Chapter 20: A Midnight Investigation

Xin’er, true to her word, struck out with her delicate hand, so pale and flawless, and in an instant a streak of violet shot forth. Wu Luohua laughed, “I’ve seen that move before—isn’t it called the Violet Blossom Pressure Point Technique? Rather ordinary, if you ask me—” But before he could finish, a sudden rush of force enveloped him, and his body was lifted off the ground, flying backwards uncontrollably, landing right behind Mo Bai.

Mo Bai chuckled, “I didn’t expect someone so young to possess such skill.” At this, the violet orchid in Xin’er’s hand shot out toward Mo Bai with swift precision. Just by this move alone, she was leagues beyond Feng Wu. Mo Bai lightly flicked out a handful of spiritual energy, which collided with the flying violet orchid. A vortex erupted between them with a thunderous roar. Xin’er said coldly, “So, Uncle does have some ability.” Even as she spoke, her hands did not pause. Pressing her palms together, she gathered four streams of violet light and launched them straight at Mo Bai.

Though these beams were not as dazzling as the violet orchid before, they were sharp and astoundingly fast. Mo Bai smiled faintly and summoned a wall of light, spinning in a perfect circle like a shield, deftly deflecting each of Xin’er’s violet beams.

Xin’er paused in surprise. “What a formidable spirit shield! Even my Violet Spirit Needles can’t pierce it. Uncle, you really are an uncle after all.”

Mo Bai could only smile wryly; it seemed the little girl had firmly decided his age. Feeling mischievous, he said, “Very well, let’s see what skills you have, little one, since you’re willing to stand up for your sister Feng Wu.”

With that, Mo Bai soared into the air and released a burst of spiritual energy. Xin’er, far from fearful, looked delighted. In the Cloudsky Sect, there was no one left who dared spar with her like this. Now that she faced such a master, how could she not be thrilled? With a wave of her hands, a violet spirit shield shimmered into existence before her, clearly mimicking Mo Bai’s technique.

With a swift motion, the spiritual energy Mo Bai launched was absorbed silently by Xin’er’s shield. Mo Bai gave a thoughtful “oh,” and remarked, “The little girl does have some tricks up her sleeve.”

Xin’er grinned triumphantly, “I wouldn’t lose to you, Uncle.”

Standing in midair, Mo Bai said, “Then let’s see how much force your Violet Spirit Shield can withstand. Take care, little one.” Extending one hand, he conjured a violent whirlwind in his palm, which quickly formed into a spinning sphere—the wind ball radiated immense spiritual energy in all directions.

Xin’er’s mouth fell open in astonishment. Mo Bai laughed, “I’m about to release it. Let’s see if you can absorb it.” With a swing of his hand, the wind ball swept toward Xin’er like a raging storm.

Her violet eyes flashed, and in the next instant, her figure vanished. In her place stood a man, who raised a hand and caught the wind ball sent by Mo Bai, feeling the immense pressure but stubbornly refusing to use his other hand for aid, managing nonetheless to absorb the attack.

Wu Luohua exclaimed in awe, “Jiu Xi truly has skill—he can withstand Brother Mo’s spiritual power without even dispersing it. Remarkable, indeed worthy of being the Cloudsky Sect’s chief disciple.”

Mo Bai only smiled. What intrigued him more was Xin’er’s evasion—her violet eyes flickering, her movements as elusive as mist. She truly was the young lady of the Nalan clan, kin to Master Yun Jin.

The present leader of the Cloudsky Sect, Master Yun Jin, an unparalleled spirit cultivator, had the surname Nalan before joining the sect. The Nalan Violet Eyes were a rare marvel in the world of spirit cultivation!

Jiu Xi took a breath and said, “Brother Mo Bai, don’t you think it’s a bit much to bully a little girl?”

Before Mo Bai could respond, Xin’er was already protesting, her chest heaving in indignation. “I’m not a child anymore!” Clearly, she didn’t hold her senior brother Jiu Xi in high regard.

