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Heroic Journey 2: Ning Yun
墨書 Inktalez
Evil conspiracies and actions that devour justice have repeatedly succeeded, yet they often indulge their prey. Shan Qing, using the guise of a bait, turns the tables on the heroes with Gui Mei, while the long-dormant call of the Trial Ground stirs the Undercurrent from all sides. What fate awaits the heroes?
As the Young Heroes prepare for the impending Trial Tournament, will they succumb to the evil schemes, or will they take a step back to lay the groundwork for a future counterattack?
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In "Chapter Ning Yun" of Heroic Journey 2,
Ran Xing, standing beneath a massive rock, coughs violently, blood spilling from his mouth as he faces Shan Qing, who mocks him as if toying with prey. "What's wrong? Did You Long teach you how to threaten your enemies? Where's your earlier bravado? Fighting me like this is utterly pointless."
Though Shan Qing speaks these humiliating words, he slowly halts his hand, which was aimed at Ran Xing's neck. It was merely a delay; having already subdued You Long and others with a sudden attack using the Five Elements Seal, and having nearly beaten this persistent fool who clings to the idea of an older sister into submission—one who is now devoid of Vitality and covered in wounds—any ordinary person would have perished by now. Shan Qing thought about this and took a few steps back without taking advantage of Ran Xing's vulnerability.
"Sister..." Ran Xing's vision blurred; it seemed as though his sister passed by him, or perhaps she turned away, heading toward an unknown direction. No, it should be Shan Qing in front of him; how could it be his sister? Ran Xing questioned himself, but no one answered him. No one paid attention to his cries, yet the shadow of his sister continued to drift further away.
"Where am I...?" Suddenly, darkness enveloped Ran Xing. His sister walked further away, as if everything beneath his feet had been suddenly hollowed out. He felt no heartbeat, no pulse; all six senses seemed stripped away. All he could see was the faint image of his sister disappearing into the distance.
Ran Xing smiled. Was it a mistake for him to come here to the Trial Ground? Shan Qing was right; if he wanted to save his sister, he needed corresponding power. Yet despite exhausting countless rounds of effort—his Vitality, time—he had gained not even a sliver of opportunity against Shan Qing. Did he really need to keep fighting?
"No! What are you thinking? What happened to your bold words about Xiao Lajiao?" The illusion of Xiao Lajiao appeared in Ran Xing's eyes. Yes, why had he come before Shan Qing? It was for that promise made long ago. But mother, can you understand? How painful it is to be powerless.
"Have you given up? That’s not like you!" The illusion of Xiao Lajiao faded away as Luo Yue's voice echoed in his ears. He had once discussed his sister's situation with Luo Yue. Was he really going to let his own grand declarations come to an end?
He fell...
Ran Xing suddenly opened his eyes. Had everything just now been real? No, had he truly collapsed? His desire for power ignited by guilt and resentment surged within him. The longing for strength brought forth memories of a purple ocean seen during his fainting spell in the quiet forest. Now before him remained only the fading silhouette of his sister turning her back on him as she walked away with Shan Qing. He could hear distant waves crashing and felt himself submerged in that purple sea.
At this moment, pain ceased to register; fatigue dissipated as if washed away by the sea. Those nearby who had their Vitality drained stared in disbelief at the battered yet rising figure of Ran Xing. He had changed; emotion vanished from his eyes, replaced by a predatory gaze filled with ferocity. What gathered in his hands was no longer Vitality, but purple Evil Thought. Yes, Ran Xing had not only awakened but also revealed a scene never witnessed before—one where he bore both the mark of a hero and the power of an Evil Spirit, fully displayed before everyone.
Shan Qing initially thought he had dealt with this brat but was taken aback when he stood up again.
"Impossible! The Five Elements Seal should have drained all this guy's Vitality! How can he still move?!" In shock, Shan Qing saw the purple-black glow and understood everything but couldn't fathom how both Evil Thought and Vitality could coexist. What kind of being was this?! There was no time for contemplation; Shan Qing had to engage.
At that moment, Ran Xing, filled with purple light from Evil Thought, forgot all pain; miraculously, his wounds healed themselves. Shan Qing sensed danger but was still processing when Ran Xing, fueled by overwhelming Evil Thought, charged at him and landed a punch on both arms.
