Chapter 21: Fortuitous Encounter on the Return Journey

As Xuan Yin True Person, Zhang Aoxue, Li Hongfei, and Lin Yunfeng arrived on the ground, Xiao Tian had already successfully ascended, and they saw nothing. The four of them looked at the sky, speculating on the outcome of the situation.

After watching for a while, Xuan Yin True Person sighed softly, "Forget it, there's no need to keep watching. We can't discern anything. Let's find Lu Yun and return together to avoid wasting time." With that, he turned and left. Lin Yunfeng, however, sensed that the evil aura in the night sky had disappeared.

Turning back, Lin Yunfeng shouted, and quickly joined them. At the entrance of the Abyss of Yin, the four coincidentally met Lu Yun. Lin Yunfeng ran up to him and asked in a low voice, "Hey, did you see what happened later? Did the Howling Moon Celestial Wolf successfully ascend, and what happened to those two sudden monsters?"

Lu Yun looked at the others, and as everyone's eyes were on him, he spoke softly, "After you left, there was a sudden change in the sky. Countless thunderbolts appeared, with an astonishing momentum. The two monsters were about to take away the Howling Moon Celestial Wolf, but they were suddenly struck by the Nine Heavens Divine Thunder. With two mournful cries, they escaped. The Howling Moon Celestial Wolf took the opportunity to escape and successfully ascended. It was a strange moment; a giant celestial wolf figure appeared in the sky, overlapping with a human figure. In the end, a ray of light flashed, and everything disappeared."

Hearing this, Lin Yunfeng looked disappointed, "What a pity, I didn't see such a crucial scene. It's really heartbreaking. Those two monsters, next time I encounter them, I'll capture them. Let's see if they dare to ruin my interest. Hmph."

Xuan Yin True Person snorted, "Stop boasting. Let's go back." Lin Yunfeng grinned, "Master, don't rush. We have advanced by two days by coming here. Why don't we take these two days to rest and then go back? If you have urgent matters, you can go ahead alone. We're not in a hurry; we can walk back slowly. What do you say? Master, if you have something to do, just go first. We're not in a hurry; we'll walk back slowly. Hehe, what do you all think?" After speaking, he looked at the other three.

Xuan Yin True Person's eyes were slightly cold, giving him a stern look, "If you like to walk, then go ahead. Take your time to come back. Whoever has nothing to do can come with me." After looking at the three of them, he suddenly soared into the air, a green light shooting into the sky. Li Hongfei looked at Zhang Aoxue, and with a flash of the Sword Qi, he and Li Hongfei disappeared into the sky. Two green lights traversed the night sky, adding a beautiful scenery to the moonlit night.

Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lu Yun and said softly, "I'm leaving first. You should also go back soon." Lin Yunfeng, seeing this, quickly said, "Senior sister, I'm going to ask you and Lu Yun something. Can you accompany us back? We can learn something from you. Senior sister is the best; you won't refuse our request, right?" After speaking, he patted Lu Yun and gestured for him to speak up and persuade Zhang Aoxue.

Lu Yun's expression was calm, and he smiled slightly, "Senior sister, if you have the time, why not come back with us? We indeed have some things to ask for your guidance. I hope senior sister can enlighten us." He looked at her gently, and his eyes revealed a hint of expectation.

Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lu Yun, nodded slightly without speaking, and then looked up at the moon in the sky. She nodded slightly without saying a word. Under the moonlight, her slender and charming figure seemed as cold and clear as the moonlight.

Leaving the Abyss of Yin, the three found a sheltered place, lit a fire, and sat around it for a heart-to-heart talk. In the meantime, Lin Yunfeng deliberately avoided the two and roamed around, looking for things to eat. He provided Lu Yun with opportunities and occasionally gave him a subtle look, hinting at him to be brave.

Looking at the night sky, Lu Yun asked, "Do you often look at the night sky like this? Besides cultivation, have you had any other memories over the years?"

Zhang Aoxue silently watched the sky, her beautiful jade face glowing with a faint radiance in the light of the fire. In a chilly voice that resonated in the night breeze, she replied, "Those who cultivate emphasize a clear mind and few desires. Over the years, apart from cultivation, I have no other distractions."

Lu Yun smiled faintly, "From childhood to adulthood, has it always been like this? Have you ever felt tired or had thoughts of giving up? What is your ultimate goal? To become an immortal, to live in harmony with the heavens and earth, or to be a heroine who slays demons? Would you prefer to spend your life alone like a cultivator, or like an ordinary person, find someone you love and get married?"

Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun, and after a long time, she shifted her gaze away and said in a low voice, "Cultivators must have a single-minded focus. Over the years, I've never considered such things. I only wish to achieve success in the shortest time possible." In her low voice, there seemed to be some secrets she didn't want others to know.

Lu Yun smiled indifferently and suddenly said, "Why do all things in the world have form? Why do living beings have hearts? On the path of cultivation, why are there tribulations? On the road to immortality, why is there no certainty? Why do we persist in living without death? Why do we exist without reincarnation?"

