Dance Of The Phoenix
39. Mount Biluo

"Sister!"

Gu Yuena ran towards Gu Yuan who was discussing something with the students of the academy. Without caring for the disciples guarding the cottage chasing after her all the way, Gu Yuena immediately approached her brother with a burning spirit.

If it was her brother's problem, she didn't promise to be as calm as usual.

"Nana, why are you here?" Gu Yuan was somewhat surprised. It had only been half a year that Gu Yuena had gone to the academy, it was impossible to be released down the mountain. Is this sister ditching?

The other students immediately understood that these sisters wanted to talk. They didn't interfere and left. Similarly to the two disciples who had chased after Gu Yuena earlier.

Before Gu Yuan misunderstood further, Gu Yuena immediately explained. "Academy burses all students for 2 months before the inner courtyard exam is held. So for these 2 months, I'll be free."

"It is not usual for Yuansu Academy to hold holidays except for certain students." Gu Yuan astonished.

"Yesterday was a writing test, and I got a quota for my next exam. My head felt like it wanted to break during the exam. Perhaps because of that, Yuansu Academy gave a day off for all students to calm their minds. If it's like this, there's usually a veiled intent after the holidays."

" you always think negative." Gu Yuan tapped Gu Yuena's forehead while chuckling.

Gu Yuena snorted. A few moments later, he remembered something. "Sister, did you ask Huang Jingtian and Luo Youzhe to watch me at the academy?"

Gu Yuan pulled his brows in confusion. "Luo Youzhe is also in the academy?"

"That means you asked Huang Jingtian to watch over me. Brother, you know I don't want to be recognized, but instead have Huang Jingtian watch over me. I feel stalked!"

Gu Yuan laughed, "Nana, there's no need to worry. I only asked Huang Jingtian to mistress you from afar. You're not bothering him, are you?"

"Now Brother suspects me. The ones to question are those whom Brother ordered. I didn't make any trouble at all, but Huang Jingtian and Luo Youzhe started an infuriating cold war." Gu Yuena said while pouting in annoyance.

Gu Yuan laughed, making Gu Yuena even more annoyed. Never mind, the more he spoke, the more intrigued Gu Yuan became. If only he could say that he was disguised as a man and was in the same room as Luo Youzhe, as well as getting such an annoying ambiguous treatment, Gu Yuan somehow reacted.

Better not to say it.

Fearfully, someone told Duke Gu and forcibly married him to Luo Youzhe for that reason just like it happened to Gu Yueli. Know for yourself how the ambitions of Duke Gu are colossal after failing to get Luo Zhiyi as his son-in-law.

Just imagining it made Gu Yuena shudder in horror.

"So, what are your plans for the holidays? Want to go home?" Gu Yuan rubbed his sister's head so as not to lash anymore.

But it was precisely Gu Yuena who was getting annoyed at bringing up the matter of the residence. "Rather than going to that foreign residence and becoming a slave, it is better to join Brother to Yinyang Academy."

"Follow me?" Gu Yuan was flabbergasted.

"At least I can learn something different." Gu Yuena looked for an excuse.

Gu Yuan simply smiled, then nodded. Whatever his sister wants, he will fulfill it.

"Then why are you here?" Gu Yuena wondered.

"Yinyang Palace wants to have a meeting with Yuansu Palace. But it seems like there is a problem with Yuansu Palace. I'll come back after the problem subsides." Gu Yuan did not explain it in more detail. It would be best if Gu Yuena did not know.

While Gu Yuena just nodded without wanting to know what she wanted to talk about. There are too many unexpected things in this world, like overnight problems for example. Better not to know too much and interfere.

The more you know, the shorter your life.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

Yinyang Palace is located at the top of Mount Biluo. Mount Biluo is a mountain range full of steep valleys. The place was beautiful, as well as dangerous for the common people.

It is located east of Mount Huo. A place so far away and so desolate. If Yuansu Palace and Luye Palace placed some of its cities of power as the main roads connected with the two countries, then Yinyang Palace is more alienated again.

The Biluo Mountains are close to the Biluo Sea which is famous for its beauty and beauty. There is an ethnic race in the Biluo Sea, a half-fish man with a stunning appearance full of wonders. They live freely and have a pact with Yinyang Palace to coexist.

Along the way by horse, from the top of the mountain, Gu Yuena could see some parts of the race doing activities by the sea. Actually he was a bit surprised, because he did not think such a creature really existed.

