The Life of a Necromancer as a Swashbuckler

Chapter 32: The Final Transmission of Skills

Nameless was so shocked he couldn’t speak, his heart pounding incessantly. If Yechacha from the Tianlong Sect really returned to Xiaoyao Valley with him, it surely wouldn’t end well. If his master saw him returning with a demonic woman from the Demon Cult, he might be so furious that he’d expel him from the sect on the spot. And if Yechacha went berserk and started a fight, it would be impossible to control the situation. The more Nameless thought about it, the more frightened he became; he couldn’t help but fall silent, his expression growing grim. Yechacha saw right through Nameless’s thoughts at a glance and snorted coldly. “What’s the matter? The mighty Xiaoyao Hero bringing a demonic woman from the Demon Cult back with him—are you afraid of being punished by your sect?” Nameless was an honest man; he nodded and muttered, “Mm-hmm.” “What a wimp,” Yechacha said. Seeing that Nameless had admitted it, her eyes seemed to dim instantly. “I don’t even care about going to your lousy Xiaoyao Valley anyway.” “This transmission of martial arts will take another ten days or so. I’m going with you to Xiaoyao Valley—partly to protect you along the way, and partly to make the transmission more convenient. If we stay in one place too long, our enemies are bound to find us. Don’t worry; I’ll drop you off at the entrance to Zheng Family Village and then head back. I won’t hold you back from being your ‘Xiaoyao Knight.’ ” As Yechacha spoke these words, a faint hint of melancholy crept into her voice. Nameless, however, failed to notice Yechacha’s change in demeanor. Upon hearing her words, his spirits lifted once more—having a beautiful woman by his side for the journey, while also ensuring a safe return to Xiaoyao Valley, was as good as it gets. “Then I’d be grateful for your company, Miss Ji. However, I have one more request,” Nameless said, remembering something else. “What else do you want?” Yechacha thought Nameless was being a bit fussy. “Miss Ji, could you please change your clothes? Dressed like this, you’re drawing too much attention,” Nameless said hesitantly. Yechacha was wearing a bright red robe that barely covered her body—it was indeed far too eye-catching. If they continued like this, they’d likely be spotted before even leaving Zhili Province. Upon hearing this, Yechacha gave a wry smile and agreed. In truth, she didn’t like dressing this way either; she’d adopted this appearance partly because it was necessary for her martial arts training and partly to intimidate enemies. Now that her internal energy hadn’t yet returned, there was no longer any need for this outfit. So, Nameless and Yechacha both changed their attire, dressing as an ordinary couple, and left Mogan Peak that very day, heading for Xiaoyao Valley. Mogan Peak was only about ten days’ journey from Xiaoyao Valley. To ensure the smooth transfer of martial arts energy and avoid detection, the two deliberately chose a different route than before, taking a detour back to Xiaoyao Valley. Every night, just as before, they embraced each other to transfer energy. Gradually, their awkwardness and shyness faded, and they carried out the energy transfer and cultivation as a matter of routine. After many days of energy transfer, Nameless gradually noticed changes in her own body. It became increasingly plump and smooth; her skin seemed to grow fairer and more delicate, as soft as if it might break at the slightest touch—somewhat resembling Yechacha’s skin. She felt more energetic, as if her physique had been refined. Although her inner energy was constantly being drawn out, she could sense that some of it remained within her body, making her physique more robust and powerful. Similar changes occurred in Yechacha. After many days of energy transmission, her alluring and seductive charm seemed to diminish. Her once outwardly radiant beauty was gradually drawn inward, much like a caterpillar emerging from its cocoon to become a butterfly—only at the moment of blossoming would she become a hundred times more beautiful than before. Her complexion grew increasingly rosy, and her demeanor was no longer so frivolous; she seemed to have been reborn. Through Yechacha’s explanation, Nameless finally understood the true marvel of the Ice-Fire Mystic Art. This method of energy transmission benefited both partners—not only would it greatly enhance Yechacha’s cultivation, but it would also refine the man’s constitution, purifying his marrow and removing impurities. The convergence of yin and yang, the harmonious blending of water and fire—this was the true essence of the Ice-Fire Mystic Art. The two seemed to grow closer and closer, as if they had truly become a couple. They traveled the countryside, exploring mountains and rivers, experiencing all the beauty of the third month of spring, and enjoying pure joy and happiness. Before they knew it, they were less than a day’s journey from Zheng Family Village, at the entrance to Xiaoyao Valley, and they found a guesthouse at the village entrance to stay the night. Before the transmission of the art, Yechacha suddenly said she was feeling down and wanted to go for a walk. Nameless was completely baffled and had no idea why, so he could only accompany her. Under the moonlight, the