Shan Qing's eyes widened again as this punch triggered a violent explosion between them, sending him flying thirty paces away. Amidst the lingering smoke that had yet to clear, Ran Xing teleported back in front of Shan Qing. Without hesitation, Shan Qing unleashed a counterattack with his own Vitality, only for it to merely neutralize against the energy released by Ran Xing’s Evil Thought. Shan Qing stared incredulously at this figure before him. Throughout the history recorded in the annals of the Trial Ground, there had never been a case where both Evil Thought and Vitality coexisted because no pure vessel could bear these two opposing energies simultaneously without risk of turning into ashes. Moreover, this guy’s display of Evil Thought matched even his own strength! Shan Qing couldn’t help but question over all these years—whether it was Liu Hen or Ba Huang, who possessed such power?
While pondering and battling against Ran Xing, after continuous defense, Shan Qing finally spotted an opening as Ran Xing, increasingly dominated by his uncontrolled Evil Thought, began to falter in his attacks. Immediately, he struck the ground with his own Vitality, creating dust to obscure Ran Xing’s vision. He leaped into the air amidst the dust and unleashed Wind Dust Confusion Heart—a miraculous hit on the increasingly agitated and uncontrollable Ran Xing, temporarily immobilizing this madman.
"Teacher You Long, what’s happening? What’s wrong with Ran Xing!?" exclaimed an alarmed Luo Yue. This ruthless version of Ran Xing, resembling a beast, seemed entirely different from how he appeared during their moonlit conversation. Meanwhile, You Long frowned without answering but pressed firmly on the Evil Spirit Box, ready for any emergency measures.
"You don’t understand; this is another side of him—he’s special at least among heroes," said an irate-looking Shaomeng. It seemed like he recalled certain memories where this dark side of Ran Xing existed; yet now he remained their friend. Observing quietly from afar was also calm-headed Meng Jiang. She sensed something unusual: her loss of Vitality was slowing down—was Shan Qing planning something else?
"You Long, you mustn't be vague later. Shan Qing has no intention of continuing this fight. We need to ensure our safety!" Meng Jiang shouted at You Long. At that moment, Shan Qing had already summoned a technique with both hands, preparing for something. Meng Jiang immediately realized that Shan Qing was not planning to keep fighting; instead, he was preparing to gather five seals at once. The speed of his Vitality loss was slowing down, even showing signs of stagnation, and although Ran Xing was under Shan Qing's control, it wouldn't last long.
"Just follow the plan we discussed on the way," You Long reminded Meng Jiang and Ran Xing. The Evil Spirit Box in his hand had only one chance for use. If Ran Xing lost control, he would immediately use it to suppress the Evil Thought and restore Ran Xing's sanity, while Meng Jiang would ensure everyone's safety.
"Are you all okay, kids?" Meng Jiang asked everyone present. Their responses were unanimous: the loss of Vitality was gradually slowing down, even coming to a halt.
"Power is not meant for you to unleash recklessly here," Shan Qing said coldly as he joined his hands together. Instantly, light illuminated the area as five seals inscribed with ancient characters descended upon Ran Xing's head in sequence. A loud sound echoed as the Vitality seal activated, seemingly immobilizing Ran Xing for a brief moment. Shan Qing showed no intention of pursuing the advantage; instead, he immediately created a cloud of smoke and vanished.
At this point, Shan Qing had achieved his goal of stalling You Long and his group to buy time for Lung Shan. Just as he stepped out of the area, a loud crash resonated. It was impressive power indeed; the one who created Ran Xing was no simple foe!
The loud noise marked Ran Xing breaking through the Five Elements seal. At this moment, Ran Xing's eyes transformed from their initial dark purple hue to a complete purple, emitting a low growl akin to that of a beast from the abyss as he stared at You Long and the others on the ground.
"Ran Xing! Wake up! Shan Qing is gone; our mission is over!" Luo Yue shouted desperately. It seemed to momentarily dull Ran Xing's senses high above, but he was now deeply ensnared in a sea of purple and unable to escape. Although he heard Luo Yue's call, his thoughts were quickly engulfed by an overwhelming hatred. After a brief silence, Ran Xing finally moved; his eyes flickered before his growl deepened, resembling a tiger pouncing on its prey as he prepared to attack.
Luo Yue continued trying to call out to him, but Shaomeng rushed forward to pull her behind Meng Jiang's cover.
When Ran Xing broke through the Five Elements seal, Meng Jiang had already taken advantage of the weakening Vitality loss to temporarily construct an earthen wall. Now that the Five Elements seal had been shattered by the explosive force of Ran Xing, everyone's Vitality naturally returned to them. However, an unexpected event occurred.