He is more unexpected, they may appear openly in front of humans. According to legends in his world, mermaids have always been used for various human lives such as mermaid oil and mermaid tear pearls used for human beauty materials.

"I've never heard of merfolk living free here." Gu Yuena whispered to her brother next door.

"Yinyang Palace and the mermaid race have a pact for mutual benefit. This region was the territory of the mermaid race, obviously they lived freely in this place. Even one of the elders of Yinyang Palace was a mermaid race. This was the general secret of the Yinyang Palace that could not be discussed directly."

"Then, has the news reached the outside? Are you afraid of being hunted?"

"There is, but most of them forget about it because the mermaids are guarded by Yinyang Palace for the sake of peace. Some might have had the intention of hunting him down, but most of them died before entering Mount Biluo. That's why, Yinyang Palace is called very closed."

Gu Yuena nodded in understanding. "There are too many things in this world. It's a pity to be missed."

"You'll see everything." Gu Yuan replied as he looked at his sister with a warm smile.

"I hope so." Gu Yuena smiled wryly. Unfortunately, his age would stop two years later.

Within a few hours until afternoon arrived, they reached the gates of Yinyang Academy.

Different from Yuansu Academy, Yinyang Academy was so quiet and organized. All the disciples had the same uniform—white uniform with Yin and Yang motifs accompanied by a badge hanging on the waist.

They practiced using each other's weapons simultaneously, just like a college in ancient times. The disciples here divided their tiers from what techniques they practiced. The magic techniques descended from the Yinyang Palace from lowest to highest, forming the identity of the condensed Yinyang Palace.

When Gu Yuena got off the horse and stepped foot inside the academy gate, she felt an invisible aura holding her back at the gate. Gu Yuena was silent for a while, looking at the collection of qi that she could only see as the owner of phoenix blood floating in the air surrounding her.

That energy gave off an uncomfortable feeling, as if expelling Gu Yuena from this place.

Gu Yuan realized that Gu Yuena was not following. He turned to look at the pensive Gu Yuena, then called out to her. "Nana, is there a problem?"

Gu Yuena looked at Gu Yuan, feeling somewhat surprised at his call. He shook his head slightly, then forced his feet to go further without showing any abnormality.

"Is this place set up in a certain formation?" Gu Yuena asked, in order to let go of the curiosity regarding something that held her just now.

Gu Yuan thought for a moment. "My teacher set up a protection formation to protect Yinyang Academy from foreign powers. The so-called foreign power is the power of darkness, which some people have with black magic."

"Black magic?" Gu Yuena was getting curious.

"The witch."

Gu Yuena was silent.

"Not all magicians have black magic. For sure having black magic are some people with soul power in their bodies who were raised from the darkness. This was the territory of Yinyang Palace, their task was to keep the balance of nature awake. So it was no wonder they had such a guard formation."

"What is soul power?" Gu Yuena tried to pry at all the information as much as possible. If not for the witch, then because of the power of the soul that was wary of it.

"You know Linghun Palace?" gu Yuan asked, while Gu Yuena nodded doubtfully. "History, their strength does not depend on the elements, but on using the soul. If one managed to use their soul power to cultivate, then he could control any soul in this world within his grasp. Every human being has a soul, and a soul is a hidden weakness. When one controls the souls of others, it is a disaster. In addition to controlling, they can also separate the body and soul to maintain life by moving to another body. This is the general learning of the late stage Yinyang Academy."

"Transfer body?"

Gu Yuan nodded. "It sounds great, but it breaks the balance of nature and is a dangerous technique. So far, only Linghun Palace has dared to practice it and do research on the soul."

Gu Yuena was getting goosebumps. His soul came from another world, he died and moved the body to this world. Is that part of the soul force? Then ... does he have that power as well which made him rejected the formation?

The longer, the more convinced he was that his arrival in this world was the interference of Linghun Palace. He must quickly resolve this issue.

Gu Yuan directed Gu Yuena to where he used to practice. As the personal disciple of the Yinyang Palace Elder, Gu Yuan received special treatment and stayed in the pavilion belonging to the Yinyang Palace Elder.

The pavilion that was built as big as the Dukes Gu Residence was dense in pure qi energy which was good for cultivation. Gu Yuena felt that she saw the more luminous and comfortable version of the Duchy of Gu.

The Dukes of Gu Residence was basically the largest residence in the Capital City. But in Yinyang Palace, the grand residence was transformed into a magnificent pavilion and filled with the nuances of nature.

