Chapter Fifty-Eight: Pursued and Cornered
Song Yue was a little unsettled. The God Erlang... His favorite deity from Huaxia mythology, whose temple was said to be on Tianyue Star, countless light-years away? Surely this was too far-fetched.
Lin Huan could tell from Song Yue’s expression that he didn’t believe it. Truthfully, she wasn’t entirely convinced either, and explained, “That’s not an official conclusion, just an inference by some predecessors. I find it a bit bizarre too, but that underground palace is very strange.”
“First, it restricts true bone age.”
“Only those under thirty can enter. No matter how youthful someone appears, if their true bone age exceeds thirty, entry is forbidden. Forced entry results in death by bodily explosion. Many doubted this and died as a result.”
Song Yue paused, startled. “That’s so dangerous. Could it really be the temple of the legendary Erlang True Lord?”
Little Mo, who stood nearby, chimed in, “It’s only dangerous if you force entry... If you don’t go in, you won’t die.”
Song Yue was speechless, but had to admit the logic. Like someone who can’t swim ignoring warning signs and plunging into the water, drowning is hardly the water’s fault.
Lin Huan continued, “Secondly, all spells are forbidden there. The bone age restriction already blocks many, and with spells sealed... it’s practically a place made for martial artists.”
Song Yue looked at her. “So that’s why you thought of me?”
Lin Huan nodded candidly. “At first, I didn’t have that idea. When I first met you, I simply thought you were one of the more outstanding martial cultivators...”
Song Yue looked at her. “And then you discovered I was extraordinarily outstanding?”
Lin Huan covered her mouth, laughing. “Can’t you be a little modest?”
Song Yue replied with mock seriousness, “Why be modest about excellence?”
Lin Huan was lost for words.
Song Yue asked, “Doesn’t Tianyue Star have powerful martial artists? Your technology is so advanced, your research into human physiology has reached unimaginable levels compared to Earth. You should be especially skilled at developing the body.”
Lin Huan nodded. “That’s true. Martial cultivators hold significant status on Tianyue Star. The problem is... because of the bone age restriction, nearly all martial artists who can enter the underground palace are grandmasters. Even if a few young martial grandmasters get in, it doesn’t work. Many scriptures, magical artifacts, and divine weapons are visible but unattainable.”
“People speculate that obtaining opportunity in that palace requires extremely special and harsh conditions.”
Song Yue thought for a moment. “So even if you invite me over, you can’t guarantee I’ll gain anything, right?”
Lin Huan nodded. “But I think... this isn’t something you should refuse, especially since you managed to seize the greatest opportunity in the Kunlun secret realm’s underground palace.”
Song Yue considered, then said, “Indeed, I have no reason to refuse.”
Lin Huan’s face brightened. “Exactly. Our terms are very simple. Everything you obtain—magical artifacts, divine weapons—is yours. Only the scriptures—we request a copy.”
“Such generous terms?” Song Yue glanced at her skeptically.
“Artifacts and weapons—if they’re low-level, we don’t care; if high-level, most have their own sentience and choose their master. We don’t wish to take what belongs to someone else.”
She looked at Song Yue. “Although we’re from Tianyue Star, we’re not the Ou family.”
Song Yue smiled, “Speaking of the Ou family, if I go to Tianyue Star and the Ou family learns of it, they’ll never let me go. How will you guarantee my safety?”
Lin Huan replied without hesitation, “The only place they could target you is inside the underground palace, but spells are forbidden there, and bone age is restricted. I believe you won’t be afraid.”
Lin Huan had great confidence in Song Yue, for even the Ou family’s mighty cultivator had suffered a humiliating defeat by him.
Whether magical artifacts or Song Yue’s own abilities, Ou Yuanfu—a renowned cultivator on Tianyue Star—had taken a heavy fall this time.
This could not be hidden; once word reached Tianyue Star, one wonders if Ou Yuanfu would dare show his face again.
Song Yue leaned back on the sofa, looking at Lin Huan. “So you mean, outside the palace, your Lin family can guarantee my safety?”