two arrived at the shore of a lake, where the moon shone brightly and a cool breeze blew gently. Yechacha looked at Nameless beside her—he was still as imposing and upright as ever, but in the moonlight, he appeared increasingly beautiful: his skin was fair and smooth, and his limbs were well-proportioned and athletic. If it weren’t for his hair tied in a bun, she would have truly believed a beautiful woman was standing beside her. If Nameless were to dress as a woman right now, it would likely be very difficult to see through the disguise. For some reason, as Yechacha looked at Nameless now, she felt a pang of sadness and couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh. Nameless sensed the change in Yechacha and asked with concern, “Miss Ji, what’s wrong? Why are you sighing? Are you cold?” Hearing Nameless’s question, Yechacha felt a wry smile well up inside her, but she pulled herself together. “Master Nameless, I’d like to ask you a question. You must answer seriously.” “What’s the question?” Nameless asked, puzzled. Yechacha paused, then suddenly turned and cupped Nameless’s face in her hands. What a handsome face—Yechacha couldn’t help but want to kiss him, but she restrained herself. Gazing at Nameless with deep affection, she suddenly asked in a soft, wistful voice, “Hero Nameless, would you like to join the Tianlong Sect?” Nameless was taken aback. He had never imagined Yechacha would ask such a question. After a long moment of stunned silence, he finally replied with a sheepish smile, “Miss Ji, you’re joking, aren’t you? We’re about to reach Xiaoyao Valley any minute now. There’s no way I could join the Tianlong Sect.” It was indeed impossible for Nameless to join the Tianlong Sect. In Xiaoyao Valley, he had his own master and senior disciples, while the Tianlong Sect was home to his sworn enemy, the Poison Sovereign. How could he possibly betray his master and fellow disciples so soon after setting out on his journey? Upon hearing Nameless’s reply, Yechacha’s eyes seemed to dim instantly. She slowly released her grip on his face, forcing back her disappointment as she gazed at the moon in the distance. The moonlight tonight was so beautiful—and yet so lonely. Something that looked like a tear trickled down Yechacha’s cheek, appearing crystal-clear in the moonlight. It was a long time before Yechacha turned around. She had already put on a smile as radiant as fireworks and said to Nameless with a laugh, “Great Hero Nameless, let me give you another gift.” Nameless was puzzled and stared quietly at Yechacha. He had no idea what was wrong with her tonight or why she had become so sentimental. “What other gift does Miss Ji wish to give me?” Nameless asked in surprise. Yechacha unfastened a jade pendant from her body; the character “Ji” was inscribed upon it. She seemed to smile as she said to Nameless, “Your martial arts are still weak. If you encounter anyone from the Tianlong Sect again, you’ll likely be doomed. This is my protective jade pendant—it represents Yechacha herself. If anyone from the Tianlong Sect comes to trouble you again, just show them this pendant. Seeing the jade is like seeing me, so they won’t dare to trouble you.” Seeing that such a talisman existed, Nameless was only too happy to accept it—his greatest fear at the moment was the Poison Sovereign—so he took it immediately. “There’s more,” said Nameless, pulling a book from his robe just as Wuming had taken the jade pendant. “Your martial arts are too weak; you’ll easily get into trouble in the martial arts world. I have a book here called *The Bridal Robe Divine Art*. You must study it diligently.” Nameless was even more surprised. He hurriedly took the book, wondering to himself, What’s gotten into Yechacha tonight? First a jade pendant, now a book. Seeing that Nameless had put everything away, Yechacha smiled with satisfaction. “All right, let’s go. It’s time to pass on the martial arts.” As he spoke, he turned his head and quietly walked away first. Nameless stood by the lake, gazing at the moonlight. He pondered for a long time but still couldn’t fathom Yechacha’s intentions. Shaking his head, he put away his belongings and returned to his room. Back in the room, Yechacha had once again donned her long-unworn crimson robe. Though it was no longer as flamboyant as before, she looked even more stunning and alluring, as if she’d been sitting on the bed waiting for Nameless all along. Nameless had barely finished preparing when Yechacha threw herself at him, throwing herself into his arms. Before he could even react, she pressed her lips against his in a passionate, uninhibited kiss—their first. From the dreamy look in her eyes, Nameless could clearly sense that tonight, Yechacha wanted more. The energy transfer continued, but it wasn’t as serene and harmonious as usual. Yechacha was like a blazing fire, eager to consume both herself and Nameless entirely. Her hands roamed freely, teasing Nameless’s desires. Nameless slowly felt his lust overcoming his reason, yearning to break free from its confines, and he found himself unable to resist the urge to act. Just as the two were about to enter a new phase, break through the final barrier, and prepare to savor their pleasure, the window suddenly flew open, and a figure clad in black darted in from outside.