Chapter 83: Dancing Against the Wind—Envying Only the Mandarin Ducks, Not Immortals

The room fell silent. Liu Yi was the first to break the silence. “Elder Ye, I think I’ve explained my purpose. I’ve already cured your daughter’s illness. I think we now have time to talk.”
Ye Tonglin nodded and said to A Niu beside him, “Take Yao Er out for a walk and let her bask in the sun.”
A Niu quickly nodded and led Ye Yao out. Liu Yi naturally understood that Ye Tonglin had some things he didn’t want a third party to hear.
Watching Ye Yao leave the room, Ye Tonglin shook his head and said, “It’s been thirty years. I thought I could live in peace, but things never go as planned. Tell me, what kind of magic artifact do you want? Since you’ve saved my daughter, it’s only right for me to help you in return.”
Liu Yi looked at Ye Tonglin and said, “I want a city—a city that can float in the sky, an eternal city.”
Ye Tonglin was surprised. He stared at Liu Yi and said, “For decades, people have come to me to create immortal artifacts and famous swords. You’re the first to ask for something so strange.”
Liu Yi continued, “Since you can create a magic artifact that can hold everything in the world, I assume you can also create a sky city that can grow from small to large. That’s why I’ve come here specifically to consult Elder Ye.”
Ye Tonglin nodded and said, “The artifact you want is quite special. To create it, special materials and ancient magic arrays are needed. As for the array to activate this artifact, I do have one to try. In the sky, it should be possible to sustain the ancient array by absorbing the nine heavens’ spiritual energy, thus giving it the power to float forever. But… the materials must be of high quality; otherwise, the sky city won’t be able to withstand the attacks of the spiritual energy in the world.”
Liu Yi quickly understood Ye Tonglin’s meaning and asked, “What are these materials, and where can they be found?”
Ye Tonglin replied, “As far as I know, there’s only one place with such materials. It’s called ‘Bahuang Essence Ore.’ In the Changbai Mountains in the far northeast, there’s a ten-thousand-year-old magma cave. The temperature there is extremely high, and the magma inside can melt anything. This ‘Bahuang Essence Ore’ is produced from that high-temperature magma. It’s extremely rare. Who could survive in such magma? Moreover, it’s said that there are fire spirits in that magma—terrifying creatures.”
Liu Yi nodded and said, “I understand. I’ll bring back the ‘Bahuang Essence Ore’ as quickly as possible. Wait for my news.” With that, he stood up and headed for the door.
After leaving Lianhua Town, Liu Yi flew toward the Changbai Mountains in the northeast on his sword. He was excited—he hadn’t expected to find someone who could craft magic artifacts so quickly. Although the ‘Bahuang Essence Ore’ was rare, he now had a clear direction. Once he obtained it, he could create the eternal city, and at least the first part of his plan would be completed.
Feeling much more relaxed, his mood no longer so gloomy, Liu Yi took a deep breath of fresh air as the clouds rushed past below, then dived deep into them.

At that moment, a woman in black emerged from the white clouds. The wind high in the sky made her cloak flutter, revealing her long, graceful legs. It was none other than July. Curiosity arose in her toward this mysterious man who had once predicted her fate—how did he know everything? July stopped flying and hovered in the air, saying to herself, “Where is he? Where has he gone?”
Suddenly, a voice came from behind, “Are you looking for me? Why are you following me?”
July quickly turned around with her sword, “Hey, you scared me! I’m not following you at all. Stop being delusional.”
Liu Yi looked at July and suddenly thought this silly girl was quite cute at times. Thinking of the July who had tried to kill her with a sword ten years ago, she seemed to have changed a lot.
Unable to see Liu Yi’s expression, only his words were heard, “Oh, is that so? Then… let’s just say I’m being delusional. If I find you following me again, I won’t care whether you’re following me or not—I’ll still kill you.”
July glanced at Liu Yi and said, “Hmph, so your martial arts are that great? Is this sky yours? Do you have to control every path I take?”
Liu Yi didn’t expect this girl to be so talkative. Shaking his head, he said, “Fine, let’s see whose flying sword is faster—yours or mine.”
Hearing this, July became anxious and hurriedly said, “Hey, I’m just bored. Let me follow you. It’s fine if I watch what you do. Can’t you read fortunes? Find some time to read one for me.”
Liu Yi wasn’t prepared for this sudden move from her. Looking at July, he shook his head and said, “Do you know where I’m going?”
July shook her head. “I don’t know, but it’s definitely not just flying around for no reason. I’ve been drifting outside for ten years. I haven’t had this much curiosity in a long time. Please take me with you.”
Looking into July’s eyes, Liu Yi seemed to see those hopeful eyes beneath the peach blossom tree, and he nodded, saying, “I’m going to the Magma Cave in Changbai Mountain. It’s very dangerous. If I die in there, don’t blame me.”
July nodded. “I won’t. I have nothing to do anyway.”
Liu Yi nodded again. “Since you’re willing to seek death, I have nothing to say. Let’s go.” With that, he activated his Sword of Sad Dreams and flew forward.
High in the sky, a man and a woman, both dressed in black, rode their swords and flew swiftly toward the northeast. The man wore black clothes and white hair that fluttered in the wind, his face covered by a mask leaving only his eyes visible. The woman wore a provocative black combat outfit that emphasized her enchanting figure as the wind blew.
Watching the white clouds recede rapidly beside them, July asked, “Are you a demon? You’re not from the human world.”
Liu Yi glanced at July and said, “You care about me a lot, don’t you? What exactly do you want to know?” With one sentence, Liu Yi expressed exactly what July was thinking.
July paused for a moment and said, “I just want to know how you knew about me and the scholar.”
Liu Yi wasn’t expecting her to be so observant and still remember that incident. After thinking for a while, he replied, “I’m a fortune-teller.”
July looked at Liu Yi and said, “That’s such a flimsy excuse. You seem like a swordsman—how could you be a fortune-teller?”

Liu Yi shook his head and said, “Believe it or not, otherwise how would I know about you and the scholar?”
Qiyue remained silent. She knew this man in black was deliberately hiding something, so she quickly changed the subject and asked, “What’s your name?”
Liu Yi replied without hesitation, “Nie Ren.”
Qiyue tilted her head, thought for a while, then shook it and said, “I’ve never heard of it.”
Liu Yi ignored her and continued to watch the white clouds…
Qiyue continued, “I’m also from the demon race. My name is Qiyue.”
Liu Yi casually replied, “I know.”
Qiyue quickly asked, “How do you know?”
Liu Yi added quickly, “I said I’m a fortune-teller. If I didn’t even know your name, how could I make a living?”
Qiyue stopped asking questions. She knew she wouldn’t get anything more by continuing. The two flew against the wind through the white clouds, soaring high under the vast sky…
Liu Yi seemed lost in thought as he gazed at the endless sky and murmured to himself, “A mere speck in the vast ocean; a devoted heart follows the wind. Through many ups and downs, love remains as strong as gold. Life never meets expectations; hardship hasn’t yet given way to sweetness. Living freely, without seeking understanding from others…”
The sun set, casting a red glow across the white clouds. Qiyue watched Liu Yi’s back, listening to his words—somewhat blurred, yet familiar, as if “he” were right before her eyes.
In the sky, beneath the red hues, two black figures danced against the wind like gods, creating a magnificent scene!