The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 81: This Seat's Unreturning Path!

Meanwhile, in the Confucian Wind Sect's private room on the third floor, Ye Wangxi stood tall and elegant by the carved balustrade adorned with intricate patterns of phoenix flowers. His brows were knitted together, and his lips formed a thin line.

"Young Master Ye, Elder Xu instructed us to purchase that Divine Martial sword. If you truly insist on bidding for the Butterfly Bone Beauty's Seat, we might not have enough funds left..."

"No problem, I'll cover the cost myself."

Seeing Ye Wangxi's determination, those around him exchanged glances and fell silent.

The Second Pavilion Master of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion spoke sharply, "The Butterfly Bone Beauty's Seat starts at ten million gold coins. Esteemed Immortals may raise the bid if they wish."

"Eleven million."

"Twelve million."

The commotion on the first floor grew louder as the price soared swiftly.

"Nineteen million!"

"I'll offer two million five hundred thousand!"

The sudden hike of six hundred thousand left many cultivators sighing in admiration, shaking their heads and sitting down. At this moment, silver sticks from a few private rooms on the second floor landed before the Pavilion Master of the Xuan Yuan Pavilion. She swiftly caught them all, inserting them between her fingers one by one like opening a folding fan, revealing the price written on each stick.

"The highest bid so far," the Second Pavilion Master declared with absolute clarity. "The first private room under the 'Xuan' category has offered three million five hundred thousand."

"Three million five hundred thousand?!"

Everyone sucked in a breath of cold air, turning to look at the Xuan private room on the second floor. There, the lights were dim, and silver gauze fluttered, but they could not see who was seated inside.

"That's enough to buy a palace on an immortal island."

"Who made such a bid? That's outrageous..."

"So rich. They must be from one of the Ten Great Sects. I wonder which one?"

Chu Wanning kept his eyes closed. Hearing the bid, he asked Mo Ran, "Do you have enough money on you?"

"Not enough!" Mo Ran had never expected to encounter Song Qiutong here, and he was extremely shocked. Only when he heard Chu Wanning call for him did he snap back to reality, asking warily, "What are you planning, Master?"

"Purchase her."

Mo Ran's eyes widened as he waved his hands frantically. "No, no, we can't buy her. This woman is nothing but a burden. Where would we put her after buying her? We'd need to rent an extra horse for our journey and book another room for sleeping. No, I don't want to buy her."

"Who said anything about traveling with her? We'll free her once we purchase her," Chu Wanning opened his eyes, extending his hand with a calm expression. "Hand over the money."

Mo Ran clutched his money pouch tightly. "N-No, there isn't any!"

"I'll return it to you when we get back."

"This is for the Divine Martial Arts!"

"You saw a ghost, didn't you? What use do you have for Divine Martial Arts? Give me the money!"

"............"

Mo Ran was utterly frustrated. When he first encountered Song Qiutong in his previous life, she had already become a disciple of the Confucian Wind Sect. Back then, as Mo Ran slaughtered through the city, her appearance reminded him slightly of Shi Mo, so he spared her life. Later, seeing her obedience and similarity in character to Shi Mo, he ultimately appointed her as his queen.

But this was one of the decisions Mo Ran regretted the most.

At this moment, Chu Wanning, that seemingly cold-hearted yet kindhearted person, actually wanted to buy her. How could Mo Ran possibly agree to that? Let alone forty million, he wouldn't even take four copper coins from her.

Wait, no! He wouldn't even accept if she offered him forty million!

As the two were at an impasse, a golden slip suddenly drifted down from the third floor.

A Golden Top Sign!

The highest-priced sign in the Xuan Yuan Pavilion was this kind of golden slip. No words were needed on it; one was equivalent to fifty million gold. Once such a price was called, it was almost impossible for anyone else to outbid it, hence it was also known as the "Top Sign."

Everyone fell silent in shock before breaking into an uproar.

"The Confucian Wind Sect!"

