Every Lifetime I Fall {COMPLETED but undergoing revisions}

Chapter 36: Third Life - The Revealed Truth

"Senior Luo, look! This is the hidden hot springs that is heated by the glowing crystals of Shui Jing Mountain," Xiao Kai pointed at the pools of steam.

We took an unconventional route to avoid meeting the other sects' people. If we came across too many of them, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to overpower them while also protecting Xiao Kai.

"I could definitely use a warm bath right now," I said as I put my hands on my hips and stretched.

We didn't normally get such luxury back at Crimson Snow Valley. I wasn't going to let this opportunity pass. Plus we'd been walking for days, got drenched in rain water, and suffered chilling nights. This should be an exception.

"Let's go for a refreshing dip, Xiao Kai."

I took off my outer wear and threw it aside. As I was about to take off my beige undershirt, Xiao Kai blocked her eyes immediately.

"You're not going to bathe?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"If you don't want to that's fine. Keep an eye out for the others."

She nodded quickly.

With my bare naked body, I entered the hot springs slowly absorbing the embrace of hot water. It was amazing. I wished I could bathe in this hot spring everyday. It literally took away all the stress from my body, allowing ultimate relaxation. I scooped up the clear water and washed my face. As I leaned against the wall of the pool, I saw the back of a shy Xiao Kai.

We finally made our way up the mountain. I led while Xiao Kai followed closely behind. It looked like we were the first to arrive. The cave entrance to the Star Gem was covered in sharp crystals. The crystals sparkled in varying shades of lavender.

"Senior Luo, how are we going to get passed?"

Observing the edges of the crystals, I placed a hand through.

"Senior Luo, careful!"

Turning to her, I said, "There is a way in, and it's straight through."

"What?"

"The light and clarity from the crystals is projecting an image that makes it look as though one cannot pass through. Carefully, we must squeeze unto the other side. Can you do it?"

"Yes."

"All right. Follow me."

Carefully maneuvering through the illusion of a crystal maze, I saw an opening to a spacious cave on the other side. Almost slipping head first into a pike, I turned. The sharp needle point cut off a piece of my sleeve, leaving a trail of blood. When we finally, got over to the open space, I examined Xiao Kai. No cuts.

"Now that was the easy part," I told her, "We have to be quick and locate the gem."

I didn't want to get caught by the other sect. Now that we were inside the mountain caves, I'd have to be on the look out for them as well as the dangerous environment.

"Senior Luo, that light... could it be?" Xiao Kai led me down a dark path. We stopped inside a cave with an opened ceiling. The light purple sky was highlighted by the glow of the Star Gem. It sat on top of a crumbling asteroid. I was tempted to reach for it.

"Thanks for leading us to the gem, Na Li," a voice echoed.

Turning around, I saw Hong Su Ruo. She was from Tuan Jie Mountain, one of Sect Leader Song's people.

"Lu Kai, carefully grab the Star Gem and retreat," I quietly said over my shoulder.

"But Senior--"

"Do as I say!"

Returning my attention to Su Ruo, I said, "What are you thanking me for? I may have led you to the Star Gem, but I'm not going to let you have it."

"Then I guess I'm going to have to take it off your dead body."

She threw a dagger at my face, but I was able to deflect the attack by side stepping to the right. Quickly, she pulled out her sword and aimed for my stomach. Staring from the corner of my eyes, I saw the light reflecting from her sword. Swiftly, I summoned my Meteor Sword in hand and blocked her blow. She was taken aback by my speed.

What did she expect? I was the infamous top disciple of Crimson Snow Valley. Of course, I wasn't expect anything less than challenging from her either. She was the best student from Tuan Jie Mountain.

The clashing of our swords ensued. Face to face with swords in confrontation, I asked, "Where's that buddy of yours you always dragged around? Waiting for the moment to make a sneak attack?"

"Ha! I can take you on myself."

Sliding my sword on top of hers, I pushed her with the concentrated powers at my palm. She flew into the distance with her sword dropped to the ground.

Belittling her, I asked, "Are you sure about that?"

"Watch out, Senior Luo!" Turning around I saw Xiao Kai blocking me from a sword coming our direction. The detestable disciple of Sect Leader Song could be seen in the distance with his arms extended out. He was the one who orchestrated that sneak attack. Xiao Kai used the sheath of her sword to block him, but his force caused her to hit her chest with a vigorous amount of strength.

Suddenly a surge of electrical light blinded my eyes, and a wave of irrational wind pushed me into a wall of the cave. Like tornado cycling the space, I could not keep my eyes open as I worried about Xiao Kai.

Once the wind stopped, I ran over to Xiao Kai. The two bastards from Tuan Jie were lifelessly lying on the ground as I ran pass.

"Lu Kai," I grabbed onto her shoulders and placed her on my lap, "Wake up!"

She didn't respond. I lightly tapped her face a few times. Just then a light of lavender glowed from inside her robe brightly, and markings like branches of a tree crawled underneath the surface of her skin. All over. Her face and hands glowed.

"What? What is this?" I said.

Is she poisoned??

I unclothed her to locate the source of the marks, but was shocked by what I saw.

Lu Kai wasn't a girl... but a boy.