Volume 4: Hidden Battles – Chapter 241: The Cat Being Tugged at the Whiskers

As they spoke, a glow appeared, and a massive wave of energy instantly spread, enveloping the entire ruins. With that glow, several dark figures finally took shape—Chu Tianyu and the others who had returned from the mysterious forest.

The one who had spoken and emitted the glow was Ouyang Ziyi!

It turned out that after Ouyang Ziyi obtained the last remaining energy, the Elf Bow within her body finally received sufficient “nutrients,” enabling it to fully function. This surprised both Chu Tianyu and Ouyang Ziyi, who had thought that the Elf Ring obtained at Yishi Castle could only conjure a bow and arrows.

Just as the two elves took form and Chu Tianyu was about to guide them back into Ouyang Ziyi’s body, the Illusory Flame True Vein, which had been wandering outside, could no longer hold back. It had to watch helplessly as the energy it had painstakingly gathered was consumed by these people right before its eyes. Where was justice? Where was morality?

In the end, even other Qinglong beasts and elves came to claim a share of the energy—this was simply unbearable! Though it knew that rushing in recklessly would likely end in disaster, it had no choice. If it didn’t seize the last remaining source of energy while the elf, still separated from its core, was still available, even if Chu Tianyu and the others couldn’t harm it, it would eventually vanish into thin air or turn into a stone, losing both form and spirit, with no chance left.

Moreover, the Illusory Flame True Vein’s intrusion was also caused by the gravitational pull of the energy vortex created by Chu Tianyu and the others within their bodies. Having anticipated this, Chu Tianyu remained calm and, as if prepared for everything, instantly directed the massive amount of true energy stored in his body toward the unwelcome Illusory Flame True Vein. Using his mental power, he ordered Xue Feifei to unleash the power of the Qinglong, first to ensure the two elves returned to Ouyang Ziyi’s body and second to prevent these energy-based, illusory elves from escaping and using their newly gained strength to enter Ouyang Ziyi’s body again, thereby ruining everyone’s efforts!

Although everyone’s efforts were not in vain, Xue Feifei’s precautions proved futile. The moment those two newborn elves entered the Illusory Flame True Meridian, it seemed as if they encountered some natural enemy—filled with intense fear, they rushed back into Ouyang Ziyi’s body like a whirlwind. The violent impact caused Ouyang Ziyi’s body to shake violently. If Chu Tianyu hadn’t used his true energy to unblock her meridians while the elves were absorbing energy, she might have suffered far more than just a violent shock.

However, Chu Tianyu didn’t have time to worry about Ouyang Ziyi at the moment; his full attention was focused on this unwelcome guest—the Illusory Flame True Meridian. Once it entered their bodies, its power was no match for that lifeless energy earlier; it was like a domineering monarch, exuding an arrogant dominance that made Chu Tianyu feel as if facing a formidable enemy.

Yet, something strange happened. After entering, the Illusory Flame True Meridian did not act recklessly or launch fierce attacks as expected. Instead, as if it had a specific purpose, it moved in a straight line and swiftly entered Qin Nianran’s body as if it were very familiar with the process.

Not only Qin Nianran herself but also Chu Tianyu and the others immediately felt an unparalleled tremor. Then, with a loud boom, it exploded inside Qin Nianran’s body like a thunderclap.

Qin Nianran was instantly stunned by this sudden invasion by the Illusory Flame True Meridian. She was completely unprepared, and even if she had tried, her strength would have been insufficient against its power!

At the same time, the invisible shock waves generated by this upheaval spread outward, accompanied by loud booms, breaking the connection between them. Xue Feifei and Ouyang Ziyi, who were far away, were thrown aside, falling several feet away. They felt their blood surging and their internal energy pressing uncontrollably outward. Fortunately, the true energy in their bodies was imbued with sentient spirit, which instinctively resisted the force, allowing them to hold on barely.

If it had been mere energy entities, things would have been different. At that moment, Liu Xiangshi and the two uncles were spitting blood, struggling desperately to resist. The worst-off was undoubtedly Liu Xiangshi, who had “donated blood” twice in such a short time!

