Chapter 148: A Long-Awaited Reunion

While Gu Xiaoyao and Xuyan were comprehending the Divine Crossing Scripture together inside the Gate of Ascendants, time seemed to flow differently on the Divine Path. Though it felt like ages had passed, only a single day slipped by in the world outside.

………………

Meanwhile, Lin Mo led the Demon Race’s massive army alongside Murong Qingxue, breaking through the Demon Domain, sweeping past three major cities, then pushing their forces northward.

………………

A shroud of mist mixed with drizzle blanketed the land, droplets merging into the soil as the haze turned the distant horizon gray.

At the border of a second-rank major city, Zhuque City,

Countless shadowy figures clustered together, packed as densely as bamboo shoots after the rain—all of them wearing the same eerily cheerful grin. These were the Demon Race army.

Wherever the demons passed, life withered away. The ground piled up with white bones and not a single living thing was left—nothing but death.

Lin Mo brought his army to a halt at Zhuque City, surveying the walls. Compared to all the ruins they’d seen along the way, Zhuque City’s defenses were still largely intact.

He took in the scene, nodding with satisfaction.

The other Demon soldiers credited all of this to their Grand Marshal, Kasa, showering him with endless praise.

They believed the Human Race must have been annihilated by now. With one fewer rival in the world, unifying the continent under demon rule seemed inevitable.

Once the Monster Realm fell into their hands, the Demon Race’s dream of ruling all creation would be within reach.

Standing atop the city wall, Lin Mo gazed out at the bleak wasteland beyond, the devastation filling his heart with mixed emotions. “Who could’ve imagined that after thousands of years, I’d stand here again? It really proves that where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

Muffled cries suddenly caught Lin Mo’s attention. He turned, recognizing the culprit, and couldn’t help but smile. “So it’s you, little Murong. What do you think of this view?”

“You know, kid, do you know what’s the most beautiful thing in the world? It’s the fleeting things, the things gone as soon as you notice them. Life itself is like that.”

As he finished, Lin Mo swung his big hand around.

Muffled cries rang out again.

“Ah, I nearly forgot—I gagged you, didn’t I? No wonder you can’t talk!” Lin Mo strolled over to Murong Qingxue and flicked a finger.

Suddenly her mouth was free. She gulped fresh air like she’d been drowning and glared fiercely at Lin Mo.

“Old devil Lin, you’ll get what’s coming for this slaughter! Sure, I can’t beat you, but don’t you forget—there’s always someone stronger. One day, justice will find you!”

Lin Mo ignored her curses, shaking his head and bursting into wild laughter.

“Kid, you’re way too naive!”

“Or are you hoping that rookie who stepped onto the Divine Path a few days ago will save you?”

“He’s probably long dead by now. Don’t waste energy clinging to impossible hope.”

“I am the Demon God—Lin Mo!”

“At the pinnacle of the Demon God Realm! In this whole world, who dares to stand against me? Who can even touch me!”

“With power like mine I deserve to rule it all, and I’ll crush anything that stands in my way!”

Spinning around, Lin Mo grabbed Murong Qingxue by the chin, leaning his forehead close to her delicate, oval face.

“So, little Murong, do you get it now? In the face of true power, all tricks and schemes are pointless!”

Murong Qingxue broke into a fit of coughing. Her whole body was numb and weak, barely able to move. Besides her eyes and mouth, everything else had been forcefully sealed by Lin Mo—a living porcelain doll.

Lin Mo let go and set his sights on distant Xuanwu City. His lips curled into a wicked smile.

“It’s getting late. Time to flush out the last of those rats and finally unite the Sword Qi Continent!”

“As for you, kid, you just get ready to watch history unfold! Hahaha!”

At dawn the next day, Lin Mo led his army in a thunderous march toward Xuanwu City, one of the last two strongholds of the Human Race—their eyes set firmly on Xuanwu City.

………………

Elsewhere, within Xuanwu City.

After a brief rest, the survivors from Tian Gu City, led by Gu Qingxiao’s suggestion, headed to Xuanwu City.

Thanks to Nangong Wentian and Nangong Lin’s hospitality, everyone’s wounds were tended to.

Finally, those who’d been fighting day and night with no sleep could get some much-needed rest. The remaining cultivators, soldiers, and civilians barely had time to grieve for the dead.

Everyone knew the hardest battle was still ahead. No one could let their guard down, cruel as it was.

