fenghua still appeared somewhat anxious and restrained in his behavior. Upon seeing Xu Shuanglin approaching, these feelings became even more evident.

Observing Xu Shuanglin's impatient look, Luo Fenghua reluctantly approached under his father's guidance.

After some hesitation, he attempted, in the most awkward and childish manner, to please this unpredictable and willful young disciple.

He passed the orange he had been holding onto but not eating to Xu Shuanglin.

Xu Shuanglin: "…"

"It's very sweet. You should try it."

The seventeen-year-old junior master appeared flustered and anxious, even a bit pitiable.

Only then did Xu Shuanglin notice the neatly patched corner on his clothing.

So poor?

No wonder he was so anxious and eagerly seeking help, considering he had secured the position of mentor to the Confucian Wind Sect's two young masters.

"I don't particularly like oranges," Xu Shuanglin said. "Since Master Luo insists on staying, let this be the first thing I ask you to remember."

"Susu!"

The elder sect leader was about to scold, but Luo Fenghua waved it off, quickly reclaiming the orange. "It's alright, it's alright. Lord needn't worry about it."

"Sigh, my child is so disrespectful, not knowing the importance of honoring one's teacher. I apologize for putting Immortal Master through such inconvenience."

"No need to worry," Luo Fenghua replied with a warm smile, looking at Xu Shuanglin again with gentle and friendly eyes, yet also with a hint of caution. "Actually, it doesn't matter whether you become my disciple or not. I have some knowledge to share, so just learn from me; there's no need to formally acknowledge me as your master."

The elderly sect leader hastily protested, "How can that be...?"

"Titles are just empty labels," Luo Fenghua said, his cheeks turning red as he scratched his head nervously. "To be honest, I feel like I'm too young for this..." He turned to Xu Shuanglin and continued, "If Young Master feels uncomfortable, you can just call me by my name in the future."

Xu Shuanglin gazed at him silently for a moment before suddenly bursting into a laugh. Just as Luo Fenghua, the poor honest man, was becoming more perplexed and embarrassed, Xu Shuanglin straightened his clothes and gave him a proper bow. Then, he lifted his face.

The scent of orange trees filled the air, and shadows danced around them.

Xu Shuanglin smiled, his eyebrows lifting with a hint of arrogance and mischief. Yet, he was still young, and when he smiled, it carried an innocent sweetness reminiscent of a peach.

Indeed, titles were meaningless.

So, why should he be so concerned about how he addressed the other person?

With a casual, leisurely tone, Xu Shuanglin called out to him, "Master."

The orange tree leaves rustled, casting a speckled pattern across the ground.

A breeze had arisen.

Well, it was just a makeshift apprenticeship. Within a year or so, he would be moving on to the next place, he mused.

At that time, Xu Shuanglin genuinely believed that everything remained unchanged, ordinary and mundane. This day was merely another unremarkable episode in his life.

Author's Note: Luo Fenghua's melody is adapted from Meng Jiao's poem "Horsehooves nimble on the spring breeze, all the flowers of Chang'an seen in a day." The source has been credited in the author's note.~