Fortunately, this force did not last long; it appeared in an instant and vanished just as quickly. The reason for this was that at that very moment, Chu Tianyu also unleashed his own powerful energy, confronting the power of the Illusion Flame True Vein head-on. Faced with Chu Tianyu’s formidable True Dragon energy, not to mention the Illusion Flame True Vein, which was only half-formed, even the fully developed Illusion Flame might not have been able to compare to Chu Tianyu at that time. Thus, as soon as the Illusion Flame True Vein took advantage of Qin Nianran’s body to wreak havoc, it was suppressed by Chu Tianyu’s energy right from the start, preventing it from using Qin Nianran’s energy to take control. At this point, Chu Tianyu did not relax. Although their bodies were separated, they were still no more than five meters apart, hovering in the air facing each other. Chu Tianyu’s energy enveloped Qin Nianran’s body like a tangible force, suppressing the Illusion Flame True Vein. Though in the upper hand, Chu Tianyu was filled with anxiety. He had come to heal Nianran, but things did not go well, and now she was in danger again. Seeing her pained expression and trembling body, he knew she was suffering greatly, and it was unclear how severe the damage caused by the Illusion Flame True Vein would be. Just as Chu Tianyu was extremely worried, he felt a sudden lightness in the energy he controlled. The once domineering Illusion Flame True Vein retreated into Qin Nianran’s body like a tide and vanished in an instant. The strange phenomena such as red light and white mist also disappeared from the air. If it weren’t for Chu Tianyu and Qin Nianran still hovering in the air, the entire space would have seemed as if nothing had happened. When Chu Tianyu, with a puzzled expression, lowered Qin Nianran, who still had her eyes open, to the ground, before he could check on her, she stood up straight as if nothing had happened, raised her arms in disbelief, and exclaimed in astonishment, “Is… is this still me?” Seeing Qin Nianran’s reaction, although Chu Tianyu still didn’t know what was going on, he knew that since she could speak like this, she must be fine. He smiled lightly and said, “Of course. Not only are you still yourself, but you’re also my, Chu Tianyu’s, wonderful wife!”

Facing Chu Tianyu’s joke, Qin Nianran seemed to have not heard it at all, still immersed in the changes within her body. As if recalling something, she moved her mind, lightly waved her right hand, and a gust of wind immediately emerged. It shot out in the blink of an eye, followed by a loud roar, along with faint flashes of lightning, hitting a massive ancient tree not far away. In an instant, that tree, which had required several people to encircle, turned into a pile of ashes, with sparks and strands of electricity scattered among it.

For a moment, everyone, including Chu Tianyu and those outside, was shocked by Qin Nianran’s effortless move. Was this the true power of combining the Illusory Flame True Meridian?

Even Qin Nianran was startled by her own move and quickly pulled her hand back, her mouth wide open in confusion. Just then, still panicked and at a loss, she suddenly felt a strong arm pull her aside. Before she could react, she sensed an all-too-familiar energy entering her body.

When Chu Tianyu withdrew his probing energy and opened his eyes, he first glanced at the people surrounding him. Although they all looked disheveled, they were unharmed. Especially the two involved, Xue Feifei and Ouyang Ziyi, were looking at him with concern, waiting for his answer. Feeling relieved, he stretched his arms, yawned, smiled, and said rudely, “Damn that Illusory Flame True Meridian. It’s now part of Nianran’s meridians. I didn’t expect its final act to be a desperate struggle. Having lost its energy, it could only rely on Nianran’s meridians to sustain itself. Otherwise, it would just turn into untamed true energy, ultimately benefiting us. Hehe…”

“Tianyu, what does this mean?” Ouyang Ziyi asked, puzzled.

“Hehe, the Illusory Flame was originally the mountain energy that gave birth to the mountains, embodying the essence and veins of the entire range. Now it’s just returning to its old role—becoming Nianran’s ‘essence’ meridian. Only its host has changed from the mountains to a human…” Liu Xiangshi, who understood, happily explained for Chu Tianyu.

“Host? Is it still alive? Does it control Nianran or does Nianran control it?” This time, it was Xue Feifei who was confused.

“The two are one, inseparable. Who controls whom? With such fortune, it won’t be long before this girl gains insight into the ways of heaven!” Chu Tianyu’s two uncles exclaimed excitedly in unison.

