Chapter 1660: Two Sleeves Empty, Intent Very Round; Completely Resolving the Damage Hexagram, the Period is Already Complete

The entire place was silent.

Suddenly, Yue Gongli reacted, his face flushing a deep crimson.

“Dao Nitian, who exactly are you alluding to? Let's be direct. If you have a knife, why not just stab me outright instead of beating around the bush?”

“Brother-in-law, I…” Yue Gongli quickly turned, looking anxiously at Xu Xiaoshou's stomach. That remark was too powerful. Anyone from a Saint Emperor clan would understand the implications of passing the 'Heart Inquiry' trial. It signified absolute loyalty! It meant sacrificing everything—family, friendship, and love—for the sake of the clan's legacy! What did this represent? Yue Gongli knew all too well what it represented to outsiders: a complete contradiction to the ideals of the current Ten Revered Ones! In that instant, Yue Gongli could almost see Death reaching out to him, while the God of Life desperately tried to sow seeds of wisdom into his mind… But his quick thinking truly paled in comparison to Dao Qiongcang's. Amidst a flurry of worries and anxieties, he finally decided to start explaining, even as he was still figuring out what to say.

However, Xu Xiaoshou waved his hand and said calmly: “Your brother-in-law is gone.”

Yue Gongli felt like he had punched cotton; he stumbled and froze on the spot. The explanation, whose content he himself hadn't even fully formed, got caught in his throat before he swallowed it back down. He lowered his head, shook it a few times, and a corner of his mouth twitched, unable to utter a sound. After a moment, he let out a self-deprecating laugh. “Heh… What was I thinking? He's Ba Zun'an! Not everyone is a scoundrel like Dao Qiongcang. Since Ba Zun'an had decided from the start not to act against him, how could he be swayed by a few words from Dao Qiongcang? There was nothing in this world that could shake his resolve, and only one person, that too only once in all these years. Who am I? In his eyes, why would I be worth going back on his word for? It’s been over thirty years, and he still hasn’t learned to look people in the eye…”

Yue Gongli clenched his fists tightly, then quickly released them. Relief at surviving the ordeal, and resentment at being ignored and disregarded, surged simultaneously. Although his current standing was precarious, compared to them… In an instant, Yue Gongli was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, unsure how to react. But the Saint Emperor's successor possessed great composure and quickly managed his complex emotions. He bowed his head towards Xu Xiaoshou's stomach: “Thank you, brother-in-law, for sparing my life.” Then he raised his eyes to meet Xu Xiaoshou’s cold gaze: “Thank you, Master Shou, for your leniency.” Turning, he glanced back at Dao Nitian, whom he wished to tear to pieces, opened his mouth, and tears welled up: “Thank you, Brother Dao, for letting me off the hook!”

Dao Qiongcang was expressionless. At this moment, he had completely detached from Cao Er’zhu’s body. With a flick of a card, he conjured his own physical body. Once he possessed it, the puppet became lifelike and remarkably nimble. Yet, despite this lifelike body, indistinguishable from a human, its face now wore an expression harder than stone. He lowered his eyelids, seemingly deep in thought. Yue Gongli bowed to him, utterly respectful. His gaze followed, tracing from Yue Gongli's left chest to his neck, to his back ribs, then from his back up to his head and back to his chest. Yue Gongli’s soul felt a chill, as if walking on thin ice. After standing up, their eyes met again. Tears streamed down Yue Gongli’s face like sleet, while Dao Qiongcang remained in contemplation. They stared at each other like this for an unknown period…

Finally, Dao Qiongcang’s lips curved into a smile. He reached out and pinched the soul-body's cheek in front of him, then patted his face, letting out a cheerful laugh: “Just a joke, Brother Yue, why so serious? You and I are like brothers, confidants. Do you really think I’d try to kill you?” Yue Gongli’s face twitched as he took half a step back, vigorously wiping his face, forcing out a not-so-stiff smile: “Haha, Brother Dao…”

“Did my touch make you dirty?”

The laughter abruptly ceased. Yue Gongli reacted at light speed, quickly lowering his hand from his face, forcing out two dry, almost tearful laughs: “Ahaha, that’s not what I meant…”

“If it’s dirty, wipe it with a handkerchief.” Dao Qiongcang shook his head with a light chuckle, elegantly retrieving a handkerchief from his chest pocket and offering it. Then he suddenly slapped his forehead: “Look at me, my mind slipped! I almost forgot to help you reform your physical body.” Yue Gongli’s pupils constricted, and he frantically waved his hands, signaling no. His entire soul-body emitted strong signals of rejection. Without a word, Dao Qiongcang unleashed a Great Blessing Art. Yue Gongli shrieked repeatedly, and before long, the simplest physical body was reformed for him.

