A Martial Odyssey

A few days later and somewhere in one of the desolate peaks of the Holy Amalgamate Mountains range…

Yixian and Yi Ping was in a cave looking the majestic Holy Amalgamate Mountains range while waiting for the rest of their acquaintances to arrive.

The only signs that disturbed the scenic view were the endless rumbling and tremors of the unceasing earthquakes.

While waiting, Yixian gently examined Yi Ping's pulses for signs of injuries.

She pondered for a while before saying quietly, "It seemed that you have already broken through the Life and Death Channels. These two are the most difficult of the eight wondrous meridians and until now, not many practitioners know their effects. That you are alive and able to recover can be considered miraculous. I have never seen anything such as this."

Yi Ping was curious as he asked, "What are the Life and Death channels?"

Yixian asked, "You really do not know?"

Yi Ping was awkward. It was true that he did not know. That was because he was actually a greenhorn in the martial fraternity. Like many of the pugilists, Yi Ping knew only the fighting principles. He did not meet anyone that could teach him other principles like knowledge in internal strength, the vital channels, martial thoughts, martial schools and many others.

Yixian could see it from his expressions. She smiled and explained gently, "The Life and Death Channels controlled and restricted the flow of martial power in the body. That is only so much that the body would be able to take before internal injuries are sustained. Therefore the Life Channel restricted it and in a way is helping to protect the body. Severing the Death Channel stops air from being absorbs and kills the practitioner."

She smiles and added, "Try holding your breathe for as long as possible."

Yi Ping did as he was told. He continued to hold his breath for twenty minutes and he could feel his heart slowing down and it was as though he had been solidified into a stone.

Yi Ping was astonished, "It is as though I don't need air?"

Shui Yixian smiled, "Not true but your body have other means to obtain air through your vital energies. I once heard from my protégé mistress that most people have only one means of obtaining vital breath through breathing. But for some others, they have other means to do so. Exactly how, I do not know. Maybe they practiced some unknown martial skills that we did not know of. But nevertheless, without the life and death channel hindering us, our martial power growth will be unrestricted and replenished much faster."

All of a sudden Yi Ping asked, "If we are born with such inherent ability, then why are these abilities sealed in the first place?"

Shui Yixian said woefully, "I do not know. Maybe a higher power seals it and there is a heavy price in obtaining it. Anyone that tries to do it forcefully is likely to lose their life. Even if they have succeeded, they are unlikely to remain in the mortal realm for too long."

Yi Ping could not understand and he asked, "We will die?"

Shui Yixian smiled gently, "We will all die eventually. That is natural. You may not die but I am going to very soon."

Yi Ping had a jolt in his head and he said to her, "We have just been reunited. Do you know how happy I am to see you alive and well! We are not going to part anymore and will be together!"

Shui Yixian looked at him melancholy, "I really appreciate what you have said to me. That is what my heart is hoping for as well. I really wish I can have more time with you but it is already too late for me."

She sighed, "These tremors are a sign of the forthcoming Divine Calamity that is about to come…"

Yi Ping interrupted woefully, "Xian'Er, let hide in the deepest reach of a cave and avoid the Divine Calamity. How about that?"

Shui Yixian shook her head and said, "My protégé mistress was killed by the Divine Calamity. Before she died, I have told her exactly the same thing. And she told me that, no past protégé leaders had ever survived the 'Divine Calamity'. There was a past protégé leader that hid in the deepest reach of the Eternal Ice Palace but in the end, she was still killed by the Divine Calamity and the Eternal Ice Palace was almost completely destroyed back then."

Shui Yixian said, "That is why past protégé leaders instructed us to face the 'Divine Calamity' outside the Eternal Ice Palace to prevent unnecessary loss of life."

Yi Ping said, "I don't understand. What is this 'Divine Calamity' and why did it have to occur?"

When he had said this, another earthquake occurred and the cave began to vibrate for a while.

Shui Yixian said, "I do not know the reasons too. I only know that it happens only to those that practice the Divine Emerald Skill and the practitioner progression must reach a point when the Divine Calamity would forcefully occur. The Divine Calamity is a type of supernatural force. I once witness my protégé mistress died in that occurrence."

Yi Ping sighed heavily, "Surely, there must be a way to avert it?"

Shui Yixian shook her head and said nothing.

Yi Ping said, "I still find it so hard to believe. We have been through so much and yet Heavens have to separate us…"

Shui Yixian smiled gently, "You shouldn't blame Heavens for it. Heavens is already kind enough for let us acquaint with each other. At least I know that I have a husband that is a real hero. It is actually my fault for not being appreciative of you while you are at the Eternal Ice Palace. "

Yi Ping said, "Xian'Er, don't say that. That's not true. It is not your fault. What exactly is the Divine Calamity? Is it really so powerful?"

Shui Yixian said, "I have witnessed it twice before. The first time was when I was still very young. My grand protégé mistress perished in the fiery fireball from the skies while my protégé mistress died when a lightning bolt struck her."