Lin Huan’s enchanting eyes gleamed with confidence. She nodded. “Yes!”
Her voice was soft, but her manner was resolute.
“If...” Song Yue looked at Lin Huan, “if your Lin family has internal dissent about cooperating with me, can you guarantee to resolve it?”
Lin Huan replied easily, “I can.”
Then she gave a wry smile. “Song Yue, you really don’t act like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old.”
Song Yue grunted. “Who told you I’m seventeen or eighteen? I’m only sixteen!”
Lin Huan didn’t want to engage further.
Seventeen or eighteen was already monstrous—sixteen? How could anyone else keep up?
“One last question.”
Song Yue smiled, aware he was asking a lot.
“If you have questions, ask away. It’s good to clear things up now and save trouble later.”
Lin Huan’s patience was abundant.
“Your Lin family on Tianyue Star is a cultivation clan, right?” Song Yue asked.
“Yes.” Lin Huan was clever; she already knew what Song Yue was getting at. “But many scriptures in the palace suit cultivators as well!”
She explained, “It seems only Earth undervalues martial artists. On Tianyue Star and other high-level planets I know, martial artists aren’t excluded from cultivators.”
“Take the Clear Source Dao True Lord. Legend says he sanctified his body, possessed immense strength, but also boundless mastery of spells, skilled in profound arts. He could wield the tri-bladed spear for close combat, and use seventy-two transformations and endless magic against foes.”
“So, such a deity—does he count as a martial cultivator or a spell cultivator?”
Lin Huan concluded, “In our view, cultivation is cultivation—no distinction between martial artist and spellcaster. Many aren’t adept at combat but excel in alchemy and artifact forging—are they not also cultivators?”
Little Mo nodded, “Yes, I don’t like fighting—I especially like alchemy.”
Song Yue said, “One day, I’ll introduce you to a friend.”
Little Mo didn’t ask who, just happily agreed, “Great, great!”
Lin Huan was helpless—this silly girl would count money for anyone who sold her.
She turned to Song Yue, “So, shall we tentatively agree on this?”
Song Yue nodded, “Alright, but I need to report back first.”
Lin Huan understood.
Interstellar travel wasn’t trivial—it warranted family discussion.
...
In an ancient castle on the outskirts of this western town, Ou Yuanfu was recuperating.
After ingesting copious high-quality pills, his spiritual sea was less tormented, but his vitality seemed utterly drained, making him look decades older.
Pale-faced, eyes sunken.
For Ou Yuanfu, this was a catastrophic setback.
A specialist in spiritual power, wounded by another’s spirit—his recovery would take ages, and the psychological blow was just as lasting.
Too humiliating!
Just as Lin Huan suspected, Ou Yuanfu didn’t know how he could return to Tianyue Star to face his family.
Before coming, he had vowed to kill that little bastard Song Yue.
Upon learning the Beihai demon clan was also targeting Song Yue, he guessed it must be Zhang family’s doing.
Otherwise, Beihai’s mighty demons had no reason to hunt a young human martial artist.
He’d scoffed—Zhang family was wasting their effort.
With him and the Ou family present, could Song Yue possibly escape?
“I was careless!”
Facing a visiting western bigwig, Ou Yuanfu’s pallid face was full of shame.
This man was an old friend from the western faction, sitting at his bedside, frowning. “I heard that young man carries a top-tier spiritual artifact? You were careless, didn’t expect this...”
Ou Yuanfu waved weakly. “No, no, he didn’t use an artifact. He’s trained in supreme spiritual arts! Martial artist is just a facade. That bastard is cunning—he harmed Ou Ping and Ou Yong, stole the precious medicine I fought to recover for our ancestor’s longevity! He deserves death!”
The western bigwig’s eyes flashed at the mention of longevity medicine.
Such medicine for a cultivator of Ou Yuanfu’s caliber was priceless—if it could extend life, its value soared beyond imagining.
And twelve plants!
He hadn’t expected Ou Yuanfu to retrieve so much from the medicine garden—clearly, careful planning was involved.