Hearing this, Zhang Aoxue gradually fell into contemplation. Soon, Lin Yunfeng returned, having caught three wild rabbits. They enjoyed a hearty meal by the fire. Late at night, as the moonlight remained serene, the three individuals each sat in meditation, taking a break. By the time morning arrived, Lu Yun was the first to wake up. Rising into the air, he stood quietly in mid-air, absorbing the spiritual energy of the world.

On the way back, the three of them unleashed their lightness skills to save time, traversing through the steep mountains and rugged ridges like ordinary martial artists. From the Abyss of Yin to the Yi Garden, it would take three days on foot, but with flying on swords, it would only take a short while. Between these two locations, they had to pass through three large mountains, one of which was named Red Leaf Ridge. It was said that the whole mountain was covered in red leaves, creating a beautiful sight in autumn, hence the name.

As Lu Yun and his companions crossed the Red Leaf Ridge, Lu Yun's spiritual sense suddenly autonomously began to rotate, catching his attention. Lu Yun remained outwardly composed but internally

 carefully probed the surroundings with his spiritual sense. Soon, a clear image appeared in Lu Yun's mind. In a dense forest, there was an abandoned well. At times, a faint figure would drift over the well, emitting a low crying sound. The well was deep, and at the bottom, there was a stone tablet. It seemed to contain something, though it was unclear in Lu Yun's mind.

Lu Yun suddenly stopped and said to his two companions, "Check carefully if you feel anything strange here. I have a vague sense that there might be some sound." Lin Yunfeng said, "I'm the most sensitive to ghosts and monsters. Why don't I feel anything? Lu Yun, did you sense it wrong, or are you saying this on purpose?"

Zhang Aoxue remained silent. She just looked around, and her divine sword, Purple Shadow, emitted a light hum, hovering above her head and rotating constantly. In the dim forest, the powerful purple light flickered incessantly. After a few rounds of rotation, the Purple Shadow Divine Sword suddenly pointed to the south and stopped moving. Zhang Aoxue said coldly, "There is indeed something strange here. Let's check it out. If it's a demon, we'll eradicate it." After saying that, she put away the divine sword, and the three flew towards the south.

Soon, the three arrived at a dense thicket, and before them was an abandoned well. Lin Yunfeng looked at the well, his expression changing slightly, "There is a faint evil aura in the well, but when I inspect it carefully, there's nothing. Why is it like this? Since Purple Shadow Divine Sword came here and didn't leave, it means there must be a secret in this well. But why can't I perceive anything? Lu Yun, did you perceive it incorrectly, or are you saying this deliberately?"

Zhang Aoxue remained silent, only looking around. The divine sword, Purple Shadow, suddenly emitted a light hum and floated above Zhang Aoxue's head, rotating continuously. In the dark forest, the vibrant purple light kept flashing. After a few turns, Purple Shadow Divine Sword suddenly pointed to the south and stopped. Zhang Aoxue said in a cold voice, "There is indeed something strange here. Unfortunately, it disappeared in a flash, making it difficult to investigate. Let's go down and take a look. This way, we'll know what it is."

Lu Yun gazed at the well and said softly, "This place is not spacious. It might be challenging for all of us to go down together. I think I should go down first. Lin Yunfeng and Senior Sister can stay here for now, pay attention to the surroundings, and if anything happens, use a loud shout to communicate. I'll come up immediately."

Lin Yunfeng chuckled, "Lu Yun, how can I let you handle this kind of thing? Dealing with ghosts and monsters is my specialty. Let me go. You stay here and chat with Senior Sister." With that, he smirked and turned to descend into the well.

Lu Yun grabbed him and said with a smile, "You've always been at the forefront. This time, let me handle it. Besides, I can sense the crying sound. You two might not feel anything for now, so just stay here and be on guard. It's better not to waste everyone's time." Without waiting for Yunfeng to respond, Lu Yun gracefully descended into the well.

Lin Yunfeng was a bit annoyed and said, "Really, stealing my thunder. How am I supposed to make a living if you guys learn everything? Next time, I won't say much; I'll just act directly. Senior Sister, don't you agree?" Zhang Aoxue remained indifferent, silently watching the well opening without saying a word.

As Lu Yun descended into the well, carefully examining his surroundings, he noticed that the well was deep, and he had descended about fifty yards without seeing any water yet. The surroundings were dimly lit, almost pitch black, forcing Lu Yun to summon his As You Wish Soul Sword. The red light illuminated the area, revealing a multitude of unknown insects and creatures scattered on the damp and moss-covered surface.

These small beings seemed to be afraid of light, scattering as the red light approached. As Lu Yun continued his descent, the temperature dropped sharply, and a thick, cold aura permeated the surroundings. After some distance, Lu Yun landed gently on the water's surface.

