Chapter 73 - Crystal Valley Formation

Since this chapter surpasses 10k words, I decided to split it in two, but both parts will be uploaded at the same time. I hope it makes for the long wait. Trust me, I have not been lazy. I was just writing a lot. 😂

The next day, they left Zhu Yan's mansion early in the morning after changing into winter clothes. Li Lun shared his memories of the area close to the valley, and Ying Lei used his Shanhai portal. He chose this method because his Kunlun Díshòu guardians would have drained his energy too much.

Shortly thereafter, they stood on a small hill overlooking the stunning view of Crystal Valley below. The scene was both breathtaking and eerie—every flower, blade of grass, tree, leaf, and rock gleamed like glass under the sun's rays. Yet, the valley exuded a chilling coldness that could be felt even from afar. Scattered throughout the landscape were also the crystal statues of curious or unlucky demons who had been frozen there over the centuries, unable to withstand Bing Yi's freezing formation.

"This landscape gives you so many mixed feelings. It's definitely breathtaking, but also so deadly," Wen Xiao said as they started down the hill into the valley.

"That's exactly what Bing Yi was his whole life, so his formation has to be the same way. My father was fascinated with him from the first moment he laid eyes on him. Beautiful and deadly, cold on the surface, but warm and caring underneath. It goes without saying—my father was instantly smitten, and he never left his side unless he absolutely had to. It took Ying Long a while to make Bing Yi fall for him, but when he did, Bing Yi fell harder than anyone. There wasn't a thing Bing Yi wouldn't do for him, including crafting love spells—like the one dear brother-in-law made for Li Lun back then. It's a shame they've had to be apart for so long, but their reunion is drawing closer now." Zhu Yan grabbed Yichen's hand and pressed a soft kiss to it, which made him smile.

"Baobei, I assure you I've fallen for you the hardest. Your every word is my command. I won't fall behind my father-in-law." Yichen flushed slightly, and all the ice tattoos across his body glimmered a little more brightly. After all, he was already in his human side, 'Bing Yi mode.'

"Stop the nonsense, Zhu Yan. Let's focus on what we need to do next. I will rely on our core link to neutralize the formation's freezing effects, but since I have never attempted this before, it would be safer for me to enter the valley alone and see whether I can withstand the strain. Once I confirm that it is safe, you may come in. Still, if any of you sense even the slightest freezing effect, inform me at once. If it fails for some reason, Ying Lei can teleport us away and we can try another solution," Yichen explained, but Zhu Yan refused to accept it.

"It will succeed, Baobei, and you are not going into that valley by yourself. Your husband is already accustomed to Bing Yi's cold nature. Having grown up with him, I am not only the perfect lover for you but also the ideal teacher. I understand well how Bing Yi's energy works and how to handle it effectively," Zhu Yan declared firmly, while Bai Jiu rolled his eyes and moved closer to Ying Lei.

"He's praising himself again, but how dare he imply that Xiao Zhuo Ge loves him less? The nerve! Which isn't true, because my Ge loves that monkey more than he should." Hearing this, Yichen smirked but squeezed Zhu Yan's hand so he would let it go.

"You are all so full of life. Honestly, in a relationship, it doesn't matter who fell in love first or who loves more. What truly counts is that both partners love, respect, and care for each other. That's the foundation of a healthy, long-lasting relationship, just like the one Xiao Jin and I have." Wen Xiao shared, holding onto Pei Sijing's arm and leaning in closer. 

"She isn't all that different from Zhu Yan..." Bai Jiu whispered to Ying Lei.

"Naturally, she isn't, but she is right. And Zhu Yan, I believe you have forgotten that I was Bing Yi's sword longer than you have been alive, which means I can teach my Didi much more than you ever could. So, Didi, you can always count on me for whatever you need," Yun Guang told Yichen, while Siheng sighed beside him.

"Honestly, does this conversation even matter right now?" Siheng muttered, making Yun Guang turn toward him.

"There's no reason to be jealous, Xiao Heng. You hold just as much space in my heart as my Didi does." He told Siheng, who merely rolled his eyes.

"Why would I be jealous, you fool? You're every bit as shameless as Zhu Yan, and I think we have more important matters to concentrate on. Now that there have been changes in our original plans, how will our awakenings be done now?" Siheng asked, and everyone looked at Yun Guang, who was the core of their linked spell.