Gu Yuan rarely came home. He must have been very comfortable staying here for many years and spending time with cultivation. Although cultivation was boring, the scenery was not boring at all. Coupled with Luo Yi's presence as her lover ....

Gu Yuena became envious.

"For two months, you stay here." Gu Yuan's words disperse Gu Yuena's daydream.

Gu Yuena immediately responded. "Is that good? I'm not a student of Yinyang Academy, you know."

"Why?"

Gu Yuan hissed. "Look at how you look. I'm afraid they'll take you from me. You haven't even told me about your day at Yuansu Academy."

"Sister, I told you my day is very boring and filled with drama is unclear because of Luo Youzhe and Huang Jingtian. No need to think about. I'll stay here, Brother satisfied?"

Gu Yuan smiled triumphantly. "It's late in the afternoon, do you want to eat fried chicken?"

Gu Yuena nodded enthusiastically. Fried chicken is his favorite—remember there is no kentucky here—so he became a sweet and obedient boy again.

But as soon as they were about to leave, the figure of the white-haired middle-aged man stood upright not far away from them was. He looks 80 years old. Her hair was all white until her long beard and eyebrows. There were many wrinkles, but the aura was greatly inversely proportional to the old appearance.

It is indeed worthy of being called the Elder of Yinyang Palace. His aura had a strength similar to Luo Youzhe. If he did not know that Luo Youzhe had a very high level of cultivation, he already thought that the old man in front of him was only a pavilion guard who possessed excellent strength.

Sensing the awkward situation, Gu Yuan bowed to greet. "Teacher, the disciple is back."

"Hm."

Gu Yuan straightened his back, then glanced at Gu Yuena who was also following him. "She is my sister, Gu Yuena." He introduced Gu Yuena to his teacher, then continued. "Nana, he is my teacher and Yinyang Palace Elder, Elder Gao Dali."

Gu Yuena bowed once more. "Greetings to you, Elder Gao. I am the Fourth Daughter of Duke Gu and Gu Yuan's Sister, Gu Yuena."

Elder Gao looked indifferent. "Since you are Gu Yuan's younger brother, then I will set aside the fact that you are another palace disciple."

"Thank you, Elder Gao." Gu Yuena was being polite.

"Teacher, Yuena will stay here for 2 months. Students hope that the teacher doesn't mind." Gu Yuan asked permission.

Elder Gao only nodded briefly and left just like that. Before actually leaving, he looked at Gu Yuena carefully. I don't know what he's thinking, but don't say anything more and leave as soon as possible.

Gu Yuena felt uneasy about the investigation of the old man. When passing through it, he could sense that Elder Gao's spiritual power was probing his spiritual power constitution even further. But luckily Gu Yuena was able to hold on so as not to be caught.

The day will get more complicated.

"Xiao Yuena, how are you?"

Gu Yuena and Gu Yuan's gaze was shifted on the beautiful woman after the departure of Elder Gao. It was Luo Yi. With a white uniform that was typical for her it made her level of beauty become purer and extraordinary. He approached Gu Yuena with a bright smile and a warm welcome.

"Long time no see, you look more and more beautiful." Luo Yi praised Gu Yuena as usual.

"Sister-in-law, you praise me too much. If I fly too high, you have to take responsibility."

Luo Yi laughed at Gu Yuena's joke. "It looks like the atmosphere of Hatinu is being very good."

"Ah, I just think it's Brother-in-law's good mood."

"Is something bothering you?" Luo Yi glanced at Gu Yuan seriously.

"No. .. I just feel hungry." Gu Yuena shifted the topic. He did not want to know that his mood was bad because of this annoying formation that suppressed his strength. He gets tired easily.

"I happen to be cooking something to eat. Xiao Yuena can eat with me tonight. There's fried chicken, you know."

Gu Yuena finally regained her spirit. He nodded quickly and complied while being held by Luo Yi. He completely abandoned his older brother who had not been given a chance to talk since.

"Basic woman." Gu Yuan sighed.

...ΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩΩ...

While eating, Gu Yuena told Luo Yi various things about the academy. It started from the entrance exam to Luo Youzhe's annoying problem. Gu Yuan was also by his side listening as a forgotten shadow.

Most of the stories were revealing how upset Gu Yuena was to Luo Youzhe. Although he might occasionally allow Huang Jingtian and some of his friends as well as Wang Liang and Lin Susu to be annoying, the whole story remained more dominant regarding the unruly Luo Youzhe.

