劍問蒼天 - 第159章 寂寞 - 清風書屋

Zhou Yixuan glanced at Ming Li, whose expression gave away nothing, revealing not a hint of what he was thinking, wearing an air of unfathomable mystery. They were still in He Yin City, but the mood there had already changed utterly with the arrival of that enormous monstrous bird-beast the night before. The fears that had plagued the people had at last come true, and under the crushing weight of terror, more and more of the panic-stricken populace had reached the breaking point. Now and then people could be seen on the streets muttering gibberish and shouting aloud, carrying on like madmen.

Zhou Yixuan withdrew his gaze, turned the matter over in his mind, and said slowly, "You, you're not thinking of doing something absurd, are you?"

Xiao Wan and the Wild Wolf Daoist both fixed their eyes on Ming Li, and little Grey on his shoulder seemed to sense something too, baring its teeth at them and pulling a face. Ming Li said calmly, "What do you think I could do?"

Zhou Yixuan gave a dry laugh and said, "Truth be told, I don't know much about the Phantom Moon Cave either. The cave was never famous to begin with. It only became known throughout the world because, a thousand years ago, that Ancestor Qing Ye went into seclusion there to comprehend the Way, and because the Ancient Immortal-Slaying Sword appeared within it. But over the years it has served only as a repository for the Ancient Sword Immortal-Slaying, and only the head of Qing Yun has ever been permitted to enter, so its fame has gradually faded."

Ming Li said, "Oh? Is there more?"

Zhou Yixuan hesitated, then said, "I don't care what you're planning, but that place, you'd best stay away from it."

Ming Li's brows lifted. "Why?"

Zhou Yixuan sighed and said, "You surely know your own situation well enough. That Phantom Moon Cave is a vital stronghold of Qing Yun. If you go up Canglan Mountain and someone discovers you... don't forget, at this very moment there are thousands upon thousands of the righteous path on Canglan Mountain. If your identity is exposed, I fear you couldn't escape even if you turned into a bird and flew."

Ming Li said coldly, "That's my affair. Just tell me what you know about the Phantom Moon Cave, and that will be enough."

Zhou Yixuan shook his head and muttered under his breath, "Young people these days really have no patience... Very well. The cave was named Phantom Moon because, so the tales say, on nights of the bright moon the strange rocks before it blaze with a dazzling, dreamlike splendor. But more important still is a natural anomaly within the cave itself: anyone who walks in feels as though they have fallen into a waking dream. Those whose will is not firm will sink deep into it and never pull themselves out, and all the cultivation they have accumulated will be destroyed in an instant."

Ming Li was taken aback. "What? There's such a thing?"

Zhou Yixuan snorted, looked Ming Li up and down, and said, "I advise you to give up your foolish hopes. If you enter that Phantom Moon Cave, you'll be walking straight to your death."

Ming Li gave a cold laugh. "How can you be so sure?"

Zhou Yixuan said, "I know you won't accept it, and I know how stubborn you are, but I'll tell you the truth." His face slowly grew solemn, and unexpectedly he took on an air of dignity that was imposing without anger, and he said in a deep voice, "Being firm of will is not about the temper of your character. The way I see it, your life has been one storm after another, with setbacks piled up like mountains, and countless wounds buried in your heart. If you fall into that illusion, I fear it will stir up everything you carry within, and you will never be able to pull yourself free."