The Uncrossable Boundary and an Enraged Lioness

This grand hall, concealing an ancient formation deep within the annals of time, would immediately activate its power upon sensing anyone stepping into its depths.

Lin Xingjian executed the perfected Ghost Shadow Steps, his form a wisp of black smoke flickering erratically in the wind. The very instant he stepped into the hall, the ancient formation was triggered.

In an instant, the surrounding space twisted and warped, light itself wantonly stretched by an unseen colossal hand, becoming indistinct and blurry as if it were threads carelessly manipulated by a mischievous child.

Lin Xingjian felt the scene before his eyes transform into a crumpled ancient painting, rapidly spinning into a blur. It was like a chaotic, fleeting dream (TL Note: ‘Huangliang Yimeng’ refers to a brief, illusory dream of grandeur), growing ethereal, elusive, and impossible to grasp.

By the time he regained his senses, he found himself back on solid ground, and propelled by an arrow-like momentum, he burst out of the dilapidated hall.

Upon halting his steps, he slowly turned his head to look back.

Confirming that the hall’s oppressive glow had vanished, the taut string in his heart finally slackened, and he breathed a silent sigh of relief.

“Excellent! I’ve escaped, though not without a fright, and Zhang Jingya hasn’t pursued me.”

“This Zhang Jingya is truly terrifying!”

“How was it that I never realized she was so formidable before, that she could even set such a trap for me?”

Lin Xingjian muttered to himself, his heart still pounding with lingering fear.

He carefully pulled out the paper with the incorrect poem from his robes, scrutinizing it once more.

“Ah, well!”

“Fortunately, even if Zhang Jingya knows my identity, it’s useless.”

“Even if the Dao Gate Sect and Xuantian Dao Sect wield immense power, they could never easily meddle with the Shadow Sect’s identity secrets.”

After all, a century ago, the Shadow Sect had performed numerous unsavory tasks and arduous deeds for the Xuantian Dao Sect, actions best kept hidden from the light.

At that time, the Shadow Sect’s formidable reputation had struck fear into the hearts of many cultivators and sects.

They had once foolishly attempted to scheme against the Shadow Sect, hoping to infiltrate it from within and gradually dismantle its power.

However, their cunning schemes had long been seen through by the Xuantian Dao Sect.

Even if those spies infiltrated various sects of the Xuantian Dao Sect, they wouldn’t be able to uncover any information regarding the Shadow Sect’s location or details.

Even though the Shadow Sect had declined in the present era, its rules and traditions still endured.

This particular point, no matter how glorious or prosperous any sect within the Xuantian Dao Sect became, was absolutely untouchable.

It was an uncrossable forbidden boundary.

Lin Xingjian, having understood this point, figured that at worst, he could simply return to the Dao Gate Sect next time and use a disguise technique to assume a different identity.

This was no difficult feat, as easy as changing clothes.

However, his actions had prevented Zhang Jingya from developing thoughts of defection, which could be considered a good deed.

From now on, the two of them should never meet again.

He patted the dust from his clothes, tidied his slightly disheveled robes, and had only taken a few steps when his brow suddenly furrowed, his gaze drawn to an object not far away.

It was a small, peculiar object, quietly suspended amidst the dense grass.

It resembled a mysterious star lost within the foliage.

The object was diminutive, no larger than a palm, yet exquisitely crafted.

Under the strong refraction of sunlight, it shimmered with dazzling silver-white light, making it exceptionally striking amidst the grass.

Lin Xingjian fixed his gaze upon it, but due to the distance and the interference of the surrounding environment, he could not discern it clearly.

Yet, for some reason, the more he looked, the more it seemed like a miniature longsword model.

‘Could it be…’

An ominous premonition surged within Lin Xingjian’s heart.

If that object observing him from a distance truly was a small longsword, wouldn’t that mean…

In an instant, the image of a certain woman flashed through Lin Xingjian’s mind.

As they were quite far apart, he couldn’t determine whether it was an item gifted by Bai Qingxue or something else entirely.

Just as Lin Xingjian was about to employ the perfected Ghost Shadow Steps to approach and investigate further.

