Fragrance Fades and Jade Perishes

Whoosh!

At the critical moment, Lu Shuyao's soul raced back at lightning speed, returning to her physical body in the courtyard just before the dark hand could reach her!

The figure leaning against the carved railing suddenly stood up, her beautiful eyes still flickering with lingering fear.

Yet, to her shock, the dark hand did not stop its pursuit even after her soul had returned to her body. Instead, it locked onto her physical form directly.

It surged forward at a terrifying speed, stretching like endless vines—an abyss of darkness spreading as far as the eye could see!

Malice filled the sky, and black mist billowed!

As the eerie hand drew closer, Lu Shuyao's pupils dilated, her delicate face paling in terror.

Even when she channeled the power of the Great Dao and unleashed several profound immortal techniques, the shadowy figure continued charging from the horizon, its momentum undiminished. Against such might, her cultivation was utterly powerless!

Fear crept into her eyes as Lu Shuyao felt death closing in.

A familiar sense of despair seized her newly revived heart.

Yet, along with it came the warmth and emotion she had once cherished.

In her mind,

the memory of Yi Feng fearlessly leading her out of the pagoda flashed vividly—each moment so precious it ached.

Now,

the scene felt hauntingly similar.

How she wished that gentleman could be here to protect her, to see him just once more.

But as the shadow descended from the sky, she knew this was merely a futile hope. Being saved from peril once in a lifetime was already a rare blessing.

The only thing she could do now was to exhaust her final strength to protect Yi Feng—to repay his kindness, to honor his righteousness in saving the Seventy-Two Islands of the East Sea!

Biting her lip, Lu Shuyao immediately activated the highest realm of the Heavenly Soul Art.

She would relay every secret she had just uncovered to him!

For she did not know whether this formidable demonic being would pose a threat to him.

Even if she knew that forcibly connecting with another’s soul after returning to her body violated the laws of life and would incur heavenly retribution—she would not hesitate!

As her jade-like fingers wove the incantation,

Lu Shuyao’s gaze remained unshaken, staring resolutely at the dark hand blotting out the sky.

……

Deep within the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion,

in an elegant courtyard,

exquisite dishes were neatly arranged, and the rich aroma of immortal wine filled the air.

Lu Xinlan and the others, having just returned from the banquet, hurried to pay their respects to Yi Feng. Delighted to hear he wished to drink, they happily joined him, chatting and laughing in high spirits.

Even after many rounds, Sa Donglai’s enthusiasm remained undimmed.

While respectfully pouring wine for Yi Feng, he skillfully responded to every question.

Though not as formidable in cultivation as the other three, he was no pushover. As one of the earliest to follow Yi Feng, Sa Donglai understood his role perfectly—to serve wholeheartedly. Beyond that, nothing else mattered.

What seemed like mere drinking and conversation was, in truth, an unimaginable blessing.

This was not just sharing wine—it was welcoming destiny itself.

Amid the lively conversation,

Yi Feng’s mood gradually eased.

Though the Dragon Emperor’s apology had foiled his plans again, he had gained new friends and freed the female cultivators of the East Sea from their cursed fate. All in all, it was a worthwhile endeavor.

Moreover, he had met three elderly men of considerable cultivation. They would surely be useful for gathering information—or at the very least, he could spar with them. Not a wasted effort.

All things considered, it was acceptable.

Just as Yi Feng raised his cup once more—

Suddenly!

A woman’s urgent voice echoed in his mind!

"Master Yi, you must leave Black Island at once!"

"The Fourth Holy Maiden, Lu Caiwei, has conspired with demonic forces to destroy your soul and seize your body and cultivation! This is urgent—please, you must believe me!"

Yi Feng froze, stiffening on the stone stool.

The voice had come without warning, yet it felt eerily familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before…

Someone was trying to kill him?!

Alert, he scanned his surroundings but saw no one. The voice seemed to drift from nowhere, ethereal as an illusion.

Noticing his distraction, Sa Donglai and the others clasped their hands in concern.

"Master, is something wrong?"

Yi Feng did not answer immediately, only shaking his head slowly.

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination.

But…

The urgency in the voice, the specific names mentioned—it didn’t feel like a hallucination. It was as if a familiar female cultivator stood before him, pleading desperately.

After a few breaths of silence,

Yi Feng finally recognized the voice. A terrible premonition surged within him as he abruptly stood and turned to Lu Xinlan.

"Where is Lu Shuyao now?!"

Confused but alarmed by Yi Feng’s grave expression, Lu Xinlan hurriedly rose to answer.

"Reporting to Master,

Lu Shuyao left the banquet some time ago. She should have returned to her residence in the city by now. It’s located at—"

Before she could finish, Yi Feng cut in coldly.

"Take me there. Now!"

The urgency in his voice snapped everyone out of their tipsy haze. With Lu Xinlan leading the way, they escorted Yi Feng as he flew toward the city!

Before long,

Yi Feng landed in a refined courtyard.

Moonlight draped over the surroundings like a veil, casting a silvery glow over the flower beds and carved railings. The serene beauty resembled a painting—but the familiar face lying motionless by the railing shattered the tranquility.

Everyone stood frozen in shock.

They couldn’t believe that the young lady who had shared drinks with them mere moments ago was now gone, her soul departed to the heavens. The cold moonlight etched this tragic scene into their minds forever.

Yi Feng’s face darkened as he approached Lu Shuyao.

When he lifted her still-warm body, memories of their time together flooded his mind—as if she were merely asleep after too much wine.

Once,

this proud young mistress of the Lu family had shone brilliantly, full of confidence. Later, shackled by fate, she had become lost and desolate.

They had shared drinks and laughter, and Yi Feng had even explained the concept of parasites to her.

Every memory now weighed heavier than before.

To think—

someone he knew had died like this, for his sake. In her final moments, she had worried about his safety, using some unknown method to urgently warn him of the danger.

Though they were merely acquaintances, far from close friends, seeing someone die because of him left Yi Feng deeply unsettled.

Even if he could bring her back in the future, he had still arrived too late!

Regret and guilt welled up inside him.

Holding Lu Shuyao’s lifeless body, Yi Feng replayed her dying warning in his mind.

His voice icy, he turned to Lu Xinlan.

"Send word to Island Master Shi Tianchuan. Bring the Fourth Holy Maiden, Lu Caiwei, to me immediately!"

The command sent tremors through the group, but none dared question it. They swiftly relayed the order, jolting the entire Black Island awake!