“Th-thank you, Brother Dao…”

“The handkerchief.”

“No need…”

“It’s dirty.”

“It’s not dirty! Really not dirty!”

“Take it.”

“No, really no need…”

Dao Qiongcang’s smile vanished. Yue Gongli shuddered in fear, snatched the handkerchief with a snap, carefully folded it, and, not daring to wipe, clutched it in his palm behind his back. “Thank you, Brother Dao.”

Cao Er’zhu felt as if he’d been zapped, and he jolted. He looked at Dao Qiongcang, who was smiling silently. Then he looked back at his own physical body, which still held a subtle smile on its face, having just stated it wanted to give Ba Zun'an a piece of advice before freezing in place. For the first time, Cao Er’zhu felt he looked so detestable, even more terrifying than his own father! “Everything this Dao guy says and does seems normal, but why does he give off such an unsettling vibe?” Cao Er’zhu felt that Uncle Yi’s approach was correct; he shouldn’t have come forward just because of Sister Bayue. No one targeted by this “Uncle Dao” ever came to a good end!

“Er’zhu, come here.” No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than Cao Er’zhu shivered, for Dao Qiongcang was beckoning him.

“What do you want?” He looked wary. Xu Xiaoshou even took a step sideways, slightly blocking Er’zhu. Although Cao Er’zhu, from inside to out, from soul to body, had already been thoroughly 'violated' by Dao Qiongcang, any less touching was a bonus. After all, even he felt a shiver watching Dao Qiongcang enthusiastically help Yue Gongli reform his body. Could that body really still be used? He’d probably wake up scared or choked in his sleep, wouldn’t he?

“You’re even wary of me?” Dao Qiongcang found this amusing.

Xu Xiaoshou: “A gentleman has no need for caution.”

Cao Er’zhu’s expression froze. Looking at Brother Xiaoshou’s slender back shielding him, he felt it was profound. 'A gentleman has no need for caution,' what does that mean? A gentleman wouldn't be wary of you, but I am, so I’m a villain… Is Brother Xiaoshou scolding himself? Or is it, I wouldn't be wary of a gentleman, but I am wary of you, which means you’re a villain… Is Brother Xiaoshou scolding Dao Qiongcang? Cao Er’zhu scratched his head, thought it over, and finally let out a “Wow.” Dao Qiongcang chuckled at the silly, naive Er’zhu’s “Wow.”

Xu Xiaoshou enjoyed these enigmatic pronouncements, and the best way to deal with them was to ignore them: “I need to help my nephew's soul reattach to his physical body. If I’m not inside him and no one helps, the longer his soul and body are separated, the more damage will occur. This isn’t just about memory; it also includes his Dao foundation and various other aspects. Do you understand?”

“I don't understand…”

Xu Xiaoshou shook his head, indicating that Dao Qiongcang should move aside. He couldn't do it, but he could step in. Dao Qiongcang showed little respect for Yue Gongli’s lingering soul, but he still held considerable respect for Master Shou, with whom he had fought alongside. He merely chuckled and stepped aside.

“Er’zhu, it might hurt a bit later, just follow my lead.”

“Mhm, mhm.” Er’zhu trusted Brother Xiaoshou deeply and nodded repeatedly.

Xu Xiaoshou immediately activated his Life Dao Disk, and using the Ghost Sword Art's soul-controlling technique, he manipulated Er’zhu’s cooperative soul, guiding it back into his body. He had never done this before. He had helped people separate their souls and bodies, but this was his first time helping them merge. But there’s a first time for everything. Xu Xiaoshou observed Cao Er’zhu’s life patterns, carefully attempting to merge them back by tracking changes in the Dao patterns. It went smoothly. The profundity of Life was indeed remarkable. Although it was his first time merging a soul and body, and it was a bit painful, Er’zhu gritted his teeth without a sound, clearly possessing excellent endurance.

