35: Chapter 35 Really?

"Control the mirror with your heart," Wu Chen instructed. "Think of the person you wish to find, and the mirror will point the way."

Qing Luo closed her eyes and silently recited Chu Yang's name in her heart. The bronze mirror suddenly glowed, projecting a beam of light pointing northeast.

"Chu Yang is in that direction," Qing Luo said, opening her eyes.

"Mount Taibai," Wu Chen said. "There is an ancient yin and yang cave there, said to have formed when heaven and earth first opened."

Daoist Wangchuan frowned. "Why would Chu Yang be there?"

"The Yin and Yang Cave is one of the Samsara nodes," Wu Chen explained. "He might have entered Samsara Space through there."

The enchantress stood up. "We must go there as soon as possible."

Bi Luo also struggled to her feet. "Dark Prison is surely searching for it too."

Wu Chen pondered for a moment. "The journey is long. You need to recover your strength first. Rest at the temple tonight. I will see you off tomorrow."

Everyone agreed to this arrangement. As night fell, Qing Luo came alone to the courtyard to admire the moon, pondering everything she had seen and heard that day.

"The night is deep. Why aren't you resting?" Daoist Wu Chen approached.

Qing Luo sighed. "Too many questions weigh on my heart."

"Speak your mind."

"Chu Yang and I knew each other in a past life. Why have I no memory of it in this life?"

Wu Chen explained, "Reincarnation washes away memories; that is the rule. That Chu Yang could seal his power within you was already an act defying heaven."

Qing Luo continued asking, "Why did he choose me?"

"Perhaps out of trust, or perhaps because you possess something special," Wu Chen said, looking at Qing Luo. "You were born with a Spirit Eye, able to see what ordinary people cannot. This is a great opportunity."

Qing Luo was silent for a moment. "If we find Chu Yang, what will happen?"

Wu Chen's expression turned grave. "Either save the world or destroy it, depending on your choices."

Seeing Qing Luo's worry, Wu Chen's tone softened. "Do not worry excessively. Follow your true heart. For now, you need to learn to use the power within you."

He instructed Qing Luo to sit cross-legged and adjust her breathing. "Feel the power of the soul bead and the Samsara Mirror within you. Let them resonate in harmony."

Qing Luo complied and soon felt a warm current circulating within her body.

"Good," Wu Chen said with satisfaction. "Now, try to control this power, extend it to your fingertips."

Qing Luo concentrated. A soft glow gradually appeared in her palm.

"This is the basic application of Yin and Yang energy," Wu Chen explained. "Master it, and you will be able to protect yourself and your companions in times of danger."

Qing Luo practiced for two hours and was able to control the power fundamentally.

"Exceptionally gifted," Wu Chen praised. "Continue your cultivation. Find Chu Yang soon."

He turned and left, leaving Qing Luo to continue practicing. Under the moonlight, her figure was resolute and determined.

#Chapter 13

As the sky began to brighten, everyone had already gathered in front of the Samsara Temple. Daoist Wu Chen, holding an ancient map, was pointing out the route to Daoist Wangchuan.

"Mount Taibai is here," Wu Chen pointed to a location on the map. "Enter the mountains from here. It's about a three-day journey to the Yin and Yang Cave."

Daoist Wangchuan studied the map carefully. "The path is treacherous."

"This journey holds many dangers," Wu Chen sighed. "Mount Taibai is rich in spiritual energy, but it is also teeming with demonic beasts. Moreover, the people of Dark Prison will certainly not give up pursuit."

The enchantress looked grave. "No need to worry. I can handle it."

Wu Chen smiled faintly and took four small cloth pouches from his sleeve. "These are demon-repelling incense. They can mask your auras and prevent attacks from demonic beasts."

Bi Luo gratefully accepted one. "Thank you, Daoist Master."

After a night's rest, Bi Luo's condition had improved significantly; her complexion was much rosier.

Wu Chen took out a jade talisman and handed it to Qing Luo. "This is a path-guiding talisman. If you get lost in the mountains, activate it with a hand seal, and it will point you in the right direction."

