I. Traces in the Falling Snow
The south wind, warm yet cold, blows through Jiangnan as the old rains finally cease. Shen Qingyuan, having returned to the mortal realm from the Soul Severing Cave, had not tasted fine delicacies for a whole month. Instead, the world's flavors seemed to fade away, like floating dust. Wrapped in the night cloak given by the Blood Raven, he journeyed north with Bai Zhou and Ye Die, heading toward the place marked on the Soul Slave map—The Snowfall Valley.
The Snowfall Valley, located in the northernmost region of Zhongzhou, is deep within the snow-covered mountains. Since ancient times, it had been an area forbidden to human presence. It was rumored that during the destruction of the Shadow Sect, Yu Jinghan and Yu Qingshuang shared a fateful love here. Amidst the thunderous storm over the cloud seas, everyone avoided their sharp blades. Afterward, the valley was known as the "Soul Severing Ground," and anyone who entered was doomed to fail to return.
Shen Qingyuan and his companions traversed snow-laden forests, icy rivers, and dangerous cliffs for more than ten days before finally arriving at the entrance to the Snowfall Valley. The bitter wind howled fiercely, and the snowstorm seemed endless. Their footprints, made as they stepped onto the snow, were instantly buried by the wind, as if they had never arrived.
Bai Zhou stared ahead and spoke:"There's a thousand-foot cliff ahead. The shallow indentations carved on the steep walls mark the place where the Yu family made their oath."
Ye Die sheathed her short sword and said, her face like frost:"This valley is filled with traps and poisonous formations, with extreme precautions. We must be cautious, extremely cautious."
Shen Qingyuan nodded, securing his Soul Severing Blade on his back, stepping lightly forward. The previously flat snow field changed upon reaching the valley's gate. Suddenly, the surrounding trees seemed to come alive with an eerie howling wind. Several arc-shaped remnants, like blades, appeared in the snow, carving several cold words into the ground:"Shadow Covers Snow Valley, Blood Sacrifice to the Blade Soul, Those Who Enter… Stay!"
The faces of the three shifted slightly. Bai Zhou's voice rang out:"The old sayings of the Yu family are nothing more than a bluff. Follow me."
Before he finished speaking, the nearby forest suddenly shook violently, as though a giant beast was lurking. Ye Die drew her sword, her eyes gleaming like cold stars, and spoke in a low voice:"Don't move. I will lead it away!"
Her form blurred like mist, disappearing into the deep woods. In an instant, a dark snow fox leaped out, its back covered in crystalline ice. It was as massive as a mountain beast, radiating a chilling aura. The snow fox exhaled a cold mist that shimmered like glass, and in the blink of an eye, the ground around Bai Zhou and Shen Qingyuan was barren of life.
Bai Zhou quickly clapped his palms together. A golden wind chime appeared in his hands, which he lightly shook. The sound of the bell rang clear, dispersing the cold mist with a warm flow.
"Hurry up!" Bai Zhou urged.
The three of them pressed forward, crossing the area where the snow fox had ambushed them, and entered the valley. The endless snow-covered mountains and deep ravines led to a vast platform at the valley's center, surrounded by cliffs like natural arena walls.
In the center of the platform stood a stone tablet, covered with frost and engravings, but the words could still be faintly discerned:"Souls Without Shores, Cold Snow Enshrouding the Blade, Severing the Soul Again, Reaching for the Southern Heavens."
Shen Qingyuan's heart tightened as he spoke in a cold tone:"This inscription matches the dark markings on the Soul Map. As expected, the real test lies ahead."
Ye Die approached the tablet and gently brushed away the snow. She discovered a hidden groove on the side of the stone tablet, within which lay a dark jade ring. She took the jade ring and whispered:"This ring is the mark of a Shadow Sect elder. Without activating the mechanism, we cannot proceed to the next trial."
Bai Zhou nodded grimly:"I'll handle it." He took out a night pearl, placing the dark jade within a stone slot and muttered an incantation. With a soft click, the surrounding cliffs suddenly cracked open, revealing four dark doors.
Each door bore an inscription: "Sever," "Capture," "Lock," "Break."
Bai Zhou pointed to the door labeled "Lock":"The Soul Map's sequence of markings is 'Sever, Capture, Lock, Break.' We should enter through the 'Sever' door first and verify each one in turn."
Shen Qingyuan gripped his sword hilt tightly, his thoughts racing. He stepped toward the "Sever" door, but suddenly, the entire Snowfall Valley seemed to change, filled with an ominous aura.
