Chapter 87: Black Stone Crystal – Slaying the Dragon with a Reverse-Heaven Sword

Countless boulders burst from above the cave and crashed downward. Liu Yi urgently raised “Lanerfina Qing” to the twelfth level, the Reverse-Heaven level, and flew swiftly outside the cave at the fastest speed possible with his flying sword. Behind him, the boulders and magma followed like pursuing demons.

With a loud roar, the entire cave collapsed, and the entrance was blocked by endless huge rocks. At that moment, a black light shot into the sky, soaring high into the clouds…

It was none other than Liu Yi and July. Amidst the floating clouds, under the gentle breeze and warm sunlight in the vast sky, Liu Yi finally sighed and said, “It was so dangerous. I never thought we’d both survive.” Then, he slowly descended and landed in a maple forest.

July quickly released his hand, stepped aside, and asked, “Why didn’t you go get the ‘Eight Deserts Essence Ore’? You gave up like that just to save an unimportant person. Do you think it’s worth it?”

Liu Yi still held the black sword hilt in his left hand. The endless sorrow could calm his bloodthirsty heart. Looking at July, he replied calmly, “There’s no such thing as worth or not worth—it’s just whether you’re willing or not!” After saying that, he turned and looked up at the sky, lost in thought. The “Eight Deserts Essence Ore” was now forever buried; there was no other way forward. He would have to find another method to return to Lotus Town.

Liu Yi didn’t turn around but said, “Let’s go. I need to think of another way.” Without waiting for July’s reply, he summoned his “Sorrowful Dream” sword and flew through the air toward Lotus Town.

July also drew his beautiful “Dancing Moon” sword and soared into the clouds, following behind Liu Yi. After all, the “Lanerfina Qing” cultivation method was the highest among the demonic sects, so it naturally had its advantages. Once the first level of “Lanerfina Qing” was mastered, the cultivation method would improve at double speed on its own, absorbing the chaotic energy from the world to compensate for the large amount of vital energy required for its advancement. Although July had only practiced it for a few days, since the method kept improving him constantly, it was far more effective than practicing other cultivation methods for months.

Flying side by side, July suddenly said, “I think you resemble someone.”

Liu Yi’s heart trembled. He thought to himself, “This girl can’t be that perceptive.”

Seeing that Liu Yi remained silent, July continued, “Ten years ago, I met a scholar. Every move you make and every word you say seem to remind me of him. It’s just… the weariness, coldness, and ferocity in you are things he didn’t have.”

Liu Yi still stayed silent. But in his mind, a question arose: “Have I changed? Maybe I’ve really grown old, and my heart has turned cold, seeing through the cruelty of the world. Has my heart died?”

July also remained silent. Thus, the two flew back in silence. It had taken them five days to come here, but they only rested once on the way back, arriving over Lotus Town in just four days.

They landed outside the town. Liu Yi and July walked toward the blacksmith shop inside. As soon as they entered, they were stunned—there was that talented girl, who looked almost identical to Jillian, along with the four guards who seemed to never leave her side. Liu Yi glanced at the talented girl and then walked inside; he didn’t want to see her anymore. He was truly afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself. Seeing her would cause his heart pain, as Jillian’s image would appear before his eyes.

At that moment, Ye Tonglin rushed out and asked, “So, did you get the ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’?”

Liu Yi shook his head. “No. The cave collapsed, and the ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’ was buried there too! Is there no other place with this kind of ore?”

Ye Tonglin nodded. “There is. This young girl has a piece of ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’ on her, but…” He pointed at the talented girl.

Liu Yi turned to look at the talented girl standing behind him and the four guards behind her…

Ye Tonglin continued, “This talented girl wants me to use the ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’ to craft an elite flying sword, and she’s willing to give me ten thousand taels of gold. But the ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’ isn’t the best material for making swords. If it’s used for magic artifacts, it can enhance true power, but for crafting flying swords, it’s far inferior to ‘Black Stone Crystal’. ‘Black Stone Crystal’ is the best choice for practicing flying swords.”

Liu Yi seemed to see hope again and asked, “Then where can I find this ‘Black Stone Crystal’?”

Ye Tonglin replied, “Thirty years ago, I heard that a black dragon appeared in the ‘Wasteland Forest’ in the far northwest. This ‘Black Stone Crystal’ is the black, glowing stone on the black dragon’s head. If you kill the black dragon, you can obtain it. But dragons are the rulers of all things in the world, possessing great spiritual energy and powerful magic. Moreover, it’s said that all dragons are under the rule of the Heavenly Dragon. I’m afraid if you really go there, you might offend that Heavenly Dragon.”

Liu Yi suddenly remembered the words of the Wolf King. The Heavenly Dragon and the Fire Phoenix had already established the Heavenly Dragon Altar and were now targeting the Wolf King and his group. Since the Wolf King was now his teacher, this matter indirectly involved him as well. There was no need to avoid it. Since prevention was impossible, he might as well let it happen—face the situation head-on.

A red glow flashed in Liu Yi’s eyes as he said, “Hmph! The dragon race… one day I will subdue them.” His tone was full of arrogance and confidence. Everyone thought the same way—his words couldn’t be doubted.

Liu Yi turned to the talented girl and said, “Miss, could we delay crafting the flying sword for a few days? I’ll go retrieve the ‘Black Stone Crystal’ and exchange it for your ‘Eight Deserts Precious Ore’. This would benefit both of us. Your flying sword can reach a higher level, and I can get what I need.”

The talented girl glanced at Liu Yi and said, “Sure, but I don’t know if you can defeat that black dragon and get the ‘Black Stone Crystal’.”

Liu Yi asked Ye Tonglin, “How far is the Wasteland Forest from here?”

Ye Tonglin replied, “About three thousand li.”

Liu Yi then said to Tianjiao, “It will take about five days to reach the Wasteland Forest. I’ll spend two days searching for the Black Dragon and five days returning. In total, it will take around twelve days. By then, you’ll know whether I can retrieve the ‘Black Stone Crystal.’” His tone was filled with determination, unmistakable in its resolve. Tianjiao seemed subdued by Liu Yi’s firm voice and was momentarily speechless. Liu Yi continued, “To save time and avoid keeping you waiting, I’ll set off now.” With that, he turned and walked outside, his steps firm and strong, as if nothing could stop his pursuit… Qi Yue got up and followed, saying, “I’m going too.” As he walked, Liu Yi said, “This time is even more dangerous than last time. The one I have to kill is a dragon, the elite among all creatures, more dangerous than any monster.” Qi Yue shook her head and said, “I’m not afraid. I’ll be careful.” Liu Yi said nothing. By now, he had left the town. He drew his black long sword, stepped onto it, and soared through the air, ascending into the clouds. The sky was infinitely vast, the future full of uncertainty, yet Liu Yi bravely faced whatever was to come. Perhaps life is like this—those who have truly died once understand life better and know how to face everything… Qi Yue watched Liu Yi flying high, also summoned her sword, and followed. Watching his figure, she asked herself, “Who exactly is he? His eyes are filled with vicissitudes and sorrow, yet he fears no hardships and dares to face everything. His heart seems dead, yet he still strives to do everything well. Who is he?”