Just Kasa’s army of fifty million had nearly wiped out the entire Human Race. If Gu Xiaoyao hadn’t arrived at the last moment—

Most of them would already be wandering the Yellow Springs, lost forever. For now, they each found a quiet place to rest their weary bodies.

………………

In another corner, inside Nangong Lin’s courtyard.

Two striking women sat together on the stone benches, a steaming pot of tea between them. Their laughter and sighs mingled as they talked, savoring their reunion after so many years.

Those two were Nangong Lin and Gu Qingxiao, with endless stories to share after such a long separation.

Gu Qingxiao wore a soft lavender gown, while Nangong Lin dressed in mint green. As they chatted,

The creak of a door interrupted them.

Two more elegant figures entered—Liu Ruyan in pale green and Wang Wan in pure white. They sat across from Nangong Lin and Gu Qingxiao.

“Well look who finally decided to drop by!” Nangong Lin slid two chairs over for her guests.

Liu Ruyan and Wang Wan took their seats, while Nangong Lin poured them each a cup of hot tea.

“Lian’er, it’s been ages since we’ve seen you,” Liu Ruyan said, taking her cup. “So I brought Sister Wang Wan with me on a special visit today.”

Wang Wan smiled gently. “Yes, we happened to be traveling together so we both thought we’d come by and see you.”

“Lian’er, and who might this be?” Liu Ruyan nodded toward Gu Qingxiao.

“Oh, this is Brother Gu’s younger sister, Gu Qingxiao. She’s also a disciple at Tianwu Academy,” Nangong Lin introduced with a smile.

“So you’re Young Master Gu’s sister! A pleasure to meet you.” Liu Ruyan stood up and shook Gu Qingxiao’s hand.

Gu Qingxiao returned the smile. “Happy to meet you both, too. Let’s all sit and catch up.”

Once they were settled, Liu Ruyan’s sharp eyes swept the room and she wondered aloud, “Where’s Young Master Gu?”

Wang Wan frowned. “Yes, why isn’t Young Master Gu here? Did something happen?”

Gu Qingxiao’s hands tightened around her teacup, her head bowed, eyes clouded with worry. She let out a heavy sigh and began explaining.

“It’s complicated. After we parted ways at Tianwu Academy, I lost all contact with my brother. Maybe he’s gone into hiding by now.”

“To be honest, I’m scared for him. I can’t help but worry that something horrible has happened.”

“Don’t worry, Xiao’er,” Nangong Lin leaned closer, comforting her. “Your brother is talented and strong—nobody can take him down easily. He’s probably safe, or maybe has his reasons for keeping his distance.”

Gu Qingxiao took a deep breath, finally relaxing. “Sigh, I hope you’re right. The world’s a mess right now—danger around every corner.”

“You’re right, there’s nowhere safe anymore. Of all places, Xuanwu City might be the only spot spared—but who knows what tomorrow brings? Sometimes all you can do is keep moving forward.” Nangong Lin sighed as well.

Liu Ruyan quietly got up, walked behind the two, and gently patted their heads, trying to ease away their worries.

“Come on, sisters—let’s not mope around! We finally have this chance to catch up, so let’s talk about something fun.”

“Like, how far has everyone’s cultivation gotten? Why not share, so we can celebrate together?”

“I’ll start! After months of hard work, I finally broke through to the Sword King Realm.”

Wang Wan covered her mouth, laughing. “Haha, I guess I’m a bit slower. I’ve only reached the third level of the Sword Sea Realm.”

Nangong Lin teased her, “You call that slow? You’ve only been cultivating for a few years and you’re already at the third level!”

“Look at me—I’ve trained for over twenty years and I’ve just reached the second level of the Sword Emperor Realm! I’m the real slowpoke here.” She sighed emotionally.

Suddenly, all three women turned to Gu Qingxiao, eyes fixed on her, and asked in unison, “So Xiao’er, what about you? How far have you come?”

Feeling their stares, Gu Qingxiao shrank back, her gaze darting away. The pressure got to her. She stammered,

“I… after all this time, I’ve only reached the sixth level of the Sword Emperor Realm. Still not quite good enough.”

“Wha…what?!”

The three women were left speechless, their jaws dropped, eyes wide with disbelief.

It took them a while to recover, then laughter and lively chatter filled the large courtyard, the reunion of old friends echoing through the air.

【Sword Qi Continent’s cultivation realms: Sword Practitioner, Sword Qi, Sword Sea, Sword King, Sword Emperor, Sword Saint, Demi-God, Sword God】