Ou Yuanfu discreetly sized up his old friend. He knew, to ask for help, sufficient benefit was needed—otherwise, the man wouldn’t risk it.
Even he, a mighty cultivator, had suffered defeat by Song Yue.
The western bigwig’s name was Richard—like Jack or George, a common western name, akin to “Fang,” “Ying,” “Wei,” “Na,” “Gang,” or “Qiang” in the east; nearly everyone had a friend with such a name.
Richard looked at Ou Yuanfu. “My friend, you’re honest, didn’t claim the young man carried a top-tier artifact. That’s important.”
Ou Yuanfu smiled faintly. “With friends, honesty is vital. So... is our deal set?”
Richard nodded. “Yes, but you know—the young man’s identity is unusual. He’s the disciple of the Sage. You know the Sage, right?”
Ou Yuanfu nodded; he’d heard of him.
“The Sage is publicly a renowned contemporary scholar, but he was once a warrior—talented and powerful from youth. Many of today’s western bigwigs were defeated by him in the past.”
Richard continued, “He was said to have suffered severe injuries returning from a mysterious place. Details are unclear; warriors have strict rules not to discuss personal affairs.”
“Even so, his disciple isn’t someone easily targeted. He’s close with the Huaxia authorities!”
Ou Yuanfu replied, “I understand. That’s why I sought your help. Aid me, and you’ll gain the highest-level friendship of the Ou family on Tianyue Star!”
It sounded empty, but it made Richard happy. He took the prepared whiskey from the bedside table, poured half a glass, and dropped in an ice cube.
Swirling the glass, he said, “Those twelve longevity medicines—I want half... Ou, don’t get agitated, hear me out. You’ve been honest with me, so I’ll be honest too. Targeting that person can’t be done by my people or anyone with a public western identity.”
“I need underground operatives—their appetites are vast, their prices high. Ordinary wealth won’t satisfy them.”
Ou Yuanfu felt stifled, thinking, isn’t it your appetite that’s vast? But he was dependent here; this castle belonged to Richard, and to stealthily abduct Song Yue, speed was crucial—hesitation could let Song Yue escape.
Even though Richard had spoken to the airport, instructing them to detain Song Yue, for a powerful martial artist, escape was still possible.
At least leaving the city wasn’t hard.
So speed was essential!
“Richard, at most I can spare three medicines—our ancestor urgently needs them, but I promise to provide matching funds, artifacts, techniques, and Ou family friendship. Whoever helps us, we won’t forget.”
“Of course, Richard, you’ll have the highest-level Ou family friendship!”
Richard had made an exorbitant demand, but his real bottom line was one plant; with other ingredients, it could make life-extending pills for two or three years.
For the ultra-rich, such pills were more precious than anything!
A single batch could fetch astronomical prices!
“Alright, I’ll expedite things, bring the boy to you.” Richard took a sip of whiskey, set the glass down, donned his suit, and looked at Ou Yuanfu. “Rest well, my friend. Wait for good news!”
Ou Yuanfu breathed a sigh of relief. “No need for thanks—and when you bring that little bastard, as long as he’s alive, that’s enough.”
Richard smiled slightly. “As you wish.”
The Ou family sent Richard off, then returned to Ou Yuanfu’s room, asking worriedly, “Uncle, is that man reliable?”
Ou Yuanfu replied weakly, “If he isn’t, no one else is. Don’t underestimate him. His cultivation isn’t high, but he’s a genuine bigwig of the western faction. His connections and abilities are beyond your imagination—this is his territory.”
The Ou family member nodded, then asked, “Ou Yong... is he really dead?”
Ou Yuanfu sighed, “I contacted the family before finding Richard—Ou Yong’s soul tablet is shattered.”
“That kid really killed him? It’s too unbelievable.”
Even having witnessed Ou Yuanfu’s defeat, they found it hard to believe.
Such coincidence! They felt resentful—Ou Yong hadn’t stayed at the altar as instructed, must have gone for herbs nearby and encountered Song Yue.
Had he stayed at the altar, with people coming and going, Song Yue, even if murderous, would have hesitated.