He pushed the door open and found a three-meter-long corridor behind it, lined with hanging ice pillars. The walls were inscribed with old stories of the Yu family and the Shadow Sect. As Shen Qingyuan walked forward, he felt a wave of dizziness, as if being drawn back into memories by an unseen hand."This was the place where Yu Jinghan and Yu Qingshuang swore their alliance. Perhaps the origin of the Soul Severing Blade's first split is tied to this…"
At the corridor's end, he was shocked to find a sculpted screen. It depicted the Yu family couple embracing the blade together. On either side of the sculpture, words were inscribed:"Though the husband is dead, his soul remains in the blade; though the wife lives, disaster is born here."
Shen Qingyuan frowned and reached out to touch the blade depicted in the sculpture. A surge of sword intent pierced through his palm, and he grunted, drawing his Soul Severing Blade. In a flash, the blade's cold light sliced through the sculpture's hidden mechanism.
Beyond the stone screen lay the battlefield known as the "Snowfall Valley Ambush."
II. The Snowfall Valley Ambush
As the mechanism was triggered, the sound of snow being crushed reached their ears. Dozens of figures emerged from the cave, each carrying deadly weapons. They were all part of the thirteen Ghost Children, sent by the Blood Shadow Tower.
The Blood Shadow Tower had dispatched five of them, known as "Snow Mastiff," "Ice Soul," "Heart Shatter," "Cold Bones," and "Soul Stealer." They were all embodiments of the snow domain's poisons and coldness, in line with the harsh climate of the Snowfall Valley. If they did not defeat them quickly, the three of them would be surrounded.
Shen Qingyuan gritted his teeth and shouted:"Bai Zhou, Ye Die, protect me while I break through the encirclement!"
Ye Die's icy gaze hardened. Her movements were as swift as wind, as the dozens of figures charged toward her. With only a short sword in hand, she blocked their attacks, her sword light scattering like autumn leaves, knocking back several of the snow domain children. Bai Zhou's wind chime sounded once more, warm winds dispelling the ice toxins and helping Ye Die carve a bloody path through the enemies.
Shen Qingyuan activated the Soul Devouring technique. When the Soul Severing Blade was drawn, its aura swept across the battlefield, cutting through the "Snow Mastiff's" wolf tooth axe with ease. He then used the "Capture" technique to draw out a wisp of soul power from "Ice Soul," turning its face pale and causing it to fall. Then, using the "Shatter Soul" technique, he crushed the "Heart Shatter" child's ice crystal chain, severely wounding him.
In the span of dozens of moves, the five children had been heavily injured and retreated into the snow mist.
However, the true killing threat had only just begun—
Suddenly, a snow peak trembled, and a bolt of cold thunder echoed. In an instant, all sounds—the clash of blades, the ringing of wind chimes—fell silent. The entire Snowfall Valley seemed to fall into dead silence.
Atop the highest cliff, a cold gleam flickered. The Blood Raven appeared, dressed in a red-black feathered cloak, his face resembling that of a monstrous bird of prey. Behind him, blood-red wings unfurled like those of a northern god.
He lightly descended, the air around him swirling with blood mist. His cold voice rang out:"Now that the Soul Severing Blade has arrived, do you think you can escape unscathed? Tonight, I will show you the true Snowfall Valley Killing Formation!"
III. The Blood Raven Appears
The cold wind howled, snow swirling like thunder. The Blood Raven's red-feathered spear swung down, unleashing a blood-colored gleam that shot toward Shen Qingyuan's heart.
Shen Qingyuan was already prepared. He activated the "Shatter Soul" technique, stepping aside. The Soul Severing Blade was drawn from his back, its tip reversing the blood-red gleam. The two forces clashed in the air, producing a loud metallic clash.
The Blood Raven sneered. With a flick of his spear, a red feather unfurled from his back, transforming into several blood feathers that flew toward Ye Die and Bai Zhou. Ye Die swung her sword to counter, her sword light like frost falling, cutting through two of the blood feathers. However, a cold force invaded her body, and her face changed.
Bai Zhou quickly threw out the warm wind chime, the bell's sound dispelling the fierce cold from within Ye Die's body.
Taking advantage of the moment, the Blood Raven closed the distance between him and Shen Qingyuan, his cold voice cutting through the air:"The Soul Severing Blade is complete. Do you know how terrifying this blade is? Its power devours souls, something you can never control! Tonight, your soul will scatter, and the blade will return to me!"
Shen Qingyuan gripped his blade and sneered:"You're the true monster! To steal my mother's blade, slaughter my escort agency, and thirst for blood. Today, you will pay for your crimes!"