Suddenly, he felt a chill creep up his spine, as if a pair of icy eyes were staring at him from the darkness.

His body instantly tensed, his instincts screaming that danger was imminent.

Without hesitation, he immediately activated Ghost Shadow Steps, vanishing from his spot in an instant.

“Hmph, trying to escape?”

“Dream on!”

The voice from behind him was chilling to the bone, sounding as if it emerged from the netherworld, carrying endless gloom and terror.

Zhang Jingya’s movements were slow, each deliberate step pressing heavily upon Lin Xingjian’s heart.

Her speed was inferior to Lin Xingjian’s, yet she swiftly formed hand seals, and with a forceful exhalation, she roared.

“Freeze!”

Zhang Jingya’s voice resonated like a great bell, echoing not far from the grand hall.

A rolling thunderous sound made the very air hum and vibrate.

The black figure, which had run less than twenty meters, abruptly reappeared. Lin Xingjian, now immobilized, was unable to move, his posture awkward, like a marionette.

Lin Xingjian instantly felt as if he had plunged into an ice cellar.

He had sensed something amiss just moments ago, but he never expected it to be Zhang Jingya pursuing him.

“Heh heh, run again, you heartless man!”

“What, leaving already?”

“Do you intend to abandon me again and go find other women?”

Zhang Jingya’s icy words echoed behind Lin Xingjian.

Her footsteps grew closer and closer…

Each word was a sharp blade, piercing into Lin Xingjian’s heart, threatening to cleave it into countless fragments.

“Ya’er, it’s not like that.”

“I merely have urgent matters to attend to, and I must depart.”

Lin Xingjian was utterly consumed by terror.

His body, subtly executing the Bone Shrinking Art, trembled faintly.

He realized that Zhang Jingya’s method of confining him with Awe-Inspiring Righteousness was akin to an imperceptible restraint, as if he were tightly wrapped by unseen ropes.

This meant that if he skillfully employed the Bone Shrinking Art, he might be able to escape.

A flicker of cunning passed through his eyes as he secretly sought an opportunity to break free.

“Urgent matters?”

“What kind of urgent matter requires you to deceive me into leaving? Did you think I wouldn’t pursue you?”

“You are gravely mistaken!”

Zhang Jingya’s voice was filled with both fury and grievance.

“Uh, Ya’er, by leaving the Dao Gate Sect without permission, aren’t you violating the sect’s rules?”

“You might face punishment later.”

Lin Xingjian said helplessly, attempting to persuade Zhang Jingya with the sect’s rules.

The reason he had been so confident and unhurried after leaving was his firm belief that Zhang Jingya would be wary of sect punishment and wouldn’t pursue him.

Alas, he had still underestimated Zhang Jingya too much, underestimating an enraged lioness.

“Mere sect rules are nothing to speak of, I told you I wouldn’t let you escape again.”

Zhang Jingya gently approached Lin Xingjian.

A hint of grievance was etched upon her face, like a delicate flower mercilessly battered by wind and rain, fragile and helpless.

The woman’s eyes were slightly reddened, the corners brimming with delicate tears, telling a tale of endless longing and sorrow.

The tears, like pearls from a broken string, rolled down her cheeks one by one.

For a moment, Lin Xingjian’s heart softened at the sight.

Zhang Jingya was naturally born with a tranquil and elegant demeanor, possessing the gentle grace and refinement of a noble young lady.

Now, with her eyes glistening with tears, she appeared even more pitiable and delicate, naturally stirring a profound ache in his heart.

“I apologize, I shouldn’t have acted this way.”

“I promise you, once this matter is resolved, I will surely return to find you and give you an explanation.”

Lin Xingjian declared with conviction.

Zhang Jingya, however, shook her head, her face reflecting her disbelief in Lin Xingjian’s words.

“No.”

“Since things have come to this, let us simply defect together right now.”

“I will take you away from the Xuantian Dao Sect, and we shall live in seclusion in the mountains.”

“From this day forward, you will live under my watchful eye, unable to leave my side for even a moment.”

“Whether it is cultivation, rest, or even changing clothes and bathing, you must do so under my strict supervision. You cannot leave me; I absolutely forbid it.”