Without giving any confidential and important information, Gu Yuena revealed all the— except the disguise section as a man and hostel.

"So that's how it is. Even until the holidays arrive, I still have to argue with Luo Youzhe before parting ways. Ah, yes, I also won a bet of 10,000 gold taels with Lin Susu so as to hire a nice horse, very fun."

"Xiao Yuena, you're very good at business." Luo Yi brandished a thumb.

"Challenging rashly is too dangerous. Next time it's to be taken into account." Gu Yuan still disagreed with his sister challenging many people like men and continued to fight nonstop. What if I get hurt?

"Not to worry. I know the limits. You didn't see me get hurt, did you?"

"Don't hunt alone anymore. When it's back later, ask Huang Jingtian or Luo Youzhe to accompany you to practice in the forest and hunt."

Gu Yuena's face darkened. "All right." He did not promise.

"You're getting very close to Youzhe. I almost thought that you were in the same dorm because you kept talking about it."

Sister-in-law, you are always on target. Gu Yuena could only put on a forced smile. "That's impossible, isn't it?"

"Yes, by her nature, it would be difficult for her roommate to live the day. Even here, Luo Youzhe insisted on having his own room. He's braver than you think."

"Including doing random tests?"

"That's one of them." Luo Yi looked not surprised. That guy is really very unruly.

"Then, how did he graduate?"

"Of course thanks to the recommendation of the King of Yinyang Palace. I don't know what he's doing. But it was possible that due to his cultivation speed surpassing that of ordinary people as well as defeating the Elders, it was only then that he had gained recognition."

Gu Yuena was surprised. "Beat the Elders?"

Gu Yuan said, "Not all the Elders at the same time, but at least he managed to defeat two of them. At that time his name became very splashy in Yinyang Palace. In addition to going in and out and often truant, nothing can be used as an excuse to punish him. Even now I'm surprised to know he's at Yuansu Academy."

"Sister-in-law, you didn't know Luo Youzhe entered Yuansu Academy?" Gu Yuena made sure. His family should know, right?

Luo Yi shook her head not knowing.

"You know Su Churan?" Gu Yuena became curious as to what Luo Youzhe had been doing all this time and for what.

"He was a friend of Youzhe. His family was from the Su Clan. At the age of 13, the long-lost Youzhe took him to a residence and lived in the Luo Clan. That's no secret."

When Luo Youzhe was 13 years old, meaning 8 years ago, coincided with the destruction of the Su Clan and Gu Yuena who went to save Su Churan. At that time Gu Yuena should have been 10 years old and was still too clumsy to understand anything other than trying to defend her friend.

"Xiao Yuena, you are also Su Churan's friend, right? You know where he's going?"

Gu Yuena shook her head quickly. "He ... went with Luo Youzhe. Don't know where."

"I thought so." Luo Yi sighed.

"Luo Youzhe often disappeared. You as a family should be worried and looking for her."

"Eight years ago, when Youzhe disappeared for months, someone said not to always look for him, because it was in vain." Luo Yi explained briefly.

Gu Yuena sneered, feeling astonished. Which freak let a child disappear without news for months? It doesn't make much sense.

"Not to be surprised. It was no secret that Luo Youzhe was the Clan Chief's adopted son. He came to the Klan when he was 5 years old orphaned. Only, many had forgotten about it because of that popularity. Before disappearing, Youzhe was very quiet and didn't talk much. But after it disappeared, its nature became as you know it. Always look for trouble, never shut up, and keep people going up in blood. It's really hard to manage."

"So it's like that." Gu Yuena came to mind. He felt, what Luo Youzhe did was quite reasonable as part of surviving.

A 5-year-old boy lost his family. It was a huge blow that was hard to forget. In order to make that extremely prestigious Luo Clan accept Luo Youzhe with open arms despite his nature so, it was likely that the person behind Luo Youzhe would be able to scare the Luo Clan. So, Luo Youzhe did not completely lose the family. He was just laid down for a while.

When he was a teenager, he disappeared. It was likely that Luo Youzhe knew something regarding the past and began to plan on changing everyone's perception of him.

He covered up his talent, then made his reputation as bad as possible so as not to be wary of the enemy. That's the best way. Lastly, he will come like everyone else and give a big surprise.

Such a way of thinking is only obtained by someone who has experienced the tragedy of life and death. Gu Yuena had felt it.

Luo Youzhe, who are you exactly?