Wanxi Rebirth - Chapter 35

After completing their disguises, “Lingjian,” “Ni Wangshu,” and “Yun Jing” all sat together in the main cabin.

Once Yunzhou stabilized in the shallow water layer, it began to descend actively.

According to the map provided by an unknown helper, it would take approximately two days at Yunzhou’s speed to reach the “Ruins Layer.”

“But that’s the best-case scenario,” Qin Suoliu reminded them. “The shallow water layer is full of whirlpools and chaotic currents, and aquatic spiritual beasts that have lived here since ancient times will hunt whoever emits spiritual energy. Even before tomorrow, once the Mystical Water Realm opens, those with intent will gradually enter at night. The more cultivators that enter, the more ‘feeding time’ it becomes for those beasts.”

“My strongest piloting tool is also Yunzhou. If you need to go out to fight or hunt spiritual beasts, I can stay here to secure the ‘rear guard,’” Lan Fengqing said proactively, knowing her combat ability was limited.

“Then I’ll lead the way,” Yue Tingxi replied. “I have a water elemental root; at least in the shallow water layer, moving is no different than on land.”

She glanced at Qin Suoliu. “Now that the Gray Moth is helping, if the environment doesn’t interfere with your actions, we’ll stick to the pre-departure plan.”

Considering the unique environment of the Mystical Water Realm, all three had taken time before departure to create contingency plans based on the intelligence they had, so that they could implement the most effective strategies immediately upon entry.

However, none of them had actual experience in entering the realm. The accounts they had heard from others could only serve as reference. Even the most thorough plan would have to be adjusted on-site.

Yunzhou continued to descend. Yue Tingxi, idle, looked at the Gray Moth resting on Qin Suoliu’s shoulder.

If she remembered correctly, this was the first time the Gray Moth had acted on its own since she became aware of its existence, otherwise Qin Suoliu would not have been so surprised.

Why would this tool-like “thing” suddenly act proactively in the realm?

After some thought, she realized the realm was an ancient divine ruin, and “gods” were often connected to the natural laws of the world. Though humans had never seen true gods, they were essentially a high-level existence nearly equivalent to the laws themselves.

Following this line of thinking, perhaps the Gray Moth, entering the Mystical Water Realm, was like her returning to the Xi Mountain? Even in the mountains, she wasn’t the only monster, yet she had boundless confidence and was far more familiar with the surroundings than any outsider.

And since she didn’t have to hide her identity as a monster in the mountains, her power there was theoretically stronger than outside.

A stronger Gray Moth… besides proactively and considerately casting the “Isolation” spell, what else could it do?

As Yue Tingxi pondered, the spiritual energy she had left outside for observation was suddenly disturbed.

“…The flow of spiritual energy has clearly changed, converging toward a certain point.” She focused and informed her companions, simultaneously using her own spiritual power to simulate the flow. “Is this chaotic currents, or a whirlpool?”

Chaotic currents were occasional natural disturbances in the realm, roughly like walking through a sudden icy wind on a winter day.

Whirlpools, however, were small teleportation arrays that appeared randomly.

Although the map marked each whirlpool’s corresponding point and landing location, they had just entered the shallow water layer. Without any distinctive spiritual plants or beast groups nearby, it was hard to determine their exact location.

“It’s a whirlpool,” Qin Suoliu said sternly. “If we don’t want to be transported, we need to burn more spirit stones and navigate around it quickly.”

“I actually think it’s an opportunity,” Yue Tingxi said. “If we get transported to a place with something interesting, we can verify our position via the map. After all, below the shallow water layer is the Ruins Layer, where large flying tools like Yunzhou can’t easily pass.”

“Lingjian… what you said makes sense. Quickly confirming the landing spot will save us time searching for treasures,” Lan Fengqing agreed.

Qin Suoliu nodded and began reinforcing Yunzhou’s barriers, preparing to enter the whirlpool.

But just as they were about to be swept into the spiritual energy vortex, she suddenly asked the Gray Moth, “Can you ‘locate’ it?”

The Gray Moth remained calm, only flapping its wings more forcefully. A soft gray light, like scales, scattered and passed through the walls.

The next moment, Yue Tingxi felt Yunzhou shake violently.

It felt similar to when they first entered the realm, but the water spiritual energy was even more unstable.

After being tossed around by the whirlpool for over ten shakes, Yue Tingxi finally understood the use of the anti-motion sickness pill they had taken earlier.

Indeed, as Yunzhou stabilized, Qin Suoliu handed her a pale blue pill.

Lan Fengqing also took one, being naturally weak, and even though the Gray Moth’s “Isolation” spell mitigated some ailments, her fragile body couldn’t be fully restored in just a few days of seclusion. She immediately took the pill and began meditating to recover.

“Where are we now?” Yue Tingxi asked, taking the pill and letting its effect spread while looking at the opening glass mirror.

…Outside, she saw a dark mass of grotesque beasts, crowded and snapping at the mirror. They resembled carp but had six pink, four-toed legs under their bellies. The ones at the front were already ramming the glass.

“This is… way too many!” Yue Tingxi, having never seen anything like it, shouted and immediately summoned her Wuhe Whip, teleporting outside Yunzhou.