"The Confucian Wind Sect placed the Top Sign!"

Chu Wanning ignored the desperately clutching Mo Ran and turned his head to look outside. From his angle, he could just catch a glimpse of the first private room on the third floor. Ye Wangxi, who was not one to hide his intentions, had already rolled up the Snow Moon Gauze that the Xuan Yuan Pavilion used to ensure guests' privacy. Hands behind his back, he stood by the carved railing.

His expression was solemn, with no extra emotions on his handsome face. After casting a glance at the noisy scene below, he seemed somewhat speechless and turned to walk deeper into the private room.

Mo Ran let out a sigh of relief and said to Chu Wanning, "Master can rest assured. Young Master Ye has been staying with me in Peach Blossom Spring, so I know him a bit. He's an upright and kind person. Since he's the one who bought the Butterfly Bone Beauty Chair, he wouldn't do anything morally reprehensible."

In the Confucian Wind Sect's private room on the third floor, Ye Wangxi sat down at a table adorned with golden flower and silver leaf embroidery, pouring himself a cup of fragrant tea. When he finished his drink, there came a knock on the door.

With a gentle and proper voice, Ye Wangxi said, "Enter."

"Immortal Ye, we've brought you the Butterfly Bone Beauty Chair. Please inspect it."

"Thank you for your trouble. You may leave now."

The servant girl from the Xuan Yuan Pavilion retreated, leaving the room momentarily quiet. The Butterfly Bone Beauty Chair had her limbs bound by enchanted ropes and was kneeling on the ground, her eyes filled with fear as she trembled uncontrollably. Her pair of peach blossom eyes, blurred with tears, had a faint rosy hue that tugged at one's heartstrings.

But when Ye Wangxi looked at her, his clear and transparent gaze held no ulterior motives. He raised his hand and effortlessly dispelled the enchantment.

"The floor is cold. Miss, you must have been frightened. Please sit and have a warm cup of tea."

"..." The Butterfly Bone Beauty Chair remained crouched, her glassy, luminous eyes wide open, still too scared to speak or move.

Ye Wangxi sighed and instructed his attendants to fetch a cloak, which he then personally handed to her.

"Lady, don't be worried. I redeemed you, not for cultivation purposes. Put on this robe first, and we can talk about anything else after that."

"You... You..."

Seeing that she still didn't move, with her head lowered in fear, Ye Wangxi smiled bitterly and knelt down on one knee to meet her gaze.

"I am Ye Wangxi. May I ask your name, lady?"

"I... My surname is Song." She looked at Ye Wangxi hesitantly, her eyes misty with grievance. "This humble girl is Song Qiutong, thanking young master Ye..."

Downstairs, Mo Ran was contemplating in silence.

In his previous life, when he had met Song Qiutong, she was already a disciple of the Confucian Wind Sect. Presumably, she was rescued by Ye Wangxi during this auction at the Xuan Yuan Pavilion.

Butterfly Bone Beauty was not treated as an ordinary person, but once she joined a major immortal sect and became its disciple, her status would change.

Mo Ran sighed inwardly. He didn't know Ye Wangxi very well, only that he was an upright man who, aside from Chu Wanning, was the most formidable figure in the world back then. When Mo Ran had slaughtered all 72 cities of the Confucian Wind Sect, he had crossed swords with Ye Wangxi once. The overwhelming swordsmanship and his imposing figure were truly unforgettable.

Of the 72 cities, Mo Ran had taken the rest without breaking a sweat. The renowned city lords of the Confucian Wind Sect, with their lengthy titles, were mere trifles in his eyes.

Only Ye Wangxi, only this Ye Wangxi, held his seven cities against Mo Ran's relentless attacks. Even when the last stronghold fell and the man knelt amidst a jumble of bones, bloodied but unbroken, his gaze remained clear, his resolve unwavering.

At that time, even the Southern Palace Head of the Confucian Wind Sect had fled, with countless others prostrating themselves, begging Mo Ran for mercy.