His feet dug into the snow, and he forcibly activated the "Shatter Soul Second Technique." The blade erupted in a blaze of crimson fire, the sword aura like shooting stars, creating several afterimages that rushed toward the Blood Raven. The Blood Raven shouted in alarm, raising his spear to form a barrier of red feathers, blocking the attack. But he was forced back, blood vessels rupturing, blood spilling out.
Ye Die and Bai Zhou immediately rushed back to the front lines. The three of them reformed their formation. The Snowfall Valley was engulfed in chaotic snowstorms, with blood-colored sword energy and blade radiance intertwining, resembling a sea of blood.
After a brief but intense battle, the Blood Raven let out a deafening roar and howled to the sky. His wings suddenly filled with blood light, layers of blood mist surrounding him, his aura skyrocketing to unimaginable heights.
"Nine Wings Blood Shadow Formation—Breaking the Soul!" He shouted, and six blood feathers fell from the sky, surrounding the three of them. The cliffs around them split open, and soul-devouring winds howled relentlessly.
Shen Qingyuan shouted with all his might and uttered the word "Break." The Soul Severing Blade cut through five of the blood feathers. The blade ignited with raging red fire, slicing through two of the cracks. The force caused massive rocks to fall from the cliffs, creating an escape route for the trio.
The Snowfall Valley collapsed instantly. The cliffs crumbled, and the snow surged in waves. The Blood Raven transformed into a streak of blood light, retreating to the highest peak. He sneered:"Very well, I'll retreat for now. When you break through, I'll come for the blade again!"
With a flick of his spear, his wings unfurled, and he vanished into the clouds and mist.
Ye Die gasped, her face pale:"The Blood Raven bears the 'Yu Family Bloodline.' His swordsmanship and formations follow the innate blood path, making him extremely difficult to handle…"
Bai Zhou pressed his hand on Ye Die's shoulder and said grimly:"We must hurry and break through, or we'll be forced into another battle!"
Shen Qingyuan wiped his blade with a cold expression, the blood light in his eyes dimming. He focused and silently began to cultivate, planning his next move.
IV. A Sudden Change in the Snow
The battle in the Snow Valley had ended, but the falling snow continued to blanket the earth. The group retreated to a relatively flat area, where the snow piled thickly. The snowflakes descended gently, as though all things in the world had fallen into a cold slumber, with only the embers of the battle still burning.
Shen Qingyuan slowly walked to the side of the broken monument, his blade in hand, gazing at the bloodstains left on the blade's tip. Beside him, Bai Zhou and Ye Die were lost in thought, the faint sound of wind chimes echoing, but no one answered.
"Will Ye Xiao Hun appear here?" Bai Zhou finally spoke, his voice low.
Ye Die shook her head. "His lightness skill is unparalleled. We don't know from where he is watching. He may have already been lying in wait."
At that moment, a whirlwind suddenly rose before them, and several shadowy figures emerged from the ground like demons or ghosts. It was the remaining eight of the Thirteen Ghost Children, known by the names "Ice Crack," "Soul Cry," "Remaining Snow," "Cold Crow," "Blood Eyes," "Ghost Whimper," "Broken Sound," and "凝魂." Each of them had a fierce expression and wielded weapons ranging from swords to spears, charging toward the three of them.
"Another group?" Shen Qingyuan furrowed his brows, but before he could act, a figure appeared at the center of the whirlwind. It was none other than Ye Xiao Hun.
Ye Xiao Hun held a black folding fan, its bones like those of a skeleton, its surface like a mirror. He walked slowly toward them, his face obscured by shadows, making his features hard to discern, but his aura was as sharp as a knife. His voice was like a cold spring: "Shen Qingyuan, you have successfully broken your soul and unified the five stages, but the shadow of me within your soul has also merged with your heart. Today, you shall bury the grievances of the Yu family with your own hands and face the final reckoning!"
As his words fell, a shadow of the fan transformed into a black mirror and shot straight for Shen Qingyuan's chest. Shen Qingyuan immediately activated the "Soul Lock" technique, raising his Soul Severing Blade to block, but the fan's shadow left a bloody streak on his blade, sending a sharp vibration through his hand.
With a loud "boom," the snow beneath them exploded, sending several feet of snow flying. Ye Die and Bai Zhou immediately broke through the encirclement, protecting Shen Qingyuan at the center. The black figures surrounded them again, their snow knives and ice spears slashing toward them, aiming to annihilate the three of them in one fell swoop.
Bai Zhou let out a long howl, tossing out a wind chime formation. The technique "All Things Return to Warmth" activated, reversing the snow toxins and frost, and the surrounding coldness was driven away by a wave of warm currents, temporarily stabilizing the situation. Ye Die and Bai Zhou took the opportunity to strike at several of the children, ensuring the terrain was not destroyed.
