Chapter Twenty-Two: Nanyang County of the Eight Wilds

In the Nanyang Prefecture of the Eight Desolations

Bai Qi had managed to reach the highest pinnacle within the Yellow Realm—a feat few could claim. Every cultivator yearned to stand atop that summit, yet only a rare handful ever succeeded. The Heavenly Gate Realm was, in essence, a suppression of rank; when facing opponents of the same or even the next higher level, Bai Qi could exert this suppression, preventing them from displaying their full strength. Furthermore, if his opponent was of equal rank and continued to pour out spiritual power, Bai Qi was capable of absorbing their energy and converting it into his own. Of course, the efficacy of this ability varied depending on the adversary’s strength. But what mattered most was the layer of the Heavenly Dao that Bai Qi had glimpsed. When he compared himself to it, he realized the gap was not merely one of strength, but a difference in dimension and realm. Though it had only been a fleeting vision, it was more than enough for him. Bai Qi was certain that such a dimension of insight would be crucial—extremely crucial—when he one day broke through from the Celestial level to the Palace Realm.

At this moment, the sky had lost its former oppressiveness, and the thick clouds had long since dispersed. On a narrow mountain path, a lone figure was running with frantic speed. Though he was gasping for breath, not a bead of sweat shone on his brow; only his expression was excessively exaggerated, every gesture and movement performed with dramatic flair. About ten paces behind him, another figure appeared to be "chasing" the first. On closer inspection, the one in front was clearly Bai Qi, while the pursuer behind was the mysterious woman. Yet while Bai Qi ran on the ground, she flew effortlessly through the air. Bai Qi was filled with envy, for such a feat required at least the Earth Realm, and even then, only for a brief duration. To pursue someone for three days and nights without pause, as this woman had done, one likely needed to have reached the Celestial Realm or beyond. Then again, cultivation alone was not always the deciding factor; some could endure longer due to innate strength, while others might rely on external aids, such as techniques, pills, or magical treasures.

At present, Bai Qi was thoroughly vexed. His pursuer relentlessly hounded him, occasionally "prodding" him along, extinguishing the majesty of his Heavenly Gate Realm before her as if it were nothing. Whenever Bai Qi protested, she would intensify her punishment, treating him like a monkey for her amusement. He had no way to evade her; should he try to reposition himself, she would inexplicably slow his movements to a crawl, turning him into a living target for a barrage of electric shocks. He had no idea how she commanded such a power, nor could he resist her in the slightest.

At last, Bai Qi stopped in his tracks and shouted angrily, “What do you want from me? You won’t fight me, and I can’t escape! Was it really necessary to torment me like this just because I accidentally offended you before?”

His tone was that of utter frustration, as if he could weep but lacked the tears. It was only desperation that gave him the courage to speak so boldly before her.

Apparently, the woman had grown tired of her game. Her exquisite features, crowned by elegant brows, could disarm the worst of tempers; such beauty was itself a weapon. Bai Qi spoke again, “My lady, you used to keep yourself so thoroughly shrouded in mystery, hidden away like some shadowy iceberg. But now you suddenly reveal yourself—if you just wanted some fresh air and to vent your feelings on me, surely that’s enough by now? Otherwise, I might just break down.”

She gave a cold laugh. “You certainly have a glib tongue. Very well, I’ll let you rest for a while. But remember, your insults to me will not go unpunished. I’ll find ways to make you pay for them, little by little. If one day I’m in a good mood, or you happen to please me, I might let your offense pass.”

With that, the woman floated down from the air and seated herself on a mossy stone by the roadside, closing her eyes to meditate.

“Um... you rest first. I need to take care of something—I'll be off for a bit,” Bai Qi ventured cautiously.

Still dressed in black, the woman replied, “Very well. But when I call you, you must be before me within three breaths, or else...”

“Yes, yes, of course. By the way, may I have your name? Since we've met, we should at least know each other.”

“Suwen.”

“I’ll just go over there for a moment,” Bai Qi said with a forced laugh, making his way toward the northwest.

“Go south. The northwest is a windy pass,” Suwen said, her brows knitting in displeasure.

Embarrassed, Bai Qi realized his attempt at escape almost unraveled by her casual remark. He stopped thinking and simply ran southward, determined to shake off this calamity. He was barely acquainted with her; in her eyes, he was nothing but a small fry. If one day she was in a foul mood, a single slap or flick of her finger could end him. Such a ticking time bomb was best avoided at all costs.

…

Not far away, wisps of smoke curled upward—it looked like a village. Although dusk was falling, the sight of smoke rising from a chimney made Bai Qi’s stomach rumble with hunger. Ever since leaving Liang Prefecture for this unfamiliar land, he had lost track of time. Now, seeing that smoke, like a thirsty man glimpsing a distant oasis, he hastened forward, hoping to beg a meal.

He approached what passed for the main gate, though it was really just a makeshift fence of rough branches, the latch merely a thicker stick wedged through a loop. The house itself was a crude mud construction, its roof thatched with reeds to keep out the rain. The sight of such poverty instantly diminished half of Bai Qi’s appetite.

Standing hesitantly at the entrance, Bai Qi finally raised his voice. “Is anyone there?” He waited, then called again, “Is anyone home?”

A tremulous voice replied from within, “Who... is it?” After a moment, a hunched figure appeared before him.

Seeing the old woman, Bai Qi felt a surge of pity and abruptly changed his mind. He asked gently, “Grandmother, may I ask where I am? Where is the nearest town or city?”

The old woman paused, coughed, and slowly lifted her cloudy eyes to meet his. After a moment, she said, “Ah, child, you look lost. This is the domain of Nanyang Prefecture, but we are just a remote mountain village. If you want the market, you must go that way.”

She pointed toward the west. Bai Qi thanked her warmly, “Thank you, madam.”

“No need, no need, child. Actually, there is something you could help me with. If you reach the town and see my old man and grandson, please ask them to come home soon.”

“What do they look like? How are they dressed?” Bai Qi inquired.

“The old one wears a gray hemp robe with long sleeves and a straw hat. The little one has two pigtails, wears a faded red shirt, and embroidered shoes—you can’t miss them,” the old woman described carefully, painting a vivid picture. Bai Qi nodded, reassuring her he would keep an eye out for them.

Watching her frail form, Bai Qi felt a tangle of emotions. He turned toward the market. As he left, he thought he heard quiet sobbing behind him, followed by the creak of the door closing.