Ran Xing charged toward Luo Yue—Shaomeng's eyes widened in shock, An Qi was incredulous, and You Long wasted no time pushing Luo Yue and Shaomeng aside with his Vitality. He quickly took out the box, infused it with Vitality to activate it, and threw it into the air just in time; however, Ran Xing unleashed a gust of wind that knocked Luo Yue and Shaomeng aside before You Long's Vitality could reach them. Shaomeng sustained minor injuries while Luo Yue was struck by Evil Thought and fainted on the spot.
Shaomeng stared at Luo Yue in disbelief. "Why? Why did you take it upon yourself? You know what you're doing?" Shaomeng could only express helplessness as he saw the box release a binding barrier above Ran Xing’s head and begin suppressing Evil Thought. Only then did You Long breathe a sigh of relief while Meng Jiang readied his Vitality and said sternly to You Long: "If this guy dares to act up again, You Long, don't tell me about orders from above; if you can't do it, I'll take care of it myself."
"Given the situation, there's no need for that now, Meng Jiang. Everything will be explained when we reach our commander," You Long replied as he saw Ran Xing collapsed on the ground with purple light dissipating and managed to restrain Meng Jiang who was ready to strike first.
"As part of the Trial Ground team, we do not eliminate our comrades without reason. If it truly comes to that point, I hope you will use that power against our enemies," You Long said firmly while looking at Meng Jiang who still held onto his Vitality.
At that moment, a loud sound of Vitality swirling echoed behind them—it was their commander! That was the temporal river formed by their commander's Vitality; entering it would allow them to return to the Trial Ground at lightning speed. Seeing this, You Long solemnly lowered his head and ordered everyone to retreat.
The unpredictability of fate soon spread news about their incomplete mission as You Long and his group were sent back to the heart of Trial Ground’s Pavilion by Qianwen’s temporal river. Fortunately, there were no major incidents; all members involved in the mission were unharmed except for one injury.
"Just come back safe," Qianwen said lightly, brushing the dust off the chessboard with his hand, and called for Ziyuan to bring tea. It was clear that Qianwen was already aware of the outcome of this mission and did not press You Long for further details.
"Commander, aside from Luo Yue being injured by Ran Xing's sudden Evil Thought, the others who participated in the mission are mostly fine. Shan Qing has already fled, and our next step..." You Long began but then paused.
Seeing Qianwen raise his hand, everyone immediately lowered their heads. Under Qianwen's direction, Luo Yue was taken over by Ziyuan's people. Qianwen silently watched as Ziyuan led the injured Luo Yue away and spoke softly.
"You did well this time, You Long. You decisively stopped Ran Xing's reckless actions. Congratulations on returning here once again," Qianwen said politely, as if discussing trivial matters with You Long and Meng Jiang. He understood that Ran Xing's actions would inevitably stir up some trouble in the coming days, so he directly dismissed Meng Jiang's request.
"Commander, but Ran Xing..." Before Meng Jiang could finish his sentence, Qianwen's expression changed, and he noticeably tightened his grip on the teacup.
Meng Jiang immediately fell silent.
"Ziyuan will handle matters regarding Ran Xing for you. Everything will proceed as usual. Is there any problem, Meng Jiang?" Qianwen continued sipping his tea, waiting for Meng Jiang's response.
Meng Jiang showed a troubled expression as he glanced at the silent and serious You Long. Remembering the earlier scene that had angered him, he chose not to speak further.
Noticing Meng Jiang's silence, Qianwen set down his teacup and continued to arrange work.
First, Luo Yue would temporarily be treated by Ziyuan's Jiangshan Hall. He had already informed Luo Yue's father that the injury was not serious; You Long only needed to wait for Ziyuan to return with a report before heading to the Luo Yue Family to clarify things.
Next, Ran Xing was taken away by Ziyuan; his meals and daily life would remain unchanged until Luo Yue recovered, at which point Ziyuan would bring him to You Long. The subsequent decisions would be made by You Long.
Then, Meng Jiang's hall would cancel all tasks for the next month and instead be responsible for security at the Trial Ground.
Finally, You Long also canceled any external missions and shifted focus to planning the Convention for selecting participants at the Trial Ground, with You Long leading and Ziyuan assisting in the preparations.
Once work arrangements were settled, Qianwen kept You Long behind to inquire about what had happened at that time.
Perhaps at this moment, Ran Xing had already distanced himself from that ocean, struggling desperately like a drowning person fighting to surface. Before him lay no longer doubt or hatred; he was moving with all his might toward a shore called reality. As his eyes, which had remained still for so long, finally opened again, another beginning belonging to Ran Xing was about to unfold on the Trial Ground.
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