Yet Ye Wangxi's long brows were knitted together, his eyes closed, his expression coldly fierce.

Before Mo Ran took his life, he had asked, "Will you surrender?"

"No surrender."

Mo Ran smiled, sitting on the gilded dragon-phoenix throne of the Confucian Wind Sect's Supreme Leader. His lashes quivered as his gaze swept over the sea of black-robed disciples, disregarding the ordinary ones. Six or seven city lords, more than ten protectors — all of them cowered in the dust, trembling with fear.

In the lead-gray sky, crows croaked and circled, while crimson banners fluttered fiercely. Mo Ran raised his hand and said, "Kill them all."

As he was about to die, Ye Wangxi spoke: "Of the seventy resplendent cities of the Confucian Wind Sect, not a single one bore a true man."

Blood stained the heavens.

In Mo Ran's arms was the newly acquired beauty, Song Qiutong. The peerless maiden's face was as pale as parchment, her delicate body shivering as she gazed upon the hellish scene before her.

"Be good, don't be afraid. Don't be afraid. From now on, you'll follow me," Mo Ran stroked her hair with a gentle smile. "Come, tell me again, what's your name? What were you originally doing in the Confucian Wind Sect? I didn't quite remember when I heard it before."

"I'm... Song Qiutong," she replied, frightened. "I was... I was a servant of... Ye Wangxi..."

A servant of Ye Wangxi. That was how she answered Mo Ran back then.

But how Song Qiutong, as a Butterfly Bone Beauty, came to join the Confucian Wind Sect and became a servant of Ye Wangxi, Mo Ran had no idea. It wasn't until he revisited the Xuan Yuan Pavilion after being reborn that he realized Ye Wangxi had spent a fortune to save her from danger.

Few knew, however, that Ye Wangxi's eventual defeat at Mo Ran's hands was largely due to Song Qiutong's betrayal.

Thinking about this, Mo Ran couldn't help frowning, his disdain for Song Qiutong growing stronger. He must have been possessed by a ghost back then to see any resemblance between her and Shi Mo.

"The final item up for auction today is a divine weapon without an owner," the Second Pavilion Master said, interrupting Mo Ran's thoughts. "This divine weapon does not belong to Solitary Moon Night either. It's also being sold on someone else's behalf."

The highlight of each auction was always announced beforehand, so while the cultivators below were eager to bid, they remained relatively composed compared to their reaction to the news of the Butterfly Bone Beauty.

The white jade lotus flower opened once more, lifting a silver box adorned with patterns of sun, moon, mountains, and rivers on a stone pedestal.

The box was slender, intricately embroidered with gold thread. Those knowledgeable could tell at a glance that the design was crafted by the most renowned embroidery studio in Suzhou, Cloud-Linking Pavilion. Ignoring the divine weapon inside, the box alone was worth a fortune.

"The divine weapon was discovered in Jun Mountain's burial ground. Its previous owner has passed away, and after verification by our Xuanyuan Pavilion, the weapon has yet to acknowledge a new master," the Second Pavilion Master paused before continuing, "As we all know, divine weapons usually bear inscriptions on their bodies. However, due to the passage of time since its owner's death, the words on this one have worn off. The only discernible character is 'return'."

Someone grumbled, "Why not just open the box instead of talking so much?"

"Ah, forget it. We'll get used to it. Isn't that how Xuanyuan Pavilion always operates? First, they talk nonsense, then they show us the goods."

"True enough."

Mo Ran found this amusing and turned to share a laugh with Chu Wanning. However, he saw Chu Wanning frowning, his slender fingers like cold jade propping up his forehead, his complexion as pale as frost. Startled, Mo Ran asked, "Master, what's wrong?"

"I suddenly... feel unwell."

"Why do you feel unwell? Did you catch a chill again?" Mo Ran leaned over, touching his forehead, "You don't seem to have a fever."

"..." Chu Wanning shook his head without speaking, looking listless.