Yi Ping was stunned, "These are natural forces? Fire would fall from the skies?"

Shui Yixian said, "I would never believe it in the past. But after I have seen it, I am convinced it is all too real."

Yi Ping asked, "Why were the two divine calamities so different?"

Shui Yixian said, "Your mother, my protégé sister told me that it might be because our protégé mistress was trying to dodge the divine calamity with her extraordinary swiftness skill therefore the divine calamity was a lightning bolt. What we fear most, the more it is unavoidable."

Yi Ping was startled, "This Divine Calamity actually is a sentient?"

Shui Yixian said, "I do not know. That is just our conclusion. Past protégé leaders told us that the Divine Calamity is unavoidable and we must overcome it with all our might."

Yi Ping asked, "The Divine Calamity always occur when past protégé leaders of the Eternal Ice Palace was almost a hundred and twenty?"

Shui Yixian nodded gently, "That is true."

Yi Ping said, "But this time it seems to occur three decades earlier for you?"

Shui Yixian shook her head, "I really do not know the reason. It may be the tenth stage of the Divine Emerald Skill that is causing this."

Yi Ping was at a loss. He really did not know if it was fiction or the truth. But no matter what happened, he was determined not to lose Yixian again…

In the meantime…

Ji Wuzheng said, "I did not know that such a scenic place exist these mountains."

Dugu Zhen smiled at him, "Indeed!"

Lingfeng smiled to her brother, "There are three hundred mountains and peaks in the Holy Amalgamate Mountains range alone. There are many more inaccessible and even more beautiful scenic places here that you think."

Ji Wuzheng sighed, "I have been too buzy in the sect affairs and martial pursuits to appreciate the beauty around me. That is why I am missing the obvious…"

Even though he was saying that to himself, Xiao Shuai and Han Shaodong were also sighing to themselves.

Yixian, Yi Ping, Lele and Shen Xinyue had advanced ahead of them to find a suitable place for Yixian to overcome the Divine Calamity.

Following them were Lie Qing, Lingfeng, Yu'Er, Mei'Er, Yunzi, Youxue, Ji Wuzheng, Dugu Zhen, Huo Fu, Priest Liu Qingcheng, Priest Bai Chongzhen, Priest Ling Kongquan, Suxin, Sufeng, Suyue, Nangong Le, Gongsun Jing and Qiu Wufeng.

Besides Yi Ping's friends, there were Xiao Shuai, Han Shaodong, Shangguan Qingyun, Yan Nanfei, the Three Martial Sages, Xiao Fei, Xiao Ao, Xiao Fan and Chi Zhengqi!

Those were the ones that had been invited for the Celestial Fairy had no wish for anyone else to witness her tragic demise.

Most of the martial exponents in the fraternity would never have the opportunity to encounter the Divine Calamity. So this was an eye-opening for them.

Along the way, Xiao Shuai, Han Shaodong and the Three Martial Sages' heart were still very heavy. Not only would Xian'Er, the person that they had long to find was going to meet her end soon but they were also thinking of the Divine Dragon Pill that Yi Ping had taken!

When Yi Ping had uttered out that he had lost the mythical Divine Dragon Pill, everyone was frantically searching on the ground for it. After all, finder was the keeper in the pugilistic fraternity!

However, Lingfeng said to them. "There is no need to search for it. Yi Ping didn't drop it. When Xiao Shuai's flying sword had struck him, I took his Divine Dragon Pill to save his life. He didn't know about it. Other than the Divine Dragon Pill, is there another miracle in the entire fraternity that could heal his wounds and expended strength so quickly?"

Xiao Shuai was stunned and was muttering, "I have caused Xian'Er to lose the only chance that could have saved her life…"

Even Yi Ping was stunned and was muttered to himself, "I have taken two Divine Dragon Pills. Now I cannot save Xian'Er or Lele's Grandpa. I would rather die in Xian'Er place…"

Yixian knew what Yi Ping was thinking so she smiled gently, "This is my destiny. Remember what you have told me before? Our fate is in our own hands and not in the destinies of others. Moreover, this Divine Dragon Pill may be too potent for me and not suitable for cold and negative martial practitioners."

Lele too smiled at him, "Don't worry about your promise too. Now that I am a true Celestial, I may be able to help my grandpa to overcome his forthcoming Divine Calamity. Moreover…"

She blinked at Lie Qing, Yu'Er, Mei'Er and Shen Xinyue, "We have four other true Celestials here who are able to help me. Right, sisters?"

Lie Qing laughed softly, "Surely!"

Yu'Er said, "I am curious to test my skills against the Divine Calamity."

Mei'Er laughed jovially, "For sure I help!"

Shen Xinyue just smiled gently with a nod.

She was a little amused because even though she did not know who was the Jade Emperor was but for him to encounter into difficulties with his Divine Calamity only meant that his crisis was not an easy matter for the twin sisters who had just attained into Celestials to handle.

All of a sudden, Shen Xinyue called out. "Xiao Shuai, Han Shaodong."

