Wandao 23
Night cloaked the world like ink. The skies above Niupu Village were weighed down by thick clouds, and the wind sighed coldly, as if all living things held their breath. In the northeast back trail of the Wan family's rear hills, trees grew wild, shadows tangled thickly, and only shards of silver moonlight scattered through the dense branches.
Wan Xiaochuan stood halfway up the mountain path, clad in a simple cyan robe. His expression was grim, his hand gripping the Wind and Thunder Sword tightly. Having reached the fifth layer of Qi Refining, the wind and thunder spirit qi now coursed fluidly within him, resonating faintly with his sword intent. Tonight was not just a trial for his spiritual sword—but his first patrol after seven days of secluded cultivation.
Not far away, Lin Qixian wore a dark green alchemist's robe, a pouch of spirit insects slung over his shoulder. Strands of hair hung down over his brow, and his eyes swept the surroundings with caution. He murmured,
"Xiaochuan, are you certain there will be movement tonight?"
"That Scarlet-striped Ghost Cat has harassed the village for three nights straight. It moves strangely. On my way back from the spirit fields today, I caught the lingering stench of its demon musk. It's very likely hiding here."
Wan Xiaochuan's voice was firm, his eyes sharp.
Suddenly—a nearby thicket exploded with a violent rustle!
"Screee—!"
A sharp, piercing shriek rang out, and a dark shadow burst from the trees like a phantom, lunging at Wan Xiaochuan with lightning speed! It was the Scarlet-striped Ghost Cat—one hundred feet in length, its fur black and crimson, its eyes glowing blood-red, and its claws gleaming with a poisonous violet sheen.
"It's here!"
Wan Xiaochuan shouted lowly. His Wind and Thunder Sword thrummed, unleashing sword energy that tore through the air with a howling wind and flashes of crackling light.
"Wind Dance, Thunder Bind—Heart-Snaring Threads!"
Blades of wind slashed outward, laced with fine arcs of electricity, weaving through the air like thread, binding toward the demon's limbs. The ghost cat roared and twisted its body, violently breaking free of the bindings. A claw swung out, rending the night.
Lin Qixian instantly tossed a silver talisman forward:
"Fire Gu Explosion Seal!"
Light flared. A red burst of flame erupted beside the beast, scorching its fur. Thick black smoke rose, acrid and foul. Though the demon flinched in pain, it didn't flee—its fury only grew, hair bristling, snarls echoing through the forest.
Wan Xiaochuan's gaze narrowed. His sword turned in hand, and lightning patterns surged along the blade.
"Wind Startles, Thunder Strikes—Twin Shadows Sever Ties!"
In an instant, he dashed forward, afterimages splitting, swordlight splitting in two—one tangible, one illusionary. The real strike pierced through the demon's defenses; the ghostly shadow passed straight through its chest. A wretched, earsplitting shriek tore through the woods.
The ghost cat, grievously wounded, turned to flee—only to be intercepted mid-air. Wan Xiaochuan's blade cleaved down upon its nape. Blood splashed onto the dewy grass.
He frowned slightly as blood beaded down the edge of his sword.
Softly, he whispered, "At last... it's done."
Lin Qixian strode up, retrieving a jade orb and capturing the ghost cat's soul. Then he drew out a black-gold pouch and stored the beast's carcass within.
"It's not a high-tier demon, but its spirit bones are useful in pillcraft—chiefly for the Anti-Stench Pill."
Wan Xiaochuan nodded, his expression returning to calm. But just as they were preparing to leave, a soft cough echoed from the dark forest.
"Ahem... who would've thought? The young master of the Wan clan—truly has some bite."
A female figure emerged beneath the moonlight.
Petite and dressed in a pale grey tunic, she wore a sash of shattered jade at her waist. Her features were delicate, but a shadow clung to her gaze. It was—Zhan Meizi.
Hands behind her back, she spoke with a crooked smile:
"Out slaying demons in the night without informing the Wan guards? This... smells a little like a private duel, no?"
Wan Xiaochuan's gaze chilled.
"How long have you been watching us from the dark?"
Zhan Meizi shrugged.
"Oh, only a moment or two. Just came to check whether our precious little master survived the night."
Lin Qixian snorted.
"Was it you who sent the ghost cat?"
"Don't slander me," Zhan Meizi's eyes flickered with malice. Her tone cooled. "I merely heard someone's reputation was swelling lately, so I came to observe. What? So sensitive over one dead beast?"
Wan Xiaochuan said nothing, but his grip tightened around his hilt. In the mist, he sensed something—her qi was muddled. She was hiding something.
"Zhan Meizi... what are you carrying?"
"My, such a question makes a girl feel very unsafe..."
She chuckled, fingers toying with the jade ornament at her waist. A wisp of black mist slipped from her sleeve.
Wan Xiaochuan's brows drew sharp like blades. His sword qi coiled again.
Beneath the fog-draped forest, the killing intent stirred anew...