“Hehe, my two uncles, it’s not just this girl—these three girls before us will soon be able to glimpse the ways of heaven!” Chu Tianyu added with a meaningful expression.
At that moment, Chu Tianyu summoned his energy, and the Green Dragon within Xue Feifei and the two elves within Ouyang Ziyi instantly burst out of their bodies. Waves of power surged forth, accompanied by roars of dragons, howls of the wind, and the sound of arrows, forming ethereal auras around their bodies. A strong wind arose, forcing those present to retreat step by step, their clothes fluttering loudly in the wind.
Meanwhile, lightning and flames flashed within Qin Nianran’s body, creating an energy stream as thick as an arm. Along with intense heat waves and dazzling lightning, it coiled around her body like a giant serpent, resonating with the Green Dragon and the two elves, as if howling toward the sky.
In an instant, all these spirits gathered, creating a majestic presence that overshadowed even the sun and moon. Not only those present but even heaven and earth were subdued by this power, with all things bowing in submission.
Of course, this did not include one person—Chu Tianyu!
……
So, a few days later, when they returned after achieving success, they were shocked and excited to see such a scene. Especially Ouyang Ziyi, having gained new strength, was eager to use it. Faced with the destruction of her home, she reacted with great enthusiasm.
Facing the devastation, Chu Tianyu quietly placed his hand over Ouyang Ziyi’s shoulder through the glowing layer and said softly, “Ziyi, calm down. The most important thing now is to find out where our master and the others are and whether they’re safe!”
At Chu Tianyu’s words, Ouyang Ziyi calmed down, reining in her power. She looked at Chu Tianyu, indicating that she would leave it to him to decide.
“Tianyu, our satellite phones were destroyed when the Illusory Flame Meridian transformed. We’ve had no contact with them. Since they can’t reach us, they must be even more worried. How about we get a mobile phone first?” Qin Nianran, instead of rushing to ask about her aunt, calmly analyzed the situation.
Chu Tianyu shook his head and said coldly, “Let’s go to one place first. We’ll discuss the rest later. Anyway, whoever’s responsible for this can’t escape!”
……
Youxian Beauty Place, a tea house with a pleasant environment. It was late at night, with soft lights still glowing and beautiful piano music echoing in the hall. Although there weren’t many guests—just a few couples and a group playing cards—it was enough to keep the place open.

Here, aside from Xue Feifei, everyone else was extremely familiar with the place. A year ago, several people had engaged in a fierce verbal battle here, which was also the first time Chu Tianyu, Qin Nianran, and Ouyang Ziyi gathered together. I remember Sister Xin was there too… So, at that moment, both Qin Nianran and Ouyang Ziyi felt as if it were all just a dream, as if that confrontation had happened just yesterday! Soon, Chu Tianyu’s bold words interrupted their thoughts. “Is your sect leader here?” His words immediately alarmed everyone in the teahouse, who showed wary expressions. A few customers quietly took positions at the entrance, blocking it, while others surrounded Chu Tianyu and his group. Tianyu nodded silently, said nothing more, and revealed the sect leader’s ring on his hand… In fact, as soon as Chu Tianyu entered, he noticed that all the staff in the teahouse had changed—new faces. Those pretentious customers, judged by their aura, were also from the Martial Hall, and their cultivation levels were quite high, likely among the elite disciples. These were the obvious ones; there were also hidden ones, such as those selling flowers at the entrance and those moving around, who were all spies from the Martial Hall. Thus, in Chu Tianyu’s view, such significant changes in personnel and layered defenses clearly indicated that the Xuanji Sect was in a critical situation. Therefore, in these extraordinary times, Chu Tianyu didn’t waste words and immediately revealed his identity. What he wanted most was to know the whereabouts and status of his master. Sure enough, after Chu Tianyu showed the sect leader’s ring, several nearby Martial Hall disciples were shocked. Once they recovered, they quickly stepped forward to pay their respects, saying, “Martial Hall disciples, saluting the sect leader!” Chu Tianyu nodded slightly. Before the other disciples could react, he asked the one closest to him, “No need for excessive formalities. Time is urgent. I only want to know where the old sect leader is!” As soon as he finished speaking, hurried footsteps came from the back of the teahouse, followed by two murmuring voices: “Bro, there’s an alarm!” “Of course I know. Don’t you see the red light on in the back?” “No, that’s not what I mean. I mean, after waiting for days, it’s finally our turn to be on duty. Damn it, if it’s those brats again, I’m gonna fight them head-on!” “Of course. Stop talking now and save your strength. Hit hard for me later…”