Ou Yuanfu gazed emptily at the abstract patterns on the ceiling. “It’s not unbelievable. He’s a top-tier martial cultivator, possibly comparable to legendary figures.”
“I’m not praising him just because I suffered defeat. If Richard fails, I’ll return home, confess to the family, and warn them—don’t mess with this person again, or the entire family will face even greater trouble!”
The Ou family member could hardly believe it—the Ou family was a top-tier cultivation clan on Tianyue Star, full of experts, both martial and spell cultivators.
Such a grand family—afraid of a young man?
“People... shouldn’t be too stubborn.” Ou Yuanfu waved weakly, knowing it was hard to convince others, as even his own companions refused to admit the boy’s prowess, let alone those far away on Tianyue Star.
Only he, who had truly experienced the ordeal, understood how terrifying the enemy was.
If Song Yue were three or five years older, and if his abilities reached martial grandmaster level with even stronger spirit, Ou Yuanfu—a mighty cultivator—might already be a vegetable!
So, if Richard could capture him, he’d kill him on the spot—not only avenging himself, venting his anger, but also reclaiming the twelve lost longevity medicines.
If not, he’d promptly return home.
Longevity medicines were rare, but with enough effort, attainable.
The Ou family had more than one team seeking medicine—others were searching on various planets.
Earth still had many secret realms; opportunities would arise.
Let others try next.
But he would return to the clan, explain the stakes, and end it here.
Hatred so easily clouds judgment!
...
Lin Huan and Little Mo invited Song Yue to return to Hangzhou with them. Song Yue intended to refuse, because he still had an array plate in the secret realm.
Ou Yuanfu had exited the realm with twelve longevity medicines—preparation aside, it only meant one thing: the medicine garden in that secret realm was rich with such medicines!
But he realized refusal might arouse Lin Huan’s suspicion, if not Little Mo’s.
Anyway, the array plate was probably safe for now. He could take the twelve medicines home to his master to see if they aided his injuries—the medicine garden could be revisited later.
Arriving at the airport for security, Song Yue was suddenly informed his ID had issues and needed to cooperate for investigation.
He immediately sensed trouble.
Calmly, he asked Lin Huan and Little Mo to return to Hangzhou, told airport staff he’d stay, and turned away.
Lin Huan was worried, but as an alien, her main connections were in the east, so staying might be a burden.
She urged Song Yue to take care, then left with Little Mo.
On the taxi ride back to the hotel, Song Yue noticed a car tailing him—just tracking, not attacking.
He called Big Zhao, briefly explaining his situation.
He recounted his conflict with the Ou family, but didn’t mention killing Ou Yong—only that he’d outmaneuvered Ou Yuanfu with a spiritual artifact.
He claimed it was an artifact because he doubted Big Zhao would believe he’d countered with his own spirit.
As expected, Zhao Peng attributed the artifact to the Sage.
He instructed Song Yue to return to the hotel and stay put. “Based on your info, it’s likely the Ou family, in league with some westerners, wants to keep you in town. Don’t worry, we have people there. I’ll arrange for you to take our special channel, board a bureau private jet home!”
After the call, Song Yue felt warm inside. He’d contributed nothing since joining the bureau, yet was now seeking their help—he felt a bit guilty.
He resolved to repay them in the future.
Back at the hotel, Song Yue called the Sage, conversing in ancient language and telling him everything.
The Sage was surprised. “The Ou family sent a mighty cultivator to kill you? That’s outrageous!”
Song Yue comforted him, “I killed their kin; revenge is normal.”
The Sage was annoyed, tone uncharacteristically sharp. “Normal? That man deserved death! Who says you can’t fight back? You asked Zhao Peng, right? You can trust him, but not rely on him completely. I’ll give you a number...”
The Sage lowered his voice. “Don’t mention this to anyone. You’ll call her Aunt Lin—tell her you’re my disciple, facing trouble, and need help.”
Aunt Lin?
The Sage’s past?
Song Yue was curious, but dared not ask.
He dialed the number. A young woman answered, “Looking for my aunt? She’s busy. If it’s not urgent, leave your name and she’ll call back.”
