12: Chapter 12 Meeting

After walking for roughly two hours, Chu Yang arrived at a small village. It was an ordinary farming community, with villagers working in the fields.

As soon as Chu Yang entered the village, he caught the villagers' attention. An elderly man approached him: "Young man, you have a stranger's face. Where are you from?"

"I'm just passing through," Chu Yang replied politely, "looking for a place to rest for a bit."

The old man sized up Chu Yang for a moment, then nodded: "There's a small inn in the village. You can rest your feet there."

After thanking the old man, Chu Yang found the inn as directed. It was a simple two-story wooden house with a plaque hanging at the entrance that read 'Anju'.

Entering the inn, Chu Yang requested a room and a meal. While eating, he noticed a veiled young man in the corner, secretly observing him.

"It seems even remote villages like this aren't safe," Chu Yang thought to himself. "Who sent that person?"

After finishing his meal, Chu Yang returned to his room, only to find signs that the door had been opened. He cautiously pushed it open and found someone standing inside — it was the same veiled young man from earlier.

"Who are you?" Chu Yang asked in a low voice.

The young man removed his veil, revealing a handsome face: "I am Li Qingxuan, sent by my master to assist you, Brother Chu Yang."

Chu Yang sneered: "Another one? Who is your master?"

"My master lives in seclusion deep in the mountains, removed from worldly affairs, yet he knows of all major events under heaven," Li Qingxuan said respectfully. "He said you are in trouble, Elder Brother Chu, and sent me to assist."

"Assist?" Chu Yang scoffed. "Everyone says they want to help me. And what has been the result?"

Li Qingxuan sighed: "It's understandable that you don't trust me, Brother Chu. However," he took a letter from his robes, "this is a letter from my master to you. It may clear up some of your doubts."

Chu Yang took the letter and cautiously opened it. Its contents, however, shocked him —

"Chu Yang:

What you possess is not merely the soul of samsara, but the rare Primordial Chaos constitution in all the world. The Yin-Yang Talisman is only the first seal; six more await release. The demoness did not speak falsely, but her aim is to seize your soul of samsara. The Heavenly Demon Sect, the Blood Demon Sect, Bishui Palace, the Valley of Poison and Gu, and the Yin Yang Gate all have their own designs. Do not trust them lightly. The choice in three days concerns your life and death. If you wish to know the full truth, you may come to see me with Li Qingxuan.

The Nameless Elder"

Chu Yang read the letter over and over, his brow furrowed. The letter mentioned the demoness and the soul of samsara, so clearly the writer knew some inside information. But this could also be an elaborately designed trap.

"Who is your master?" Chu Yang asked again.

Li Qingxuan shook his head: "My master has concealed his name for many years and does not wish to reveal his identity. But he understands your situation perfectly."

Chu Yang put the letter away: "Why does your master know so much about me?"

"Because," Li Qingxuan hesitated for a moment, "my master was once the Guardian of the soul of samsara."

Chu Yang's eyes lit up: "What exactly is the soul of samsara?"

"That I cannot say much about," Li Qingxuan said with a grave expression. "My master said the secret of the soul of samsara is far too significant. Speaking even a single word incorrectly could invite a calamity of immense proportions."

Chu Yang sneered: "This same old story again."

Li Qingxuan sighed: "It's fine if you don't believe me, Brother Chu. The three-day deadline approaches. When the time comes, you will understand the importance of the choice."

"Why doesn't your master come to see me himself?"

"My master is advanced in years, and coupled with a serious injury from many years ago that has yet to fully heal, it is inconvenient for him to travel far," Li Qingxuan explained. "But he is willing to receive you in three days' time."

Chu Yang fell into deep thought. Another choice lay before him. Would he truly get answers by going with Li Qingxuan?

"I need to think about it," Chu Yang finally said. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow."

Li Qingxuan nodded: "Understood. I'm staying in the room next door. You can find me anytime once you've decided."

After he left, Chu Yang sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. The situation had grown even more complicated. The soul of samsara, the Primordial Chaos constitution, seven seals... these terms gave him a headache.

Just then, a faint sound came from outside the window. Chu Yang looked alertly towards the window and saw a small black bird perched on the windowsill, holding a tiny note in its beak.

Chu Yang cautiously opened the window and retrieved the note. It bore only a few brief words:

"Midnight, the stream behind the village. Do not miss it."

The handwriting was delicate and refined, likely written by a woman. But who? Bi Luo? Poison Concubine? Chi Lian? Or that dangerous demoness?

Chu Yang decided to go and investigate, but he also prepared countermeasures. He hid the letter from Li Qingxuan well, then arranged the bedding into the shape of a person to create the illusion that he was sleeping.

When the night was deep and quiet, Chu Yang quietly left the inn and headed towards the stream behind the village. Moonlight like water illuminated the path to the stream.

By the stream, a woman in white stood quietly, her silhouette graceful and refined.

"Bi Luo?" Chu Yang tentatively asked.

The woman turned around. It was indeed Bi Luo. Under the moonlight, her face appeared especially serene and beautiful.

"You came," Bi Luo smiled slightly. "I knew you would."

Chu Yang stood his ground warily: "How did you find me?"

"There are no walls in the world that wind cannot pass through," Bi Luo said softly. "Besides, I have been paying special attention to you."

Chu Yang got straight to the point: "Why did you ask to meet me?"

Bi Luo's expression turned serious: "The three-day deadline is approaching. I must tell you some things to help you make the right choice."

"This same old story again," Chu Yang sneered. "Everyone says they will tell me the truth."

Bi Luo sighed: "I understand your distrust." She took a few steps closer. "But I truly mean you well. Chu Yang, do you know of the soul of samsara?"

Chu Yang's heart jolted, but he kept his expression neutral: "What is that?"

"The most precious soul in legend. Its possessor can break the boundaries of life and death, retaining memories through the cycle of reincarnation," Bi Luo explained. "And you possess such a soul."

Chu Yang feigned shock: "Me?"

Bi Luo nodded: "That is why so many people are pursuing you. The soul of samsara is almost a legendary existence in the Cultivation World. Its value is beyond measure."

"So you all want to seize my soul?" Chu Yang asked coldly.

"No," Bi Luo shook her head. "At least I don't. I want to protect you."

"Why?"

Bi Luo looked deeply at Chu Yang: "Because... I owe you."

Chu Yang was taken aback: "Owe me? Did we know each other before?"

"Not the current you," Bi Luo seemed to struggle with whether to continue. "The you from your previous life."

Chu Yang was greatly startled: "You know about my previous life?"

Bi Luo gave a slight nod: "Not only know, but we..." her voice grew softer, "had a romantic connection."

Chu Yang was completely stunned. He and Bi Luo had a romantic connection? This was something he had not expected.

"You're lying to me," Chu Yang calmed down. "If there really was a connection, why didn't you say so earlier?"