"The plan hasn't changed all that much on our part. I will set the formations as planned, but since Xiao Chen and Xiao Xuan are already awakened, and the rest of you have partially done it too, things will be smoother than anticipated. In fact, your awakenings are not a concern right now, but whatever we can find, Bing Yi, in time. The heaven's gate has been open in this realm, and so did the hell gate too, and let me tell you, that's not a small feat that can be passed unnoticed by those with great power. Thus the disruptions in this world may have reached Cheng Huang and made him stir even more. What do you think, Wen Xiao?" Yun Guang asked her and Wen Xiao to remember the dream she had last night.

"Since our battle with the Black Calamity and later Qiongqi, my insight has faded. I can't predict what lies ahead in Crystal Valley, but last night I had a fleeting dream where the Biaze goddess spoke to me, hinting that something significant is destined to occur in the valley. I'm not sure what it is, but I feel it's vital to defeat Cheng Huang. Although I can't be certain of our success, I believe we'll win. I long to return home and have our story immortalized as a legend," Wen Xiao added in good spirit.

"Then we should hurry and get this over with." Li Lun said, prompting them to quicken their steps, and before long, they reached the valley's entrance.

Because Yichen was dispelling the freezing formation's effects, the cold they experienced was nothing like what they had expected. Nothing like the icy peril they had imagined, where they might become crystal statues themselves, just like the strange demons they had seen frozen in place while entering the valley. They stayed in pairs and followed closely behind Yichen for a few hours, until he stopped and first surveyed their surroundings, then looked down. Through Bing Yi's borrowed energy and his godly core, Yichen sensed that this was the place he needed to be.

"We're here. This is where Bing Yi landed back then and set the formation," Yichen declared. Yun Guang could also detect the raw energy surging from beneath the thick blanket of snow. Then, all at once, Bing Yi's 'flower' core flew from Yichen's robes and suspended itself in the air, pulsing steadily.

At that very moment, Nuwa's presence stirred within Yixuan's consciousness, whispering into his mind while his eyes turned gold. Yun Guang also sensed the strength of their Nine Stars spell answering in harmony, while Yichen felt Bing Yi's energy surge through him, increasing exponentially as though Bing Yi's core were feeding him.

"Yun Guang, Nuwa wants to craft a new formation for us. Now that she can interact with Bing Yi's core, she can create an array that better suits our current needs. This will also allow her to provide us with something significant she's been saving for this occasion. She'll lead my brother and me through this new heavenly array, and when it's ready to be activated, you'll also understand what to do next. This will allow Zhu Yan and Li Lun to channel the energy into their cultivation without needing to stabilize the formation themselves," Yixuan explained, and Yun Guang gazed at the floating flower, his expression growing more serious by the moment.

"Then, we should follow her instructions as she suggested. If Nuwa is willing to personally reconstruct the formation, then what she wants to give us must be of utter importance," Yixuan nodded. His golden eyes stayed locked on the five-colored light now visible pulsing within the flower steadily.

"She said something else. This formation will awaken their cores according to their true nature. Meaning, you may change in ways you expect or into something you didn't. Like my brother having horns, even if not permanent, or Bai Jiu turning into a tree." Bai Jiu's eyes widened.

"What? No way! I mean, I can't do my job if I turn into a tree." He panicked.

"I am literally a tree, and I can do far more than you," Li Lun argued.

"But you can change forms. I can't." Bai Jiu fights back.

"Don't worry, Xiao Jiu. I mentioned that just as an example. However, among us, you especially need to embrace the legacy of the Divine Tree with all your heart, regardless of how it might change your appearance." Yixuan said, causing everyone to look at him with confusion.

"Why?" Ying Lei asked first, though Yichen quickly realized what his brother meant.

"His mother was turned into a tree by a demon when he was a child. If her tree is still technically alive, and he gains the wisdom of the Divine Tree, he may find a way to bring her back." Yichen explained on his brother's behalf, and as the others gasped in astonishment, Bai Jiu felt as though lightning had crashed down upon him. Never had he imagined that, after so many years of anguish and suffering, he might still obtain the power to save his dormant mother. His eyes brimmed with tears, while hope seized his heart. Ying Lei drew him into an embrace.

"If you become a tree, I swear I'll teach you how to change form, and if you're unable to turn your mother into a human again, I will do everything I can to make it happen. Though Zhu Yan most likely can restore her with a single word," Li Lun gazed at his friend, who answered with a smile.