Shen Qingyuan raised his blade, exerting all his strength. He activated the "Soul Severing" technique, and the blade once again ignited with four stages of red flames. With a thought, he slashed toward Ye Xiao Hun.
Ye Xiao Hun swung his fan, using the "Mirror Image" technique, creating a black mirror that reflected the surroundings, nullifying the blade's intent. Then, he flicked his wrist, and with a crack, the folding fan transformed into a "Mirror Soul Blade," striking Shen Qingyuan's Soul Severing Blade, sending its tip back by several feet.
"You have not reached your limit, yet you are so arrogant. You are courting your own demise!" Ye Xiao Hun said, stepping closer. His fan began to shimmer with countless black and silver points of light, attempting to extract Shen Qingyuan's consciousness.
V. The Edge of Life and Death
Between life and death, it felt as though the world consisted of only the two of them facing off. Shen Qingyuan's heart was a whirlpool of ice and fire, but his body had already been restricted by the Soul Servant's "Soul Capturing Runes" and "Soul Locking Runes," slowing his internal energy. Yet, his bloodline resonated, and he suddenly saw a golden blade mark emerging from the Soul Severing Blade, which had been fused with the five stages.
"Break Soul: Nirvana!"
He let out a roar, activating the final "Nirvana" technique, merging his soul with the blade's soul, his blood surging. He transformed into a blazing fire dragon, charging straight toward Ye Xiao Hun.
Ye Xiao Hun's expression changed slightly, and he snapped his folding fan shut. The black mirror shimmered, attempting to deflect this blade's shadow. But the next moment, the dragon-shaped blade image pierced his body, causing blood to explode from his wounds. Ye Xiao Hun staggered back, his fan in tatters, and blood marks began to form under his mask.
"You... broke through?" Ye Xiao Hun muttered, his voice low.
Shen Qingyuan's Soul Severing Blade flickered with golden light and cleaved the "Mirror Soul Blade" in mid-air, shattering the black fan. The pieces scattered like countless blood droplets, falling through the air.
Ye Xiao Hun's entire body trembled, and he murmured a spell, intending to escape using the power of the chaotic snowstorm. But just as he was about to flee, he saw a line of blade marks rising from the snow beneath him, like a blood river from the heavens, trapping him.
"Soul Lock Formation, reappears!" Ye Die cried out. She and Bai Zhou combined their powers to set up a temporary soul-locking formation. The coldness in the surrounding snow was sealed by the warm currents, making it difficult for Ye Xiao Hun to move.
Shen Qingyuan stepped forward through the snow, slowly approaching Ye Xiao Hun. His voice was calm: "Tonight, the Yu family's grievances are over. The true reason for the destruction of the Shadow Gate, and the many blood-shadowed betrayals, all stemmed from your obsession, Ye Xiao Hun. Today, we shall settle the matter with one final battle to decide who will dominate the martial world."
Ye Xiao Hun's mask slid off, revealing a pale and even twisted face—the face of the former Shadow Gate leader, Yu Jinghan!
But what was even more shocking was that the face bore Shen Ruofan's bloodline mark!
"Heh... Heh... So it turns out... you and I... are of the same root..." Ye Xiao Hun's voice fluctuated, filled with both fear and mockery.
VI. Returning to the Mortal Realm
At dawn, the Snow Valley was as silent as it had been before. Snow fell without sound, the world entirely white, as though the recent bloody battle had been nothing but a nightmare.
Shen Qingyuan stood on the edge of the rift, the Soul Severing Blade stabbed into the snow, its handle stained with blood that had yet to dry. Behind him, Ye Die and Bai Zhou both wore solemn expressions. In the distance, only a wisp of Ye Xiao Hun's remaining soul could be seen trapped in the Soul Lock Formation, slowly turning to dust.
"The Shadow Gate has been destroyed, but the grievances remain." Shen Qingyuan sighed deeply and slowly brushed the blood-soaked snow off his blade's scabbard. His gaze was deep as the sea. "I've sensed my father's soul and my mother's shadow, but the true enemy is far from just this one person."
Bai Zhou nodded. "The Blood Shadow Tower still exists. The Blood Crow has not died, and the Soul Servants are not finished."
Ye Die gently caressed her sword and spoke with resolve: "From morning to night, the martial world will never find peace. You and I will continue this battle, traversing the Soul Map and eliminating the remaining filth of the Blood Shadow Tower!"
Shen Qingyuan gazed into the distance, where the first light of dawn was breaking. From the snowy peaks, the sound of iron cavalry could be heard—an ominous new storm was quietly brewing.
End of Chapter Nine