As he spoke, two burly men who were rolling up their sleeves appeared from the back hall. Chu Tianyu and the others recognized them at the sound of their voices; there was no need to ask—of course, it was the Twin Gems. When the Twin Gems saw Chu Tianyu smiling warmly as he welcomed them, they were instantly stunned. Their fists, ready for a fight, froze mid-air. In that moment, time seemed to stop for them! But soon, they let out joyful roars. Without hesitation, their massive figures rushed at Chu Tianyu. They hugged him tightly and began to wail and cry bitterly. Seeing their state, Chu Tianyu and the women behind him felt a sudden chill, their hearts rising to their throats, as an ominous feeling spread through the air. At first, Chu Tianyu was influenced by the Twin Gems’ emotions and didn’t know what to say, so he could only pat their shoulders comfortingly. But after a while, since the brothers continued to cry, Chu Tianyu’s worry grew even more. Finally, unable to hold back his anxiety, he asked impatiently, “Twin Gems, stop crying first. What exactly happened?” “What do you mean, what happened?” Di Bao wiped away his tears and asked blankly. Hearing this, Chu Tianyu almost snapped in anger and repeated, “I’m asking what happened while I was away. Was anyone hurt?” By the end, his voice was trembling. “No, no one was hurt!” Tian Cai stopped crying and said, his voice strained. “Yeah, no one was hurt. Master Kuangru and Old Bat were playing chess in the secret room, and everyone else was busy with their own things. It was just me and my brother on duty!” Di Bao added quickly. Hearing this, Chu Tianyu asked as if truly defeated, “Then why are you crying? Why such despair?” “It’s been so long—we missed you!” the Twin Gems said in unison. Then Di Bao added, “Doesn’t our uncle miss us?” Faced with these two fools, Chu Tianyu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, and his mind flashed with the words, “Really!” …

In the secret chamber of the Xuanji Sect, everyone gathered. Chu Tianyu saw that his master Kuangru, Auntian Nianran, Fernand, Li Rou, Jin Yujie, Angel, Sophia, and the rest were all present—none missing. The worries caused by Tiancai Dibao had finally subsided. At this thought, Chu Tianyu glared fiercely at the two brothers again, leaving them utterly confused and bewildered.

“I don’t know what we did to offend the junior uncle. After all, we got up in the middle of the night last night to steal some pastries from the teahouse—how could he possibly know about that? It’s really strange!” the two brothers exchanged looks in confusion.

The others in the chamber were overjoyed to see Chu Tianyu and his group return safely. The room was filled with the joy of reuniting after a long separation.

Everyone greeted each other, and after a while, things gradually settled down. Kuangru and Chu Tianyu took turns leading the conversation.

There was no need to ask about the dangers they had faced—Li Rou and Jin Yujie exclaimed in shock, patting their chests in fear. They were also very curious about what they had gained and insisted on seeing what those natural energies looked like…

After hearing Chu Tianyu’s account, Kuangru and Auntian Nianran’s eyes shone with excitement. They were happy for their adventures and relieved that they had returned safely.

After Chu Tianyu finished describing their situation, he turned his gaze to his master Kuangru. After all, Ouyang Ziyi’s villa had been destroyed, and they were all hiding in this secret chamber—this was an undeniable fact. To be honest, Chu Tianyu couldn’t understand how such a thing could happen given his master’s strength, not to mention Fernand’s presence as an external ally.

This question had been haunting Chu Tianyu ever since he saw the ruins of Ziyi’s house. Even if Zhan Yupeng had some Qilin bloodline, it shouldn’t have led to his master having to hide like this. Moreover, the disciples of the martial arts school outside seemed to be on high alert—it was truly puzzling!

“Third Master, is it Zhan Yupeng?” Chu Tianyu asked directly since his master didn’t speak right away.

After pondering for a moment, Kuangru replied in a deep voice, “If what you say about the Qilin bloodline is true, then it must be so!”

“Tianyu, you don’t know—on the night we were attacked, the men in black who rushed in were extremely powerful. Almost all of them had that so-called Qilin bloodline you mentioned. The energy emanating from them was red and glowing, and not even the Death’s Kiss I conjured could deal with them…” Fernando seized the opportunity to speak quickly.

But before he could finish, the Mad Scholar couldn’t help but smile slightly and interject, “Mr. Fei, it’s getting late. They’re tired from returning. Let’s talk about anything else tomorrow. Right now, there are some matters I’d like to discuss with Tianyu alone!” As he spoke, the Mad Scholar glanced at everyone, clearly having important matters to discuss with Chu Tianyu.