Chapter 92: Southern Abyss City
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“Those involved are often lost in confusion, while observers see things clearly.”
Fang Cheng Lang had never realized that his treatment of Yu Zhao and Ye Cong Xin was any different.
In his mind, both were his junior sisters. In fact, since Yu Zhao had been in the sect longer, he felt closer to her.
It wasn’t until Yu Zhao, in her fury, severed ties with them and voluntarily left the sect that he realized his behavior had become biased without him even noticing.
Even then, he didn’t fully understand. Sometimes, he blamed Yu Zhao for overreacting.
But countless nightmares forced him to face the truth.
A mistake is a mistake.
Though they might not have acted with malice, the hurt Yu Zhao endured was real and irreversible.
The more Fang Cheng Lang understood, the more pain he felt.
What made it worse was that no one else understood his anguish. Instead, they criticized him, just as they had criticized Yu Zhao.
For Yu Zhao. For fairness.
Fang Cheng Lang refused to remain silent.
“I’ve always addressed her like that,” Lan Zi Yu replied, startled by Fang Cheng Lang’s question, instinctively defending himself.
“Just because you’ve always done so, does that make it right?” Fang Cheng Lang pressed on, his tone sharp.
Lan Zi Yu had no answer. Embarrassed, he retorted coldly, “Why didn’t you speak up earlier, Eldest Senior Brother? You must have thought the same as I did.”
If he felt hurt, he wanted Fang Cheng Lang to feel the same.
Fang Cheng Lang’s chest ached as if pierced by a blade, though his expression remained calm. “You’re right. That’s why I’m here—to atone. Have you ever thought about why you’re here?”
Lan Zi Yu fell silent.
Cui Jue and Su Ming lowered their gazes as well.
Their intentions might have differed, but their ultimate goal was the same.
They wanted Yu Zhao to return to Lone Moon Peak.
The seven disciples of Lone Moon Peak were incomplete without one of them.
But the word “atonement” weighed too heavily on them.
They couldn’t agree with it.
“Eldest Senior Brother, Second Senior Brother, please don’t argue anymore. I’m willing to stay!” Ye Cong Xin’s eyes glistened with tears, her nose slightly red. She looked pitifully at the group.
Lan Zi Yu snorted and turned away.
Her words gave him an excuse to back down.
Fang Cheng Lang remained indifferent, offering no response.
Su Ming hung his head in dejection, confusion clouding his eyes.
Could the carefree days when they sat by the stream, drinking and laughing together, never return?
…
The Southern Abyss, also known as the Southern Sea, is renowned for its demonic beasts and scattered islands. Every year, countless cultivators venture here to hunt beasts for their Beast Cores or sail to islands in search of treasures.
Adjacent to the Southern Abyss, Southern Abyss City thrives as a bustling hub, earning the title of First City of the Southern Region.
Yu Zhao’s clues suggested that the former site of the Water Cloud Palace was located outside the city, but the information was vague, with only a general direction provided. Yu Zhao decided to start her search in Southern Abyss City, hoping to uncover more precise leads.
Surprisingly, Yu Zhao’s journey to the city was uneventful—no ambushes from the Dark Pavilion’s assassins or other threats, save for a few ill-intentioned cultivators. These opportunists, after failing to discern Yu Zhao’s cultivation level, chose to retreat instead of confronting her. Unbothered, Yu Zhao pressed onward.
The proximity of Southern Abyss City to the sea was evident in its unique architecture. The city walls were adorned with decorations like seashells, fish scales, and bones. A faint scent of the sea lingered in the air. Upon arrival, Yu Zhao joined a line of cultivators entering the city. As she observed the seaside aesthetics of the streets, a crisp voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Senior, do you need a guide? It’s very cheap—only five lower-grade spirit stones per day.”
Looking down, Yu Zhao saw a round-faced, slightly tanned young girl. The girl nervously clutched her clothing but spoke with surprising composure.
“Are you a local cultivator?” Yu Zhao asked. Detecting a faint spiritual fluctuation from the girl—around the second stage of Qi Refinement—Yu Zhao decided the term “cultivator” was apt.
The girl blushed slightly, nodded, and replied with courage. “Yes, I am.”
“What’s your name?”
“Little Red,” she answered.
“Little Red?” Yu Zhao raised an eyebrow in surprise and scrutinized the girl’s attire. After a moment, she said, “It’s my first time in Southern Abyss City, and I do need a guide. Alright, you’ll do.”
“Thank you, Senior! Thank you!” Little Red bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
Yu Zhao used her spiritual energy to help the girl up. “Alright, lead the way and tell me about the city.”
“Of course, Senior!” Little Red began to follow Yu Zhao, carefully explaining the customs and notable landmarks of Southern Abyss City.
Built by the sea, the city’s shops offered a mix of basic cultivation tools, like talismans and artifacts, alongside the remains of sea beasts. At one shop, Yu Zhao noticed a grotesque creature larger than a two-story building. Its fish-like body had a sharp beak, jagged teeth, and protrusions resembling two tumors on its head—its appearance nightmarishly ugly.
Seeing Yu Zhao’s interest, Little Red eagerly explained, “Senior, this is a Meatball Sea Monster. Though it looks hideous, its strength in water rivals that of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. It can easily capsize a ship. Its meat is delicate, and it’s said that consuming it regularly improves skin texture and complexion.”
Yu Zhao glanced at the monster again, her expression twitching slightly before quickly averting her gaze.
Little Red grinned but then covered her mouth, realizing her mistake, and resumed a serious demeanor. Pretending not to notice, Yu Zhao continued walking.
In the center of the street stood an elegant five-story building. A dark blue banner with a depiction of a merfolk—half-human, half-fish—fluttered at the entrance.
“What’s that place?” Yu Zhao asked.
Little Red looked proud. “Senior, that’s the famous Merfolk Pavilion. It sells treasures exclusive to the Southern Abyss.”
Intrigued, Yu Zhao headed directly for the pavilion. Little Red followed enthusiastically, her eyes shining with excitement. Although proud of the pavilion, Little Red had only been inside once and had barely ventured beyond the first floor before leaving, feeling out of place in her dusty clothes.
This time, however, was different. She was accompanying a senior, and that gave her confidence.
As Yu Zhao stepped into the Merfolk Pavilion, a refreshing breeze greeted her—not the salty sea air but a clean and soothing fragrance that lifted the spirit. The interior, designed in shades of blue and white, evoked the essence of the ocean. The walls, embedded with countless radiant pearls, created a unique and captivating atmosphere.