Chapter Eighty-Five: The White Jade Necklace

After Master Wu’s sharp words, the smile gradually faded from the leader of the Seven-Color Sect, replaced by a murderous intent that chilled the air. “Since Master Wu is so uncooperative, I’m afraid we must offend you,” he said coldly. With that, the leader sprang into the air, brandishing a whip that looked four or five meters long, shimmering pale white and sinuous as a green snake whenever it lashed through the air.

But Master Wu was no ordinary opponent. Sword in hand, he surged forward at lightning speed. In an instant, the two masters were locked in a fierce duel. Meanwhile, the rest of the Seven-Color Sect’s followers bared their fangs, their faces twisted with malice. Our side was no match for them, forced back step by step, on the verge of defeat.

This proved that, although the Seven-Color Sect was a villainous order, they valued real combat experience far more than empty posturing. This chaos was just the opportunity I needed—while everyone was entangled in battle, no one would notice my movements.

The duel between Master Wu and the sect leader blazed on, the two of them battling from the center of the field to the sidelines. Every clash of their weapons sent shockwaves of spiritual energy rippling through the air.

“It’s time, Yao,” I whispered to Li Zijian, who stood beside me, weapon already in hand and ready to charge down at a moment’s notice.

“Wait here and cover me when I return,” I instructed. Li Zijian nodded quickly, understanding.

I seized the opportune moment and sprang to my feet, striding down the mountainside in a few long steps. In less than ten seconds, I’d reached the foot of the mountain. The combatants were too engrossed in their own struggles to notice me as I slipped past them toward the cave.

It wasn’t until I dashed past, heading straight for the cavern, that someone finally caught on. “Stop him! He’s after the treasure!” someone shouted from behind, sending a chill down my spine. I channeled what little spiritual energy I had left into my legs, barely dodging a deadly attack from behind.

I darted into the cave. It was shallow but pitch black inside, and I didn’t dare slow my pace—someone was still hot on my heels.

I kept running, grateful that the tunnel was straight. Soon, I reached the end, where a battered stone table stood. Atop it were two ornate wooden boxes. Without hesitation, I swept them into my ring. I also drew my long knife, preparing for the escape.

Carefully, I edged toward the entrance—but where was my pursuer? Had I lost him? As the thought crossed my mind, I suddenly sensed a sharp, icy presence rushing at my head from the left.

I spun and raised my blade to block, but I was still too slow. The long knife bit into my arm, pain lancing through me.

If I kept fighting here, the others would eventually flood in. My best chance was to flee. After parrying that lethal blow, I turned and ran without a backward glance, tossing whatever I could from my ring behind me to slow my pursuer. It wasn’t enough to harm him, but it bought me a little time.

I’d glimpsed his attire—he was a third-tier Spirit Leaf cultivator, not a disciple of the Seven-Color Sect. Still, he was fast, gaining on me quickly, until he was barely a step behind.

He raised his blade, sending an invisible arc of energy slashing toward me. I felt a searing pain in my back and staggered, a deep gash torn across my flesh. But I couldn’t stop. If I faltered now, I’d die here for certain.

Ignoring the agony, I forced myself to run even faster. At last, I burst out of the cave. The battle outside was nearly over; apart from Master Wu, who still struggled valiantly, the rest lay dead or dying.

I skirted the crowd, avoiding attention. Just as I was about to reach the slope leading back up the mountain, my pursuer unleashed another energy blade.

At that critical moment, a flash of blade swept in from the side—a kick sent my pursuer flying, his energy blade veering off and carving into a tree. I turned to see Li Zijian racing toward me.

“You’re something else—saved my life!” I called, as we both sprinted up the mountainside, glancing back at the carnage below.

By now, Master Wu had fallen, grievously wounded and motionless on the ground. The man Li Zijian had kicked also staggered to his feet and gave chase, but we’d already reached the summit. He was spent and could not catch us.

We hurried down the other side of the mountain, quickly hailing a taxi back to the hotel. Only then did I finally feel safe.

The moment I entered my room, I collapsed to my knees, blood soaking my back and my shoulder throbbing from the knife wound.

After resting a while and rummaging through my ring for bandages and hemostatic medicine, I wrapped myself up as best I could and fell into an exhausted sleep.

This time, my wounds didn’t heal as swiftly as before—perhaps the mysterious white orb had taken away my regenerative powers.

After a deep sleep, the pain woke me again. It was already dusk when I summoned Li Zijian to my room.

He entered at once, bombarding me with questions. “Are you feeling better, Yao? Does it still hurt? Are you hungry…”

I waved him over to sit on the edge of the bed. “Come here.”

He eyed me warily, shaking his head. “No way, Yao… I’m not into guys, you know!”

I cursed at him, exasperated. “Idiot! I called you here to show you the treasure we got at noon!”

Li Zijian laughed awkwardly, muttering under his breath, “I’d rather not sacrifice my virtue…”

Ignoring him, I took out the two boxes from my ring. One was black, the other white; apart from their colors, they were identical in design, both adorned with intricate carvings of what looked like phoenixes or dragons—a riot of ornate patterns.

“Which one do you want?” I asked, tilting my head.

Without ceremony, Li Zijian snatched up the black box. That was fine by me—the white one suited me just as well.

I opened my box to find a white necklace inside, set with a crescent-shaped white jade. It was beautiful, but I couldn’t discern any other use for it.

Li Zijian opened his box to reveal a black jade necklace, also crescent-shaped. We exchanged a grin and fastened the necklaces around our necks.

The moment I put mine on, I felt the meridians in my body tremble violently, sending a wave of pain through me—then all was still.

I glanced down at the white jade necklace. Though I didn’t yet know its purpose, I resolved to explore its mysteries in time.

Li Zijian’s necklace seemed to have no effect, but he was thrilled with how cool it looked.

After sending him out, I went back to sleep, letting exhaustion claim me once more.