Chapter 60: Mirror Seven

The great seal swelled against the wind, descending, its form growing ever larger. Youming Phantom watched the unfolding scene, feeling the oppressive force and the rising sense of danger in his heart; he frantically gathered all his baleful energy, rushing forward to resist. Yet no matter how fiercely he unleashed his baleful aura, the great seal drew ever closer, unaffected by his attempts to stop it.

As it approached, he sensed from the seal a primitive, wild aura, and an indescribable sense of threat. The seal touched the body of the Howling Moon Wolf, shivered slightly, and then sank into the sea of consciousness. Only then did he realize the truth: this was an attack directed at his very soul!

But this realization came too late. Just because this was his domain did not mean he held any advantage. As the seal landed upon his spirit, it left behind four bold characters: "Kuiyun Subdues Demons." The seal then transformed, becoming a colossal Kui Ox, its body filling nearly the entire sea of consciousness of the Howling Moon Wolf.

The moment the Kui Ox appeared, a fierce glint flashed in the wolf's eyes, but it was immediately followed by a terrified howl as the Kui Ox bellowed.

Moo—

...

It seemed his guess was correct; truly, its effects were extraordinary.

Hongyun controlled the great seal, his spirit already merged with the body of the Kui Ox. Through the seal, he gazed at the soul of the Howling Moon Wolf, now driven into a corner. He then recited the Kuiyun Subdues Demons mantra, and as the cloud patterns swirled around the Kui Ox, the wolf's soul wailed ever more miserably.

Soon, it lay weakly on the ground. From the perspective of the Kui Ox, the wolf was no longer the fierce beast it once was, but rather resembled a dog beaten and drenched.

After fully subduing it, Hongyun withdrew the Kuiyun Subdues Demons Seal, noting the cracks that had appeared on its surface and sighing at the wolf's formidable strength.

But then, anticipation flickered in his eyes.

With a thought, the rivers and streams manifesting behind him surged forth, washing over his body. After the torrent subsided, the massive corpse of the Howling Moon Wolf fell to the ground, its vitality fading.

Without hesitation, Hongyun raised his blade and struck. Now lacking the protection of baleful energy, the wolf's skull was sliced open, and with a gesture, the Baleful Core dropped into his hand.

He had no desire to enslave it or make it his ally; he simply craved its Baleful Core.

Another formidable member of the Howling Moon Wolf clan had fallen.

Feeling the gentle warmth emanating from the core and the mutual yearning it inspired, Hongyun suppressed his restlessness and raised his eyes to look in a certain direction.

---

"Friend, you've watched for long enough—it's time to come out."

Hongyun, seeing no response from the direction he was watching, remained unfazed. His aura stirred slightly, and he casually broke off the two largest fangs from the wolf's mouth.

He had sensed a trace of tribulation energy from a certain location upon arriving. Initially, he thought it was an ally summoned by the Howling Moon Wolf, but since the wolf was already slain and the newcomer had not appeared, he concluded the visitor was merely attracted by the commotion.

After securing the fangs at his waist, Hongyun turned to another direction, his baleful aura rising once more:

"Friend, please reveal yourself. Once, twice—there must not be a third. If you refuse my friendship, my blade will be unsheathed."

...

As faint ripples spread through the void, a tall, pale-faced man gradually emerged under Hongyun's gaze.

"Since you wish to make friends, it is only proper that I show myself," the man said.

Hongyun, sensing the aura emanating from him, narrowed his eyes: this... is not a human.

Not only that, but he could scarcely detect any baleful energy from the man; only faint threads of tribulation energy visible through his own eyes of tribulation.

The pale-faced man studied Hongyun in turn and, as if reading his thoughts, offered a gentle smile:

"You need not be so wary—I mean no harm."

As he spoke, he flickered closer to Hongyun, glancing at the corpse of the Howling Moon Wolf with growing solemnity:

"My name is Jing Qi, of the Mirror Clan in Mirror City. Since you entered the city, it has been my duty to observe your movements and ensure you do not harm the local demon clans."

Hongyun listened, his expression unchanged but his heart startled: he had not expected his identity as a human to be recognized so swiftly upon entering the city.

Why did the Mirror Clan bear tribulation energy? Was this man truly a demon?

Seeing Hongyun's calm demeanor, Jing Qi felt even more inclined toward friendship and explained further:

"Our Mirror City has eight gates: four lead into the city, and four into the Demon Nation. Each gate is guarded by a member of the Mirror Clan. Though the Mirror Gates cannot discern thoughts or souls, nor emotions, they can clearly identify the race and cultivation of any who pass through. Though your body is special, you are still human, and with your Nirvana cultivation, strict vigilance is required..."

"I understand your reasoning," Hongyun replied, now grasping the situation: this was demon territory, and for a human to roam so openly was indeed unusual.

Seeing no hostility from Jing Qi, Hongyun deliberated briefly before laying out his intentions:

---

"My purpose in Mirror City is simply to escort my young companion into the Half-Demon Nation. When I was injured, her parents entrusted her to me; now she is orphaned and alone, and I am beset by troubles, making it difficult to protect her."

"The little girl who cannot see?" Jing Qi's eyes brightened, and he quickly inquired.

Hongyun nodded, his eyes clear and sincere, prompting Jing Qi to hesitate slightly:

"I can help you take her there, but I must ask you to reveal your true identity, so I can confirm you bear no ill intent toward the Half-Demon Nation."

Hongyun was pleased by this offer, yet a feeling of resistance rose within him. After some hesitation, he decided to disclose his background:

"My identity... I am Zhao Jingcheng, a forsaken disciple of the Rising Moon Sect."

Jing Qi's expression remained unchanged, evidently unfamiliar with the name.

He raised his hand in a gesture, and a standing mirror appeared, reflecting Hongyun's figure completely. When the mirror was moved away, the image remained.

"Don't be startled; this is merely to verify your identity."

Hongyun, impressed by the technique, felt his mood lighten and grew more cordial:

"Brother Jing Qi, please proceed as you wish. 'Sir' is too formal—call me by my alias, 'Yun.'"

Yun?

Jing Qi repeated the name in his mind and nodded:

"Very well, Brother Yun, I'll be off then."

So urgent?

Seeing Jing Qi vanish into the distance, carrying his mirror, Hongyun hadn't expected such haste and called out playfully:

"Brother Jing Qi, how can you leave empty-handed? The body of the Howling Moon Wolf is troublesome for me to dispose of—consider it a gift for our first meeting."

As he finished speaking, Hongyun turned and saw the wolf's corpse slowly disappearing before his eyes.

"Thank you, Brother Yun, you're too generous…"

...