### Chapter 3: The Riddle (3)
Deep within the cave at the center of Phoenix Mountain,
Enduring an overwhelming stench of d*ath that seemed to come from nowhere, Luo Ying and the Male Character were scouring the ground for any useful clues, heads bowed like they were looking for lost coins.
In a prison cell where Evil Shiyuan once lounged about, the Male Character suddenly unearthed a trace he had overlooked before.
At first, he thought it was just some termite holes left behind over the centuries, sticking his finger in to feel some fine powder.
But upon reflection, things didn’t seem right.
The suffocating aura of d*ath in the cave was so intense that even someone like Luo Ying struggled to hang on for long. After all, what self-respecting termite would decide to make its home in a place that felt like it was auditioning for a horror movie?
So how did these numerous holes appear along the wall in the cage?
Surely Evil Shiyuan didn’t get bored enough to poke them with his finger!
But if that were the case, there should be way more holes — like hundreds! Spending four hundred years down here should have produced a pest control nightmare.
The Male Character leaned closer to inspect the holes, peering into their depths.
On the surface, they looked irregular and mismatched in size, but the insides were surprisingly smooth. Not like anything a creature or finger would make.
It was more like some tool had been going in and out like a kid at a candy store, leaving behind traces.
What could it be?
He scratched his head, utterly confused as he studied the wall.
Just then, Luo Ying approached with a torch and asked curiously, “What are you looking at?”
He shared his discovery and doubts with her.
Luo Ying stroked her smooth chin, deep in thought.
The cave was eerily quiet.
Finally, the Male Character shook his head in frustration. “Forget it, I can’t figure this out. How about we call it a day for now?”
As the deathly aura thickened around them, he started to shiver, and visions of ghostly apparitions danced before his eyes.
No way! They needed to get out before they morphed into the undead!
“Master Sister, Master Sister?”
As he turned to Luo Ying, he found her staring wide-eyed like she’d just won the lottery.
Her lips looked frostbitten, as if the deathly energy had coated them with a winter layer. Strangely, she showed no signs of wanting to leave; instead, she squatted down and picked up a pebble, doodling on the wall like a kid in art class.
The Male Character was left dumbfounded.
Just like that, she managed to sketch a bizarre star map through the holes.
“This is a star map,” Luo Ying explained, her voice trembling as if it were struggling to stay warm amidst the chilling atmosphere.
“Let’s get out of here first,” the Male Character urged, grabbing her icy hand and making a dash for the exit.
Once they burst outside, the warm wind felt heavenly, and they finally started to breathe easier.
But seeing Luo Ying’s pale complexion and purplish hue made the Male Character realize she was severely affected by the d*ath aura.
Without thinking, he pulled her close, willing his body heat and positive energy to dispel the deathly influence from her.
She jumped in surprise, but with her current state, she couldn’t afford to let her emotions run wild.
During those moments she was busy drawing the star map, the d*ath energy had taken the chance to invade, forcing her to use her inner energy to protect her heart and hold onto her last shred of vitality.
And now this guy was making advances?
But as she recalled their previous intimate antics in the East Sea Temple, Luo Ying’s body melted, no resistance remained.
Honestly, being a human heater was kind of effective; soon enough, Luo Ying felt warmth radiating from where they were pressed together, slowly pushing back the encroaching d*ath aura until it finally evaporated into thin air.
“Smack!”
The Male Character touched his burning cheek, still a bit dazed as he looked at Luo Ying.
She was busy fidgeting with her clothes, clearly trying to hide something.
“Sorry, I was totally rude just now, grabbing you without your permission…”
Luo Ying looked up, a hint of pink on her cheeks, “…still hurt?”
“Not at all, not a bit,” he said quickly, waving his hands.
Luo Ying turned slightly and mumbled, “Well, we’ve kissed, we’ve hugged, and yet you won’t let me have a drink…”
The Male Character was caught between laughter and tears. “Wait… what do those two things have to do with each other?”
Then it hit him! Slowly, he embraced her from behind, and Luo Ying shivered but didn’t stop him.
“Hey, don’t think I’m a flirt! Once I find the scumbag who killed our master and wrap up matters with the Heavenly Sword Sect, you better marry me properly, with all the bells and whistles!”
The Male Character said seriously, “Absolutely! I wouldn’t let Master Sister suffer even a bit!”
Little did he expect they’d seal their fate right then and there.
Perhaps it all started with that kiss in the East Sea Underground Palace.
Luo Ying wasn’t from the modern world, so a kiss had a heavy significance for her — it was as if a brand had been pressed deep within her heart, leaving no room for other men.
Back at the Heavenly Sword Sect, with a string of chaotic events unfolding, personal feelings took a backseat.
But at that moment, his warm embrace to dispel the d*ath energy reminded her of hidden sentiments lingering inside her all this time.
Sometimes, feelings can elevate unexpectedly, like a surprise party in your chest.
She thought things would be different after confessing, but instead, Luo Ying seemed to avoid him like the plague, leaving the Male Character scratching his head in confusion.
Back at the campsite, Fatty was busy roasting some wild game.
The delicious smell wafted through the air. The Male Character knew that while it smelled good, the taste might not be so great, especially since they had no spices and had to choke it down just to maintain their energy for the next day.
“Uh, Master Sister, look how attentive Fatty is towards White Peach; why don’t you give her a nudge in that direction?”
That’s called leading the way for others while not forgetting your own roots!
Luo Ying shot him a glare and said quietly, “Disciples of Flowerless Palace never marry; you want me to convince her to get hitched?”
“Flowerless Palace is gone! She’s the last of the line! Are you really okay with watching her grow old alone?”
Luo Ying sighed and reluctantly nodded, agreeing to his request.
Not wanting to interrupt as Fatty made his play for White Peach, they slipped away.
Once at a distance, the Male Character asked, “So, what’s special about that star map?”
Luo Ying nodded, “Exactly! That’s the star formation that the higher-ups of the Heavenly Sword Sect must face directly during their cultivation. It’s said we can feel the source of the power from heaven and earth through it.”
“What about during the day?”
“That’s why we usually meditate and cultivate at night,” she shot him a glance, “so don’t argue.”
