novelraw Chapter 403: Yu Zhao! Long Time No See!
Chapter 403: Yu Zhao! Long Time No See!
After parting with Long Fei Fei, Yu Zhao sought out Yao Wu Ji and learned that the latter didn’t have a jade token. Moved by Yao Wu Ji’s sincerity, Yu Zhao gifted her one, which left Yao Wu Ji teary-eyed with gratitude.
Now holding the remaining three jade tokens, Yu Zhao found herself in a bind. Her thoughts were interrupted by a familiar, resonant roar echoing from the opposite side of Chaozong Gorge. Her mind immediately conjured the image of a sleek, glossy Three-Eyed Leopard.
A plan began to form. Changing direction, she made her way to the other end of the gorge.
Upon arrival, Yu Zhao was greeted by the sight of Hua Tu being beaten up—one-sidedly—by the chief of the Three-Eyed Leopard tribe. The skirmish had started because Hua Tu had carelessly let slip that he had seen Fu Xi by Yu Zhao’s side long ago. At the time, Hua Tu had mistaken the divine creature for a mating-season little snake, entirely oblivious to its true identity as White Blaze. Incensed by the revelation, the chief pinned Hua Tu down for a thorough beating.
The anguished cries Yu Zhao had heard? Those were Hua Tu’s.
“Hua Tu.”
Still sprawled on the ground, Hua Tu was quietly shedding tears. Hearing the voice behind him, he turned his head in astonishment. His large eyes lit up, and, forgetting his injuries, he leapt toward Yu Zhao, scrutinizing her excitedly from head to toe.
“Yu Zhao! You’re back!”
Yu Zhao nodded and asked, “How old are you this year?”
Hua Tu began to reply but suddenly hesitated, recalling the countless stories he had read. A wary expression replaced his enthusiasm. “Why are you asking?”He had heard that women dislike men who are significantly younger or older than them. Should he report his age as higher or lower to make himself more appealing?
His rare moment of deep thought didn’t go unnoticed by Yu Zhao, who, losing patience, hurled a jade token straight at him. Taken off guard, Hua Tu yelped as it struck him squarely, only to bounce back and return to Yu Zhao’s side.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Yu Zhao’s eyes. Hua Tu, it seemed, didn’t meet the criteria.
“Don’t worry about it. Rest well and recover from your injuries.”
With that, she prepared to leave. She wanted to test the tokens with Bai Mei and the others to determine if the issue was age or species-related.
Hua Tu was puzzled. Why was Yu Zhao leaving so soon after their reunion? Noticing the trace of disappointment in her eyes, panic rose within him. His thick tail thrashed furiously, almost leaving afterimages in its wake.
“Yu Zhao! Did I do something wrong? I can change!”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t overthink it.”
“But…”
Hua Tu drooped his head, visibly dejected. His fluffy ears twitched as he looked up at her.
Feeling a sudden impulse, Yu Zhao stood on tiptoe and reached out to ruffle his furry head.
Hua Tu: !
“Truly, there’s nothing wrong. I have some matters to attend to, but we can talk more later.”
Still dazed from the head pat, Hua Tu watched Yu Zhao depart. His companions’ muffled purring sounds broke his trance. Glancing over, he saw two leopards: one lying on the ground, its expression blank, while the other raised a paw and playfully swatted its companion’s head. The smacks resounded loudly, but neither seemed to mind. Their purring carried an air of teasing satisfaction.
Embarrassment burned Hua Tu’s cheeks. With a growl, he crouched low and pounced on them. The two leopards yelped and scurried away.
Meanwhile, Yu Zhao circled the beast gathering grounds only to return with the three jade tokens untouched. It became evident: beasts weren’t eligible for selection. Even if they met all other conditions, they couldn’t form contracts.
Resolving the matter, Yu Zhao handed the tokens over to the Sect Master Ji Yuan for redistribution. She then focused on awaiting the opening day of the Dao Field.
…
Seven days later.
At Harmony Sound Temple, the selected candidates—including Yu Zhao, Zhou Jin Yue, and Silence—stood before the ancient formation. Behind them were elders from the various sects.
The gathering brimmed with anticipation. Though the crowd was silent, excitement hung thick in the air. Above the ancient formation, a luminous screen displayed designated positions, but the glowing dots had diminished by nearly a quarter.
The sight evoked sighs and murmurs among the observers.
An hour passed before the screen showed movement. The central light seemed to come alive, darting out and heading straight for Yu Zhao.
Startled, Yu Zhao tried to dodge but found herself immobilized by an invisible force. She could only watch as the light merged into her forehead. Immediately, her body rose into the air.
As her feet left the ground, more lights surged from the screen, embedding themselves into the foreheads of the other candidates. One by one, they too began to ascend.
Yu Zhao had assumed the Dao Field’s entrance was within the formation. To her surprise, her body passed through it, rising ever higher into the clouds. Looking down, she saw only a sea of mist beneath her.
Where were they taking her?
The mysterious force offered no answers, continuing to propel her upward. Gradually, Yu Zhao’s thoughts drifted. Old, forgotten memories resurfaced: her timid and inept past life, Hermit Bright Moon’s tumultuous journey, and the profound insights of Senior Chang Sheng in pursuing the path of immortality.
Fragments of recollection wove around her like threads, enveloping her completely. A dazed expression clouded her face as suffocating anxiety crept in.
“Yu Zhao…”
Who is Yu Zhao?
“Yu Zhao… Yu Zhao…”
Are they calling me?
“Yu Zhao… It’s time to return…”
A sudden chill jolted Yu Zhao back to clarity. The chaotic thoughts receded like a tide. Bright determination replaced the confusion in her eyes.
No matter how much turmoil surrounded her… her heart remained unmoved.
Boom!
A thunderous clap resounded. The world around her twisted and shattered.
After a dizzying whirl, Yu Zhao found herself seated cross-legged in a vast Dao Field. Surrounding her were countless cushions, yet no other person in sight.
Counting the cushions, she realized their number matched the glowing dots from before.
Yu Zhao’s lips curled into a faint smile. The Ancient Dao Field—she had made it.
Unsure of what lay ahead, Yu Zhao chose to wait for the others. Her gaze fell on the empty cushion beside her, curious who would appear next.
She guessed it might be Senior Sister Zhou Jin Yue, or perhaps Senior Sister Liu Zheng of the Heavenly Sword Sect. At worst, it could be Fang Cheng Lang or Cui Jue.
But what she hadn’t anticipated… was Ye Cong Xin.
As Ye Cong Xin’s form slowly materialized, Yu Zhao reacted instinctively. Her palm struck out, fast and decisive. However, a burst of radiant light from the cushion shielded Ye Cong Xin, rebounding the attack.
The recoil sent Yu Zhao staggering slightly, her brows furrowing with a dangerous gleam.
Yet Ye Cong Xin’s expression turned even uglier than hers as she regained awareness.
“Yu Zhao! Long time no see!”