Song Yue thought. “Never mind, I’ll call again later.”
He set the phone aside, feeling restless.
No adversity, no growth.
Life often throws unexpected events—and without the capacity to handle them, anxiety follows.
The Sage had taught him since childhood: anxiety solves nothing, nor does anger.
Whatever the problem, first calm yourself.
Losing reason is terrifying.
According to the present situation, the enemy seemed intent on trapping him in this town.
But next, they’d surely make a move.
Knowing Ou Yuanfu had suffered defeat, they wouldn’t send ordinary cultivators.
Their strength would be at least on par with Ou Yuanfu.
And preparations would be thorough.
Thus, his mastery of the Supreme Spiritual Method, while protecting him from mental attacks, could not be used as a trump card.
The Dragon-patterned Immortal-slaying Blade combined with Eight Desolate Path Scripture was powerful—having opened multiple acupoints in his arms and legs, his strength had soared, and he could use more blade techniques.
He’d even begun forming blade intent, able to slay foes invisibly—though not at range, and inconsistently, so not a trump card.
Star-splitting Hand and Thunder Fist were formidable; his abilities now rivaled grandmasters like Miao Qiang.
For defense, he had protective qi and bureau-issued armor—unless facing a mighty cultivator, foundation-levels couldn’t harm him.
“So, I just need to guard against cultivators of that level.”
Song Yue muttered, then shrugged helplessly, for the enemy would most likely send exactly such people.
When did I become so formidable?
Able to dictate the emotions of mighty cultivators?
Song Yue joked to himself.
...
About two hundred miles from the town, on the edge of a tranquil village, stood a garden-like villa.
Its mistress was tending flowers with care.
She looked young, in her twenties, but her eyes, when raised, betrayed stories far beyond her age.
She was Aunt Lin—the Sage’s contact—real name Katherine, a renowned mage among western cultivators, specializing in fire magic, yet gentle in demeanor.
A black-robed girl, dressed as a little witch, ran out from the house, smiling mischievously as she joined Katherine. “Aunt, an eastern boy just called for you—I asked for his name, but he refused.”
“Xueya, you’re a grown girl—a proper water mage, yet you dress like a witch. Don’t imitate their mysterious ways; it’s off-putting.” Katherine looked fondly at her niece—her brother and sister-in-law had died years ago, leaving young Xueya in her care.
Their relationship was more like mother and daughter.
“So an eastern boy isn’t important, right, Aunt? I remember you had a famous eastern lover!”
“Don’t talk nonsense—he’s an old friend!” Katherine glared at her, “Bring me my phone—I’ll call back.”
Just then, the phone rang again. Xueya glanced at the screen and snickered, “See, you say he’s not a lover, but the contact says ‘dear Sage’!”
“Give it here!” Katherine blushed, “Peeking at others’ privacy is bad!”
“Alright, alright, I’m off!” Xueya handed her the phone and hurried away.
Aunt had remained single for years, partly for her sake, partly perhaps because of that named eastern man.
If she liked him, why not seek him out?
Xueya didn’t understand—if she liked someone, she’d chase them without hesitation.
Katherine answered, full of joy, as if this was the first time that hard-hearted man had called her.
But after a moment, her expression turned solemn. She transmitted mentally, “Xueya, I need to go out! Fix your own dinner—don’t wait for me.”
As she spoke, Katherine transformed into a snowy bird, soaring into the sky and vanishing in a blink.
Xueya rushed out, seeing only a tiny black dot overhead, and muttered, “Is she finally going to meet her lover? Bring him back, Aunt!”
...
At dusk, Song Yue idly watched local news.
Suddenly, a breaking story interrupted—
“A violent fight has occurred in our city. Both sides are cultivators; one is suspected to be from the east. The cause is unknown. Both sides suffered injuries, but no fatalities have been reported...”
On screen, Song Yue saw a group fighting from city to countryside, but both sides restrained themselves, causing little damage.