"I wasn't aware of her situation, but naturally, if she can be brought back, I will lend my power as well." Zhu Yan promised, and for the first time, Bai Jiu released every grievance he had held against Zhu Yan. Freeing himself from Ying Lei's hold, he bowed to Zhu Yan.

"I hope I could be the one possessing the power to save my mother, but if I cannot, please save her on my behalf. I will remain grateful to you forever." He spoke earnestly, while Yichen gently tousled his hair with affection.

"You don't need to be thankful. It will be our deepest wish to return what was unfairly taken from you." Yixuan said, and Bai Jiu pretty much tossed himself to him, wrapping his arms around him tightly.

"Xiao Xuan Ge... thanks for giving me hope. I owe you so much..." Yixuan softly rubbed his back.

"You don't owe me anything. We were chosen for a reason, and for our hardships, the heavens will show us mercy. They will surely make your family whole again." Bai Jiu held him tighter as he asented, and even Li Lun felt touched.

"Aww, that is incredibly sweet..." Wen Xiao murmured as she held hands with Sijing's.

"It is. Shall we start, then?" Siheng asked. Bai Jiu released Yixuan and brushed away his tears, while Ying Lei draped an arm around his shoulders and tenderly kissed his forehead.

"Yes, there could be no better moment to start again." Yixuan looked toward his brother, who nodded in understanding.

Yichen stepped beneath Bing Yi's flower, which floated at the center of the formation. The cold suddenly intensified, not enough to harm the others, as Yichen was already suppressing the formation, but enough to set every crystal in the valley humming in resonance.

Then Bing Yi's flower unfolds. Rather than petals, a surge of energy erupts from its core, enveloping Yichen in an azure aura reminiscent of a frozen flame. His horns grow longer, and icy patterns blaze across his body. But unlike before, these markings do more than glimmer. They form a pattern infused with the ancient power in Bing Yi's blood. 

Yichen realizes that Bing Yi is seeking his consent to ensure the transformation is not imposed upon him. Previously, in his haste to protect his people, the rushed process had caused him significant pain. This time, however, Yichen is approached for a controlled transformation, and he grants his consent willingly.

Then Yichen's body began to change. His fingers morphed into claws, and his spine arched slightly, while his hair turned into a mane of blue and white. His skin was soon replaced by soft blue scales, and under the blinding divine power, the young azure dragon soared into the sky, majestic and radiant as ever.

Yichen didn't roar on his way up. Instead, he gazed down at his family and friends, noticing his beloved looking up at him with adoration. Then he became acutely aware of everything within the formation. He sensed Yixuan, felt Nuwa's touch upon him, and perceived Zhu Yan's energy connecting with his as if they were one. He also experienced the resonance of their cores and the excitement it brought. Bai Jiu was thrilled, Ying Lei was filled with anticipation, Wen Xiao was eager, Sijing was ready to embrace her destiny, Siheng was impressed, Li Lun was prepared to ensure Yixuan's well-being and accept the gift offered, and Yun Guang beamed with pride. Zhu Yan simply loved him more.

These were the people he was now in charge of protecting. He now found himself responsible for their lives, a new role that, for the first time in his life, made him feel as though he had become their shield rather than the one being shielded. It was a wonderful sensation, and Zhu Yan's smile at him only reinforced that feeling. Zhu Yan understood deeply what it meant to be a shield, and his human side couldn't help it. His heart skipped a beat for him.

Eager to be part of something extraordinary, Yichen reached down with one large claw, gently securing Bing Yi's flower. As he did, a pale blue frost spread up his foreleg. With Bing Yi's core safely in place, Yichen began circling the lengthy extension of the formation. Each circle left a translucent trail of five colors emanating from the stone that guarded Bing Yi's core. This served as the ultimate shield, wielding power capable of sealing worlds for an eternity.

The trail linked with the Nine Stars of their core spell, forming the outer boundary of the new formation. One circle followed another, methodically enclosing the entire area in a barrier that resembled a fading rainbow. Upon completing the final circle, the array beneath the snow emerged, becoming visible to everyone, like a projection. Translucent, intricate heavenly symbols, patterns, and lines glowed in amber, giving it a mystical appearance as the entire formation began to rotate like a clock that had been frozen in time. The valley trembled momentarily, and the seal came fully under Yichen's control.