Using the red light, he surveyed the surroundings and found the well water to be clear but extremely cold, making it unbearable for an ordinary person to stay. At this moment, a faint crying sound echoed from the well, but it was elusive and unclear. Lu Yun circulated his protective true qi, and the well water around him obediently moved aside. Slowly descending another twenty yards or so, Lu Yun, illuminated by the red light of the As You Wish Soul Sword, found himself at the bottom of the well.

The well bottom was not small, spanning several yards, with a one-zhang tall stone tablet in the center, emitting a faint iridescence. Not far from the stone tablet, there was a stone coffin, quietly lying there, and a strange weeping sound emanated from it.

Floating on the water, Lu Yun looked at the stone coffin and softly said, "Come out. I can hear your crying. You must be a woman. Why haven't you reincarnated and stayed here crying?"

A faint figure gradually appeared next to the stone coffin. On closer inspection, it was indeed a young woman. Her long hair, falling over half of her face, partially concealed her features, but she still looked quite attractive. Two dim eyes glanced at Lu Yun and then at the As You Wish Soul Sword above his head, revealing a hint of awe.

The woman spoke softly, "Can you really hear my crying, or are you deceiving me? I've been crying here for hundreds of years, and no one has ever heard me. Unexpectedly, today I finally encounter someone who can hear me. It's been so many centuries; what a long time!"

Lu Yun looked at her, and his mental waves carefully probed everything about her. In the end, he concluded that the woman was peculiar; her soul remained intact, with a subtle radiance. Analyzing the aura emanating from her, she didn't seem to be an evil spirit, possibly just a lonely soul wronged in death. Lu Yun asked, "How did you end up here? You said you've been crying here for hundreds of years. Why haven't you reincarnated and chose to stay here crying?"

The woman shook her head gently, gazing slightly towards the sky, "No, he won't die. He must still be alive in this world. I remember the first time I met him; he was a young Taoist. That scene is etched in my memory forever. Unfortunately, I didn't cherish it at that time. I recall the moon that day, looking back with endless regret!"

Lu Yun, upon hearing this, showed a faint melancholy in his eyes and sighed softly, "In one's lifetime, there are many things that need to be kept in the heart and slowly reminisced. That taste is not only sweet but also bitter. Don't regret the past; look forward. Now let me see what's inside this stone tablet and why it has kept you trapped here."

Gently landing in front of the stone tablet, Lu Yun's body emitted a bright green light, and his eyes shot out divine radiance, while his mental waves quickly explored the secrets of the stone tablet. Lu Yun's whole body trembled, and his eyes revealed a hint of astonishment, wearing a strange expression. After a glance at the woman, Lu Yun spoke softly, "The aura on you contains the spiritual energy from this stone tablet, allowing your soul to gather without dispersing. However, this stone tablet also possesses a binding force, capable of restraining any soul and ethereal entities. You fall within this range, preventing you from leaving. The true qi waves I explored are also trapped inside; it's indeed a very strange phenomenon."

The woman sighed softly, "Loneliness has accompanied me for so many years; I've grown accustomed to it. If it weren't for the longing in my heart, I might be content with this life. Meeting you today is a hope for me, and my heart is satisfied. As long as you can leave, I don't mind staying here forever."

Lu Yun looked at her, pondering her words slowly. Turning back, Lu Yun approached the stone tablet slowly. As Lu Yun reached within three feet of the stone tablet, a radiant light burst forth, blocking him from getting closer. The light was powerful, and the intense aura forced the woman to retreat, not daring to approach.

Lu Yun's eyes erupted with a dazzling light, and his whole body turned into a golden radiance, taking a step forward suddenly. Lu Yun's body shook continuously, indicating the struggle between the two powerful forces. The golden light suddenly exploded, a force of destruction instantly breaking through the barrier. The well water around the bottom surged violently, creating a water column that exceeded thirty yards in height upon reaching the surface. The powerful force not only brought the water from the well bottom to the surface but also shattered the one-zhang tall stone tablet. Amidst the splashing water, a three-foot-high jade monument emerged from the place where the stone tablet used to be. The jade monument was covered with numerous strange patterns and three fist-sized ancient characters—Soul Suppressing Monument! The jade monument flowed with light, and a rosy light circulated around it, creating a mysterious and beautiful sight.

Lu Yun looked at the jade monument and whispered, "Soul Suppressing Monument. What does this mean? Why have I never heard of it? Have you heard of it?" The last sentence was evidently directed at the woman.

The woman, looking at the jade monument, kept her distance, her tone trembling slightly, "I also don't know what this is. I've been here since I died, understanding nothing. You're asking me is pointless. I can only sense that there is a very powerful force on this Soul Suppressing Monument, as if it wants to pull me in. I'm afraid, and I dare not approach it."

Lu Yun frowned slightly, looked up, and whispered, "Come behind me, and remember not to leave me later; otherwise, there might be danger." The woman was puzzled, but she floated behind him, watching his back warily.