Then Zhao Peng called, his tone grave. “Our people were intercepted. The opposing force is strong—they discovered our intentions and warned us off. Fortunately, they don’t know our people’s identity. Song Yue, this could get tricky. Stay in the hotel, don’t go out or eat hotel food. Wait for me—I’ll come!”
“No... don’t come, I...” Song Yue started to say he’d handle it, then decided, “My master found someone for me!”
Zhao Peng relaxed. “Then be careful. If it comes to it, surrender—don’t worry if you’re captured. As long as you live, we’ll rescue you—we have plenty of people they want!”
Song Yue replied cheerfully, “I know, don’t worry, boss—I won’t disgrace the bureau.”
After hanging up, Song Yue packed his things, glanced outside—the sunset painted the sky crimson.
He looked at the hotel window—it was small, impossible for a person to squeeze through.
He took out some rarely-used cash from his magical cube, placed a stack on the table with a note—money for glass replacement.
He stripped the bedsheet, laid it by the window.
Placing his palm on the glass, he gently vibrated it—all layers shattered instantly, but didn’t fall outward; suction pulled them onto the sheet.
A cool breeze swept in.
Song Yue leapt onto the sill, then up to the window ledge above, clinging to the wall like a gecko, swiftly climbing.
In a blink, he reached the top floor.
It was quick, but someone monitoring his room reacted and immediately sent a message.
Song Yue ignored it—on the rooftop, he bounded to another high-rise, then began hopping from building to building, accelerating.
By the time the watchers responded, he was already far away.
The city’s personnel mobilized urgently.
Song Yue’s escape route was opposite the secret realm.
He couldn’t be too obvious, lest they see through him.
This small city was surrounded by mountains—once in the forest, he’d be fine.
He aimed to catch the enemy off guard.
His own allies told him to stay put; the enemy would expect the same.
A stranger from the east, unfamiliar with this western town—what else could he do but wait for rescue?
Song Yue refused.
A direct clash would expose his limited trump cards.
Plus, the Jade Void Heavenly Monument was unreliable—it could let others fully discern his capabilities.
So, better to flee.
Why stay?
He had plenty of places to go.
When Richard learned Song Yue had escaped, Song Yue was already out of town.
Richard was furious, phoning someone sternly, warning that if they failed, there’d be no further cooperation.
The other party promised to capture Song Yue.
“Use satellite tracking!”
“I must know his movements at all times!”
Richard called another group.
In orbit, two satellites passing overhead began searching.
But they found they couldn’t track Song Yue—no information, no location.
At best, they could aim satellites at the city and search the surrounding hundreds of miles.
But that was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The city’s surroundings were dense forest, beautiful nature—satellites couldn’t see into the mountains.
Richard was angry, but had to admit—this young man, who’d tripped up his old friend “Ou,” was indeed exceptional. Keen instincts weren’t special—the failed airport departure surely made him alert.
But such quick reactions and choices surprised him.
The underground group leader called to reassure him, “Don’t worry—he can’t escape. We have people everywhere in the west. Unless he can fly like a top-tier cultivator, he won’t get far. No matter how fit, running a thousand miles will exhaust him!”
Richard relaxed a bit, warning, “Don’t mess up this job!”
The other party readily agreed.
Song Yue soon entered the forest.
No one could keep up with him yet.
Since opening many leg acupoints, his Phantom Step had transformed—he could even glide briefly like a grandmaster.
His speed through the woods was many times faster.
Soon, he reached the area near the secret realm, slowed, and began searching for its resonance.
After several attempts, he found it.
Song Yue took a deep breath, prepared himself, and vanished.
A white bird flew swiftly across the distant sky.
Circling high, sharp eyes scanned below.
She saw many people active around the town’s forests, and even further, others setting up controls.
Katherine was startled and felt troubled.
What trouble had the Sage’s disciple gotten into? Why such a commotion?
And—where was the child?
How could she find him?
She searched carefully, but like the others, found nothing.
She decided to let them search.
Once they found him, she would rush in, seize the boy, and complete the Sage’s request.
After all, it was the first time he’d asked her to do something.
She couldn’t afford to fail.