She deliberately stirred the surrounding water spiritual energy to attract the creatures’ attention, then lashed the whip at the ones charging first.

The large fish had strong reactions, biting the whip with sharp teeth, attempting to break it.

Exactly as Yue Tingxi intended, she had laced the whip with deadly toxins, and the moment the toxin entered the fish’s mouth, it foamed, flipped over, and fell, only to be devoured by the others following it.

Blood seeped from the large fish as the scene unfolded mercilessly, making her shiver.

She had only intended to drive them away. With the fish distracted by the new target, she quickly retreated toward Yunzhou.

Three smaller fish noticed her escape and, for some reason, abandoned the fish in their mouths to chase her.

Their eighteen pink legs swimming toward her made her skin crawl. Too tired to use poison, she lashed each one once with the whip. Two were knocked over; the third, perhaps with thicker scales, was merely stunned before following the others.

Seeing the long blood trail, she frowned — the smell could attract more fish.

As Yunzhou was close, she formed an ice spike with one hand and threw it, piercing the fish, which finally stopped and soon floated lifelessly.

Back on Yunzhou, Yue Tingxi immediately asked, “Check the map to see where these six-legged fish are located.”

Looking at the wall map herself, she was slightly startled. Two teleportation points — whirlpools and their corresponding landing points — were glowing silver.

“I’ve already had the Gray Moth ‘locate’ them,” Qin Suoliu said. “Unfortunately, this place is too far from the area in the Ruins Layer most likely to hide treasures.”

“Should we keep hitting the whirlpools?” Yue Tingxi pointed to the nearest one.

“No. Yunzhou can’t handle it, and the gains are uncertain,” Qin Suoliu shook her head. “I’ll try to avoid whirlpools for now.”

All tools had a limit; once damaged, they had to be repaired or reforged. Even Yunzhou, a common flying tool, had a self-repair array. Avoiding whirlpools gave Yunzhou time to recover.

“Fine, we’ll just deal with the fish for now,” Yue Tingxi said, still uneasy from the previous encounter. “By the way, these are called ‘Jijifish’?”

Information on the Mystical Water Realm naturally included a “Beast Guide.”

Yue Tingxi had read through it, but the realm had too many beasts with bizarre appearances. The recorders divided them by shallow, ruin, and deep layers and gave them strange names, which were hard to remember.

Qin Suoliu nodded, not paying much attention. Lan Fengqing, however, asked curiously, “Since they’re fish… can they be eaten?”

Yue Tingxi froze.

She remembered that yesterday Luo Yansha had asked her to bring some edible-looking beast meat.

But these Jijifish…

“They have six legs. How do you eat that?” she asked instinctively.

“Crabs have eight legs; isn’t it the same?” Lan Fengqing replied.

Yue Tingxi found the logic convincing and pondered.

Soon, she heard the rustle of pages.

“The ‘Exotic Beast Cookbook’ does mention them. Jijifish are delicious but aggressive; hunters are more likely to get eaten.”

Looking up, she saw Qin Suoliu reading seriously.

She hadn’t expected that, upon entering the realm, their first concern would be whether a monster was edible or tasty.

Still, the discussion lightened the mood. As she prepared to face the six-legged fish again, she began thinking whether to stew them or marinate them like pickled chicken feet.

Of course, this batch couldn’t be eaten — the large fish she had poisoned first had already been devoured, and the others would soon suffer from the toxin. Even with antidotes, it wasn’t worth the risk.

While battling the fish, Yue Tingxi adjusted her whip techniques and noted their attack, defense, and traits, enriching her understanding of spiritual beasts in the Mystical Water Realm.

After about half an hour of training, her spiritual awareness detected another spiritual energy vortex — not a nearby whirlpool, but one transporting new cultivators to this location.

“Should I go back or observe?” Yue Tingxi contacted Qin Suoliu through the Gray Moth.

“Return and rest,” Qin Suoliu emphasized.

Tired from fighting, Yue Tingxi returned to Yunzhou and rested beside Qin Suoliu.

“Two late-stage Golden Core cultivators. Judging from their clothing, they’re from the Dao Hai Sect,” Qin Suoliu informed shortly after.

“Don’t they usually travel in groups?” Yue Tingxi was surprised, recalling her knowledge of mortal rules.

“Indeed, they probably got separated from the main force,” Qin Suoliu said calmly. “At this level, Dao Hai Sect disciples can handle fish; no need to intervene. Let’s watch.”

Yue Tingxi ignored it.

Soon, Lan Fengqing exclaimed softly, “It looks like they’re being chased by the Jijifish?”

“They probably intended to catch live ones. Fresh Jijifish can sell for high prices at the Linglong Pavilion,” Qin Suoliu explained.

Upon hearing “high price,” Yue Tingxi immediately sat up.

Though she wasn’t short on spirit stones, she couldn’t ignore an opportunity to earn them. With antidotes, they could even neutralize the poison over a few days.

Just as she was about to rush out, Qin Suoliu called her back: “Where are you going?”

“To catch them alive and sell for profit,” Yue Tingxi replied.