She had tossed a pouch to Han Shaodong who caught it.

Han Shaodong asked curiously, "What is that?"

Shen Xinyue smiled, "This is the Heavenly Dreams Divine Pills that I have concocted in the event that I would get injure. If you treasure your lives, quickly take the pills. Don't say I am heartless."

Han Shaodong was startled and he bowed on the ground immediately!

Xiao Shuai stammered, "This is also a miracle pill? I can live?"

Shen Xinyue said, "Indeed. It is good for internal injuries and I have concocted it for the aftermath of my Divine Calamities."

Martial practitioners like Shen Xinyue and Lie Qing who had attained a high state of divinity and who were aware of the Divine Calamity were careful to have with them several life-saving pills to be used for emergencies.

Lie Qing had previously taken several miracle pills after her failure to battle the Divine Calamity hoping that somehow she would be able to survive her injuries. However her injuries were simply too serious and she did not regain her conscious.

Back to the present and just when the martial exponents were wondering which of the mountain paths to take; they had caught sight of Shen Xinyue and Lele who were on top of a cliff.

Lele said aloud, "Here!"

The martial exponents could see that this cliff was extremely steep and was dangerous to scale. However, it was not a daunting task for these veteran exponents except for a few.

Nangong Le was sighing, "Let's hope I don't fall to my death later…"

Suyue laughed softly, "Don't worry, I won't let you slip."

Qiu Wufeng was rubbing his chin and looking at Chi Zhengqi, who was also looking at Gongsun Jing.

Sufeng blinked at Qiu Wufeng, "So Windless Swordsman, do you need any help?"

Qiu Wufeng smiled bitterly.

Suxin said to Gongsun Jing, "Do you need help too?"

Gongsun Jing smiled, "My martial skills are not that weak. I have learnt how to scale this type of cliff before."

Suxin asked, "Oh really? Let's compete to see who can reach the top first then!"

Gongsun Jing smiled bitterly, "The Fairy Breeze swiftness skill of the Holy Hex Sect is renowned for its weightless feat and swiftness speed…"

Suxin asked again, "You dare not? Then don't you talk to me ever again."

Gongsun Jing quickly said, "But what if I have won?"

Suxin smiled, "Wait till you have won first!"

Just as they were talking and looking for the best way up the cliff, Lele had taken five hops down the extremely steep cliff and landed in front of them effortlessly!

She had landed lightly with her long black scythe and there was barely even any expression on her. It was as though it was just a casual five walking steps!

She smiled, "Hurry! What are you all waiting for? Yi Ping and Sister Xian'Er are still waiting for us!"

Even though many of the martial exponents here like Huo Fu, Ji Wuzheng, Xiao Shuai, Lingfeng and Youxue were exceptional skillful in their swiftness skill, they were still stunned to see her martial display!

Lie Qing walked quietly to Lele and whispered softly, "Sister, you are pregnant now. You ought to be more careful…"

Lele whispered softly, "I am alright. This is still the early stage. I don't want to let anyone knows, especially Ping'Er!"

Lie Qing sighed softly…

Lele smiled and in a blink of an eye, she had taken fifteen hops up the sheer cliff and was besides Shen Xinyue in an instant!

Lele laughed softly as soon as she was on the top of the cliff again, "Hurry!"

Going up was ten times much harder than going down and she had scaled the sheer cliff so effortless.

The Martial Sage patted his potted belly and asked, "Is there any way up?"

Huo Fu who was famed for his swiftness movement skill also said, "Even though I am a good runner but I am not really good in climbing…"

Qiu Wufeng was sighing, "She didn't even uses her hands…"

Chi Zhengqi asked, "Anyone have a rope here? I am weighted down by my five swords…"

Lingfeng said, "This sheer cliff is not impossible to scale. It just requires some time."

Youxue smiled, "That's right!"

Lie Qing was actually groaning. It was because she knew that her swiftness and weightless skill was not as superior as Lingfeng and Youxue.

Xiao Shuai took charge, "Let us climb up the cliff then and let's don't waste any more time. Xian'Er is still waiting for us!"

There seemed to be a charisma pull in his voice as he issued the command but yet Shangguan Qingyun and Yan Nanfei failed to make a move.

Xiao Shuai looked sternly at them, "Why are you not making a move yet? Are you not eager to see Xian'Er?"

Shangguan Qingyun smiled bitterly, "I wish I am able to climb but have you forgotten that I have cut off my thumb and I have difficulty grabbing…"

Yan Nanfei was also smiling bitterly, "I as well…"

Xiao Shuai and Han Shaodong looked at each other awkwardly…

Han Shaodong said, "Perhaps it is best that we can find another way up."

Lie Qing quickly said with her mesmerizing eyes, "That's right. I don't want to dirty my beautiful dress. Moreover, I am shy to climb in the full view of so many others. My pose will be ugly."

Yunzi smiled quietly as she said, "I am sure that there are other ways to go up."

Lele was looking at them with disapproval from above as she said aloud, "You guys are not climbing up?!"