Not knowing what to do, Mo Ran said, "I'll get you some tea." He poured a steaming cup of tea and, considering for a moment, added a bit of the recently acquired Mo Xiang Lu into it.

This medicine, crafted by the renowned Cold Scale Saint Hand, was famous throughout the world. After Chu Wanning drank the tea infused with Mo Xiang Lu, he felt somewhat better, and his complexion improved. He lifted his gaze to watch the bidding downstairs. Mo Ran tidied up the teaware and poured him a second cup.

"Scholarly Pavilion was unable to determine the full name of this Divine Weapon, but due to its fortuitous reappearance in the world and the character 'Return' inscribed within it, we have temporarily named it 'Return'."

Finally, someone impatient couldn't hold back and shouted from below, "Pavilion Master, you've built up our anticipation enough. Please open the box so we can see what this Divine Weapon looks like."

The Second Pavilion Master of the Scholarly Pavilion smiled slightly. "Immortal Lord, please don't rush. According to the rules of the cultivation world, after the original owner of a Divine Weapon dies, the weapon should be passed down to their descendants based on blood ties. 'Return' was found in a mass grave, so we were unable to determine its original owner. However, once the box is opened, all of you can release your spiritual energy to sense it. If there's anyone whose energy resonates with the Divine Weapon, they would be the original owner's kin. In that case, there would be no need for bidding, and 'Return' will naturally belong to them."

"Hahaha, how could such a coincidence exist in the world?"

Most cultivators in the venue laughed.

"Yes, it's almost impossible."

"But it's worth a try, right? It wouldn't hurt to take a chance."

The Second Pavilion Master looked warmly at the crowd below and said crisply, "Indeed, trying one's luck is always good. Please, Immortal Lords, focus your minds. I'm about to open the lid."

She snapped her fingers, and immediately, two disciples of Solitary Moon Night, both young maidens around fifteen or sixteen, gracefully floated onto the lotus platform. Their delicate fingers, like green onions, gently touched the Sun and Moon Silk Box. Each held a crystal-clear key, which they cautiously inserted into the lockholes with great care.

With a "click-click," the locks fell into place.

Mo Ran observed the unlocking scene, inexplicably recalling the moment in Jin Chengchi when he had obtained 'Ghostsight.' Back then, they said that only someone who deeply loved in this world could unlock the Longing for Love. He still didn't understand how the box ended up in Chu Wanning's hands.

The crowd held their breath, countless pairs of eyes hidden under hoods fixated on the slender box. The lid, embroidered with golden threads, opened slowly, tension in the air reaching its peak like a taut bowstring. In the hall filled with thousands, silence reigned so absolute that even the sound of a hair falling could be heard.

Everyone stared unblinkingly at the glimpse of ancient and primitive sharpness within the box. Some out of greed, others out of curiosity, and still others in admiration...

Only Mo Ran, upon seeing the weapon inside, widened his eyes in shock, his face instantly drained of all color.

He had lived two lifetimes, wielded two divine weapons, and crossed paths with more than ten other owners. He thought he would remain indifferent to whatever the Xuan Yuan Pavilion was auctioning off.

But he was wrong.

"The Divine Weapon returns," the Second Pavilion Master's clear voice broke the silence. "In the form of a broadsword, four feet long, three inches wide. No scabbard, pitch black in color, reflecting no light even during the day."

Mo Ran's fingertips trembled slightly, two words almost escaping his lips.

"Not returning..."

Not returning...

On the emerald green fields and vermilion bridges, memories of years past linger, yet you, my love, have not returned after another year.

---

"Mo Ran, you've obtained the Divine Weapon, so why did you ask me to seal its spirit and not give it a name?"

"Informally addressing my Master, this disciple lacks knowledge. A name can only be given once. I'm afraid of choosing a bad one and regretting it later."

"Aran, why haven't you thought of a name for your scimitar yet? You can't keep calling it 'Sword' all the time."