Jiu Xi sighed, “Xin’er, don’t forget these are the days when our Fifth Uncle is selecting disciples. Remember what you’re supposed to do.”

Xin’er immediately wilted. Though she was the granddaughter of the sect master, in terms of seniority, Jiu Xi was her uncle. However, since he was so young and she had a special status, everyone simply called him senior brother. Otherwise, with Jiu Xi being the deputy head of the discipline hall, who would dare speak to him so casually?

Biting her lip, Xin’er looked at Jiu Xi, knowing she could not keep up her mischief. Grasping the corner of her robe, she said, “Uncle, next time we must have a proper match. And as for you, pretty boy, you won’t have it easy either.”

Wu Luohua finally felt some relief. Being called “pretty boy” was better than “sissy.” He joked, “Alright, I’ll treat you to some beef next time, ha ha.”

The little witch Xin’er left, still grumbling, as Mo Bai said, “Brother Jiu Xi, you didn’t come here just to talk about Xin’er, did you?”

Jiu Xi’s face was stern. “Deputy Sect Master Yun Kong has issued an order—Brother Mo Bai, please attend the selection ceremony at Tianqi Peak tomorrow as one of the judges. I will come fetch you in the morning. Tonight, please stay at the Yun Jun Peak guesthouse.”

With that, Jiu Xi summoned a disciple to escort Mo Bai to Yun Jun Peak. Wu Luohua suddenly called out, “What about me? Am I also a judge?”

Jiu Xi smiled awkwardly. “If any other senior from the Wu family came, they would indeed qualify.” With that, he turned and left.

Wu Luohua was dumbfounded. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean? I’m the young master of the Wu family, on the same level as you! You’re a third-generation chief disciple of the Cloudsky Sect, and I’m the eldest grandson of the Wu family’s third generation!”

Mo Bai couldn’t help but laugh. “It seems there’s still quite a gap.”

Wu Luohua quickly caught on, but rather than getting angry, he laughed cheerfully, “I’ve got it pretty good, actually. Do you know my third brother? Every time he visits Grandpa, he bows and says, ‘Your third grandson greets you, Grandfather.’ Compared to him, I’m much better off as the eldest.”

Mo Bai could only shake his head and smile, “You, you…”

Yun Jun Peak certainly lived up to its name. The entire mountain was shrouded in gentle mists, with clear streams and elegant scenery—a true paradise. Who would have thought the Cloudsky Sect, so devoted to cultivation, would possess such a lovely retreat? Yet, however beautiful Yun Jun Peak was, it could not quiet the restless heart. At midnight, a shadowy figure silently slipped away, eluding the Cloudsky Sect’s watchful disciples, and soared toward a perilous peak, murmuring as he flew, “The Wu family’s prowess in spirit arts is truly impressive—they even have detailed maps of all five great spirit sects. It looks like Tianqi Peak isn’t far now.”

Mo Bai pushed his speed to the limit. Had any Cloudsky Sect cultivator witnessed his spiritual leaps, they would have despaired of their own abilities.

Yunqi Peak was a forest of jagged rocks, treacherous and wild, but it could not hinder Mo Bai’s determined steps. Tonight, he was set on seeing for himself what had become of Master Yun Zui, hoping to unravel the riddle in his heart.

A dim, flickering lamp cast a feeble light on a quiet hut. Who could have guessed that Yunqi Peak, bustling by day, would be so desolate at night?

Mo Bai concealed himself in the shadows, observing. The room where Master Yun Zui resided was shockingly humble. Clearly, not everyone cared for luxury. Such simplicity—it was no wonder Yun Zui had become a legend of the Cloudsky Sect. Yet what sort of person could injure such a master? Master Yun Kong had insisted Yun Zui was wounded by someone within the sect. If not one of the Six Sons of Cloudsky, then what other hidden experts might there be? One puzzle after another plagued Mo Bai’s mind.

He watched as the disciple keeping watch at the door began to nod off. Mo Bai was just about to make a move when he noticed the candlelight inside suddenly flicker wildly. A murderous aura filled the air—a cold, razor-sharp intent!