Chapter Sixty-Three: A Thousand Twists in the Mountain Beyond Calamity

A giant clad in green carried a block of snow-white stone upon his shoulder, its edge occupied by a young maiden in violet. Her gold-embroidered shoes dangled playfully from the side of the stone, a smile gracing her lips, while her eyes curved into crescent moons.

She pressed her hands upon the rock beneath her, leaning back slightly—sometimes gazing at the sky, sometimes bending down to exchange a few words with the giant. Nan Luo had not imagined that this seemingly table-sized slab of white stone could weigh so heavily. When the maiden in violet requested his help to carry it out, he agreed without hesitation. Yet when he reached to lift it, he found the stone immovable, its weight shocking him; his strength alone could not budge it. Amidst his surprise, laughter rang out from the maiden, clearly anticipating his predicament and waiting to see him flounder.

He recalled how effortlessly she had handled the stone moments ago. Power surged through him as he invoked his magical abilities, and with a cry, he finally hoisted the stone onto his shoulder. However, even then, its weight pressed down upon him, his energy rapidly draining. Though he believed that, having entered the path of immortals, magical power was not the sole determinant, he knew it remained the foundation for all spells and treasures.

Usually, when battling others, one’s own power serves as the conduit to draw upon the world’s energy. But in this task, he had to rely solely on his own strength. He reasoned that a brief exertion would be manageable, but if it lasted longer, his power would surely be depleted.

With a thought, he invoked the Divine Image of Heaven and Earth.

Nan Luo knew nothing of the stone’s origins, but the maiden in violet was well aware. She had not expected Nan Luo to carry the stone for long, and several conditions remained in her mind. Yet when she saw him display the Divine Image of Heaven and Earth, his mouth opened wide as he drew in the world’s energy like a surging tide.

Surprise and delight flickered across her brows, her crescent eyes glinting mischievously as she laughed, “So you possess such a divine skill—excellent! I shall bring you along. Simply follow my instructions, and I guarantee we’ll exit the Thousand-Turn Mountain of Calamity-Free Years in less than half a day.”

It was said that this mountain, ever winding and elusive, was a place of fortune, without fixed location, drifting through the vast world—a place shrouded in the deepest mystery, entered only by rare chance.

Nan Luo had only learned this from the maiden seated upon his shoulder, who herself spoke merely from hearsay, offering no certainty.

She had not revealed her own origins, nor why she wished to carry this stone away. Nan Luo, not one for idle curiosity, did not ask. In his mind, he owed her a favor and carrying this stone out was only fair; once outside, they would part ways, no need for further questions.

Step by step, twist after twist, three steps then a turn, nine steps and a return—round and round, Nan Luo grew increasingly frustrated, feeling as if he was circling in place, with no change in the scenery around him.

He gulped down the world’s energy, replenishing his power through his bloodline’s rapid transformation. Yet this method of absorbing energy could not be used for cultivation, only as an emergency means to sustain the Divine Image of Heaven and Earth in battle. It was, in essence, created to complement this magical ability.

True spiritual power must be nurtured and harmonized within oneself to flow smoothly and be wielded effortlessly.

Nan Luo was uninterested in the maiden’s origins or intentions, but that did not mean she lacked curiosity about him.

“Hey, big guy, what’s your name?” The violet-clad maiden turned toward him, nearly lying atop the snow-white stone on his shoulder, her eyes blinking like mysterious stars in the night sky.

Being called “big guy” did not faze Nan Luo, and he answered calmly, “My name is Nan Luo.”

“Oh? What is your true form? I can’t seem to discern it!” This, it seemed, was the question that truly piqued her interest.

To ask about another’s true form in this world was a grave taboo. All things in heaven and earth interact and restrain one another, and unless one’s power is vast, there are secret arts to exploit such knowledge. Thus, many conceal their true forms until their abilities are fully matured, giving rise to techniques like Nan Luo’s Heavenly Sight, which can pierce such disguises.

To know another’s true form is to gain the means to counter them, making victory much easier.

Yet the maiden asked directly, and by the manner of her inquiry, Nan Luo realized she had likely used some method to examine him. He, however, felt no need for concealment, replying offhandedly, “What you see is my true form.”

“Ah, you’re human? But your magic seems so much like the Divine Image of Heaven and Earth used by the Witch Clan!” she questioned, sprawling herself upon the snowy stone, chin propped in her hand, her interest in Nan Luo clearly growing.

Nan Luo was thoughtful but sparing with words, and sensing no hostility or ill intent from the maiden, he answered what he could. Though not fond of speaking, he disliked lying even more.

Thus, as the maiden questioned and Nan Luo replied, they finally emerged from the Thousand-Turn Mountain of Calamity-Free Years.

Only after leaving the mountain did Nan Luo realize he knew nothing about the maiden—why she carried the stone, what it truly was, and why it was so heavy.

Stepping out of the white mist, he found himself in an unfamiliar place, as if transported far away. Looking back, he saw only ordinary mountains and rivers, with no trace of the mist. Nan Luo wondered if the mountain truly could move.

Following the maiden’s directions, he reached a beautiful valley and set the stone down from his shoulder, preparing to depart. The maiden suddenly called out to him.

She spoke with unusual seriousness, “You never asked my name or origin, and for that I am grateful. It is not that I am unwilling, but that I am unable to say. Even the name of this stone I cannot share. I and this stone, and the Thousand-Turn Mountain, were born together. Yet lately, I have sensed something may happen to me in the future, so I wished to leave. Your arrival was timely—without you, I wouldn’t know how to leave without being found.”

Nan Luo was startled by her solemn words. “With me, is it truly impossible for others to find you?”

The maiden blinked, a mischievous light dancing in her eyes as she smiled, “I have a spell that can sever all ties to the past. Even those with great powers will never be able to trace me through fate or destiny.”

Her laughter was enchanting, leaving Nan Luo momentarily spellbound.