Qing Luo took the jade talisman and found it had a wondrous connection with the Samsara Mirror. She attached it to the back of the mirror.

"Also," Wu Chen said seriously, looking at her, "you must practice the art of harmonizing yin and yang daily during the journey. It will stabilize the power within you and prevent loss of control."

Qing Luo nodded in agreement.

Wu Chen turned to the group. "This humble Daoist cannot travel far. I can only escort you to the foot of the mountain."

After packing up, everyone followed Wu Chen out of the Samsara Temple. Wu Chen summoned a cloud of mist and flew with the four of them.

The enchantress was surprised. "The Daoist Master possesses such divine power?"

Wu Chen smiled faintly. "A mere trifle of magic. Not worth mentioning."

Two hours later, the mist descended at the foot of Mount Taibai. Looking up at the mountain, they saw mist swirling around its peaks, with perilous ridges faintly visible.

"This is as far as I go," Wu Chen said. "Remember, the higher you climb, the denser the spiritual energy and the stronger the demonic beasts. The Yin and Yang Cave is on the back of the main peak. You must pass through three perilous passes: the Illusion Mist Forest, the Soul-Severing Cliff, and the Ghost Fire Marsh."

Daoist Wangchuan clasped his hands in salute. "Thank you for the guidance. We will be careful."

Wu Chen looked at Qing Luo. "You are the key. If danger arises, do not hesitate to use the Samsara Mirror."

Qing Luo nodded solemnly. Wu Chen gave a few more instructions, then stepped onto the cloud and departed.

"Let's go," the enchantress took the lead. "Let's try to reach the Illusion Mist Forest before dark."

The four began their ascent. At first, the path was decent, but as the altitude increased, the trail became increasingly rugged.

"Strange," Bi Luo looked around. "This mountain is too quiet. Not even the sound of birds."

Daoist Wangchuan nodded. "Abnormal. Proceed with caution."

At noon, they rested briefly by a mountain spring. Qing Luo took out the Samsara Mirror and found the light pointing to Chu Yang had grown brighter.

"Our direction is correct," she said, feeling reassured.

The enchantress watched their surroundings warily. "I feel like someone is following us."

"Dark Prison?" Bi Luo asked nervously.

"Not sure," the enchantress frowned. "The aura is very concealed. If not for my keen perception, I would hardly notice it."

Daoist Wangchuan closed his eyes to sense for a moment. "There is indeed something unusual, but it doesn't feel as sinister and cold as Dark Prison."

Qing Luo suddenly pointed at a nearby bush. "Over there!"

The enchantress instantly struck. A blue flame shot towards the bush. The bush shook violently, and a small figure darted out, quickly dodging.

"Don't shoot! It's me!" a clear, crisp voice rang out.

A girl around ten years old walked out from behind the bush. She wore coarse clothes, had two small braids in her hair, and her face was dusty, but it couldn't hide the liveliness in her eyes.

"Who are you?" the enchantress asked warily.

"My name is Xiao Ling," the girl answered. "I'm from the mountains."

"Why were you following us?" Daoist Wangchuan asked sternly.

Xiao Ling hesitated. "I... I saw you didn't look like bad people. I wanted to ask if you could help me with something."

"With what?" Bi Luo asked gently.

"My mother is sick. She needs the spiritual water from the Yin and Yang Cave to get better," Xiao Ling said, tears welling in her eyes. "But I can't go that far alone."

Qing Luo felt compassion. "We are heading to the Yin and Yang Cave. We can take you with us."

"Really?" Xiao Ling cheered with joy.

The enchantress, however, frowned. "Not advisable. The journey is dangerous. Bringing a child will only slow us down."

Xiao Ling hurriedly said, "I won't slow you down! I know this mountain very well. I can show you a shortcut!"

Daoist Wangchuan considered for a moment. "In that case, it would be mutually beneficial."

Seeing the enchantress still had doubts, Xiao Ling pulled a beast-tooth pendant from her bosom. "This is a protective talisman my father left me. It can ward off the demonic mist in the Illusion Mist Forest."

The enchantress was half-convinced, half-doubting, but Qing Luo insisted, "Let's take her. Having an extra guide is always good."