Seeing her say that, Qin Suoliu’s calm expression seemed to crack.

Yue Tingxi tried to persuade her: “Earning money with your own hands feels more satisfying.”

But Qin Suoliu’s expression remained unchanged.

Lan Fengqing quickly clarified, “Qin Jie means… in the wild, competing for resources can cause grudges, especially in the realm.”

Realizing this, Yue Tingxi decided to stay on Yunzhou. She even brought out a food box to share Luo Yansha’s prepared jerky and chestnut mutton cake with the two ladies.

Yet, as they quietly watched from afar, the two Dao Hai disciples approached with a small group of Jijifish.

One said, “How can you stand by so mercilessly?” Another added, “If we are eaten, next it’s your turn.” The first tried to mediate, “If we catch the fish alive, you’ll get spirit stones later.”

Yue Tingxi was baffled. She hadn’t tried to compete, yet these two brazenly wielded morality like a weapon to force them to act.

Just as she was about to argue, Qin Suoliu intervened.

The first Dao Hai disciple froze, seeing a woman, and before he could speak, two blades of air cut him — one across the lips, one across the neck, carefully avoiding fatal wounds.

“Make another sound, and I’ll feed your head to the fish,” Qin Suoliu threatened.

The two fled. Another, dissatisfied, tried to curse as he left, but another blade of air from Qin Suoliu circled his neck. The fish, attracted by the blood, followed more closely.

“Dealing with bullies doesn’t require reasoning; intimidation is enough.”

Seeing Qin Suoliu like this, Yue Tingxi realized she often forgot how domineering she could be.

With the troublemakers gone, Yue Tingxi lost interest in catching the fish.

Once Yunzhou completed its self-repair, Qin Suoliu navigated to another whirlpool, reinforced the barrier, and deliberately entered it.

Having gained experience, Yue Tingxi could even glance at the map while being violently tossed.

As the silver light converged at a point, she realized it was the Gray Moth marking each whirlpool and landing spot.

This indirectly confirmed that the map from the unknown helper was indeed useful — the laws of the world wouldn’t deceive them on such a small matter.

After teleporting, more flying tools appeared outside the glass mirror.

“This place is closer to the treasure zone in the Ruins Layer,” Qin Suoliu noted, “but too many cultivators have gathered. To avoid frequent battles, we should stay cautious.”

Though they weren’t afraid of combat, they preferred to avoid unnecessary fights.

“Let’s move a bit southeast,” Yue Tingxi suggested.

As Yunzhou descended and moved southeast, all cultivators conserved their power in the water-restricted environment, and nothing significant happened.

But monsters didn’t follow the same rules.

Drinking watermelon juice, Yue Tingxi suddenly smelled blood. Using her spiritual awareness, she saw a huge gaping mouth rushing toward Yunzhou — not to eat them, but to destroy the vessel.

“It’s a giant monster-forming demon!” she warned.

Yunzhou was at a vulnerable point, having just been teleported, with its self-repair array barely functioning.

“That one’s probably targeting us,” Qin Suoliu said calmly, throwing spirit stones into the energy slot and embedding her Blood Contract Blade in a narrow slot.

“I’ll help too!” Lan Fengqing quickly played a jade flute. Green spiritual energy wrapped Qin Suoliu’s blade.

Yue Tingxi monitored the outside.

Countless sword shadows struck the gaping mouth. As it tried to turn, green vines formed a large net, assisted by the sword energy, ensnaring the monster’s mouth.

Yue Tingxi could now see clearly — it was a giant crocodile demon. Even with its mouth bound, it swung its huge tail at Yunzhou.

She teleported outside and struck the tail with the Wuhe Whip.

Having mastered eight-tenths of controlling the whip like her snake form, she was confident this strike would coordinate with the two ladies to repel the demon.

As the whip neared the tail, a subtle silver-gray flash ran along it.

The whip suddenly grew ten times in size!

The crocodile demon was flung five somersaults through the water, stunned, and immediately retreated.

Back on Yunzhou, Yue Tingxi glanced at the Gray Moth.

It remained still, eyes wide, but the silver-gray light had been its spell. Its spiritual energy was unique among them.

“Seems it really has become more proactive since we arrived,” she noted.

“That’s good,” Qin Suoliu said.

“Perhaps if we explore deeper, we might uncover more clues it left behind,” Lan Fengqing suggested. “I’ve heard that whether gods or the natural law intend to guide someone, it’s always step by step. Revealing everything at once would be overwhelming.”

“Really?” Yue Tingxi thought of the dark golden text space.

If Lan Fengqing’s guess was true, learning the world’s truth after death was step one; meeting the Gray Moth in her new life was step two. Now… what step was she on?

Were they seeking guidance of their own free will, or being used as pieces by someone guiding them?

This puzzled Yue Tingxi, but she said nothing and focused on the Gray Moth again.

She noticed Qin Suoliu’s expression had darkened.

“From now on, you are not to leave Yunzhou when facing monsters,” Qin Suoliu instructed.

To Yue Tingxi, untransformed, the giant demon made her feel like a mere ant — she feared it might devour her.

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