"It's alright, I'll think of one eventually. It's a Divine Weapon, so I want to give it the most beautiful name in the world, something that suits it perfectly, hahaha."

Later, Shi Mo passed away.

Mo Ran had wanted Chu Wanning to lift the seal and name his Divine Weapon "Brightness and Purity."

But at that time, Chu Wanning said that due to his battles against the Ghost Realm, his spiritual energy was weakened, leaving him no spare strength to dispel the curse on the blade. Thus, the matter was left unresolved.

Afterward, Mo Ran's relationship with Chu Wanning completely broke down. He refused to beg for the seal to be removed, and so that bloodstained scimitar, which had dominated the battlefield for so many years, remained nameless. But it no longer mattered; by then, everyone in the world knew Mo Weiyu, and his infamous Asura Blade, which quenched its thirst with the blood of foes.

In the end.

Chu Wanning also perished.

Vanishing alongside him was the restrictive name curse that had been bound to Mo Ran's blade for over a decade.

That night, Mo Ran drank a great deal of Pear Blossom White and grew tipsy. As he caressed the cold blade, it was unclear whether he found solace or sorrow in it. He plucked at the edge of the sword, listening to the clamor of drums and horns resonating within, like chilled pomegranates. Lying on the roof of the Wu Mountain Palace, he laughed heartily, his merriment escalating into madness.

He couldn't recall if he had shed any tears that night, but when he woke up the next morning, two cold and distant characters were engraved on the nameless machete that had been anonymous for over a decade.

"No Return."

Scholar Jun, who shall not return.

Not returning anymore.

But why would this weapon, which he had battled with countless times in his previous life and turned him into a demonic being, appear in this reincarnated world, and furthermore, at the auction hosted by the Xuan Yuan Pavilion? !

Before Mo Ran could ponder further, thousands of cultivators within the venue released their spiritual currents, vying to establish a connection with No Return.

Mo Ran: "............"

It was useless. Since it was called Unreturning, no one in the world could wield this sabre except for Mo Ran himself.

But was its appearance related to that hidden creature behind the scenes? If there was a connection, then by releasing Unreturning now, that person clearly knew that Mo Ran and Chu Wanning were tracking his whereabouts. Thus, his purpose couldn't be to test who was an Essence Spirit Body.

What on earth did he intend to do? !

And also, was this Unreturning genuine, or was it just another decoy like Jin Chengchi's replicas?

With these doubts in mind, Mo Ran cautiously released a small amount of spiritual energy.

If Unreturning wasn't fake, it would surely resonate slightly with him. The resonance had to be subtle to avoid detection, just a tiny bit...

However, the moment he released a faint wisp of his spirit power, he heard a soft groan from behind.

"...Shifu?!"

Mo Ran turned around to see Chu Wanning frowning deeply with his lips turning blue. He had collapsed onto the table, his snowy robes draping like mist. His handsome face looked even paler than snow, his eyelids drooping as he shut his eyes tightly. It seemed like some chronic illness had flared up, causing him to pass out at this crucial moment.

Mo Ran never could have imagined that such an incident would occur. Startled, he hastily withdrew the probing spiritual energy and rushed back to Chu Wanning's side, lifting him up. "Shifu, what happened to you?!"

Author's Note: Today, there's a drawing by little darling doublesaya of Shifu proposing with fish food~ (Massive fog) I can automatically imagine Shifu frowning, as if he's disdainful of feeding the fish, lol~ So cute~ Thanks~ Here's the link:

[blogshuangyejun633?act=dashboardclick_20130514_04]

Ye Wangxi

Given Name: None

Posthumous Title: None

Occupation: Eldest disciple of the closed-door disciple of the First Elder of the Confucian Wind Sect

In simpler terms: Adopted son of the stepfather

Social Standing: Right-hand man of the sect leader, a reliable Confucian gentleman

In simpler terms: Errand runner

Current Favorite: The Young Master of the Confucian Wind Sect

Favorite Food: Grilled Fish

Dislikes: Cowards

Height: 176 cm