At that moment, Yichen represented the living barrier of the formation designed to hold a formidable power destined to arise there. Within his boundary, nothing can escape, nor can any external force breach it without his consent. At that moment, he was as much a dragon god as his brother was a heavenly deity. There, he could sense his brother's intentions, along with those of Yun Guang, as well as Li Lun and Zhu Yan, who silently express their readiness to help stabilize the formation if necessary.

Once his part was mostly done, Yichen finally settled around the formation, his massive dragon form creating a protective circle around everyone, with his head resting near Zhu Yan. He holds the flower in his claw and focuses on Yixuan. Through their core connection, he communicates, "Ge, it's done. Do what you need to do. I won't let anything touch you. I'm here to be your guardian." Yixuan didn't need to voice his pride in his brother. Yichen acknowledges it with a slow nod. Yixuan then closes his eyes. 

Nuwa's consciousness gently awakened within him, providing guidance rather than control. His eyes turned deep golden, and he placed his trust in her wisdom. With a graceful movement of his hand, he drew a celestial spell in the air, causing the formation beneath them to transform. A golden-white mist emerged from the snow, following the energy pathways of the valley. It swirled around Yixuan's feet, gradually enveloping his legs and waist, until he appeared almost suspended in a sea of divine clouds, embodying the god he truly was in that moment.

In response to his mental call, a single glimmer of light emerges at the top of his brother's protective barrier. It looked like a miniature sun with a white hue, then fothers followed, until all nine shimmering stars were visible, hovering above the group and creating a spectrum of colors as they slowly revolved around the center. They then interconnect with a divine thread, forming a celestial pattern overhead. 

The energy pulsates rhythmically like a heartbeat, and beneath this configuration, vibrant streams of energy cascade toward the five cores waiting to be awakened. Yun Guang senses this power brushing against his own core, as if it is inviting him to harness and control it freely. Then Yixuan raised his hand and softly recited the celestial incantation that filled the air with a sense of serenity.

"By heaven's decree, by ancestral right, and through the alliance of the Nine Stars, all that lay dormant is to awaken." And then it happened... DONG! Nine bells sounded like that you may hear on temples on special occasions, resonating through the air, seemingly emanating from everywhere at once, yet the bells themselves remained invisible to their eyes.

This profound sound collided with the barrier, unleashing a shockwave that ignited the entire formation from all sides. Despite its intensity, no danger was felt inside. Suddenly, ancient runes flared on Yichen's dragon form, spread across the snow, encircled Yixuan, and traced the circular boundary. It was a celestial acknowledgment of their actions, prompting Yichen with a clear sense of what to do next.

Fueled by Bing Yi's divine power, Yichen opened his jaws, releasing a stream of blue divine fire. Rather than consuming, this fire wove through the formation, linking the golden runes with the Nine Stars. Once the fire settled, an expansive array emerged, filled with heavenly flaming symbols that appeared to be ablaze yet were cold to the touch. The frozen demons scattered across the valley remained dormant, yet their crystalline forms began to emit a faint glow under Bing Yi's power as well as the hevens.

Yixuan shifted his focus to Yun Guang, the pivotal link in their bond and the Nine Star spell. At his command, a star at the top of the barrier began to pulse and shifted towards the sword spirit, casting an orange glow over him. This enhanced his mastery of the spell and allowed him to draw more energy from their individual stars during its casting. Ying Lei's star was the one in orange, symbolizing the power of the earth and the essence of what Kunlun stood for, which Yun Guang could sense deeply.

"It's your turn, Yun Guang. This is your right and the reason you awaken as a spirit again after being dormant for so long since Bing Yi's disappearance. You were meant to unite us all as one, so we could grow stronger and protect each other. The stars are at your command. Give it everything you've got." Yixuan smiled gently, and Yun Guang bowed respectfully to him before turning to look at Ying Lei. As he approached him, Yichen mentally urged Zhu Yan to begin cultivating, knowing that divine energy would soon overflow inside the barrier. With a playful wink, Zhu Yan complied, sitting on the snow as instructed. Li Lun joined in shortly after.

AN: Alright, this is just the warming up, now you can read the actual awakenings in the next chapter posted at the same time, in this double update. Hope you like it. Enjoy the crazy awakenings in their messy fun way.