Just as he was about to succeed… “Buzz!” Cao Er’zhu’s life patterns abruptly changed, rapidly dimming as if he were on the verge of death. What’s happening? Xu Xiaoshou was startled. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that two souls were clinging to Er’zhu’s body, almost merging into one under the catalysis of his life energy. And until this moment, that second soul had not made a sound. Who are you, on my Pillar-Baby… Wait! Xu Xiaoshou’s pupils trembled, and he remembered something, turning pale with shock. My goodness, Shen Yi is still here! Did he practice some kind of isolation technique? Why is his presence so low? No, this guy hasn't said a single word from beginning to end… Even when Ba Zun'an arrived, he didn't even greet him. Is he practicing some silent meditation, valuing words like gold to this extent?

“Shen Yi!”

“I’m here.”

“Come out! Why are you playing mute? You’re going to kill Er’zhu.”

“I can’t come out.” Shen Yi certainly wasn't joking. As soon as he said this, Xu Xiaoshou recalled the scene he had witnessed in the second world of Illusory Sword Art: Shen Yi using the Four Abnegations to shatter Cuiyin’s physical body. He had learned the Four Abnegations, but he truly didn't dare use it unless it was a last resort. Sacrificing the body isn't like a normal person's body being destroyed, recoverable with rare treasures. It exchanges abandonment for power, as if naturally devoid of a physical form. While this 'one-for-one' burst was extreme, its consequences were dire. At the very least, it wasn’t something Shen Yi could quickly recover from to re-form a physical body. Ancient martial arts were indeed this simple and brutal. Just as with sacrificing the body, so too with sacrificing the soul, consciousness, or self. If the Four Abnegations meant sacrificing everything, Xu Xiaoshou couldn't even imagine the power that could be unleashed temporarily. But he could foresee the outcome: The person would cease to be, and even their very existence would be erased from the memories of the world. Even the Medicine Ancestor’s resurrection might not be able to reverse it. It could only be said that at that time, Shen Yi was truly ruthless! And decisive enough to nip many troubles in the bud!

“I can help.” Dao Qiongcang offered proactively, as if he had anticipated the current development: “I can provide a Heavenly Machine Puppet. Shen Yi can temporarily reside in it. Although he still won’t be able to control a physical body, it can act as a ‘buffer’. Let’s revive one first. Nephew Er’zhu is more important… Hmm, women and children are important, the elderly aren’t. My Xu, wouldn’t you agree?”

Why did that sound familiar? Xu Xiaoshou’s eyes widened as he suddenly looked back. No, flamboyant old Daoist, are you really that vengeful? I just said that casually at the time…

“I refuse.” Before Xu Xiaoshou could refuse, Shen Yi had already transmitted a soul message in secret: “Xu Xiaoshou, I don’t want to speak with Dao Qiongcang. Please reject all his intentions, good or ill, on my behalf. If possible, please help me revive my physical body; if not, please allow me to continue residing in Er’zhu's soul. I can protect him, and Er’zhu can protect me. I don't want a Heavenly Machine Puppet, nor the Great Blessing Art.”

His words were blunt, blunt enough to warrant deep thought. Shen Yi actually feared Dao Qiongcang to such an extent that he refused to say even one extra word… Yes, he was right. Someone as talkative as Yue Gongli was almost played to death just now. Saying more means more mistakes, saying less means fewer mistakes, saying nothing means no mistakes. And even now, Shen Yi was still guarding against Dao Qiongcang acting against Cao Er’zhu… Yes, caution was warranted; Shen Yi was right. The puppet controlled Shen Yi, and Er’zhu controlled Kuilei. Dao Qiongcang's elaborate scheme was clearly ringing out, so how had he let his guard down? Xu Xiaoshou felt a jolt of realization, secretly cursed the flamboyant old Daoist a few times, then forced a smile and was about to refuse his 'kind' offer.

“How uninteresting.” Dao Qiongcang’s eyelids drooped, and with a flick of his wrist, he put away the Heavenly Machine Puppet, muttering softly, audible only to those nearby: “Speaking behind someone's back is truly boring…”

Xu Xiaoshou wasn't embarrassed at all; in fact, he was glad, as it meant avoiding a verbal spar with this guy. With a shift of his Life Dao Disk, he was immediately going to try a different method for Cao Er’zhu’s soul-body merger. Dao Qiongcang, without turning his head, threw a remark back: “One primary, one auxiliary; roots and stems mutually supportive. While a soul-body that has sacrificed its physical form is indeed in a difficult position, he is Shen Yi, very powerful, and can act as an auxiliary stem. Er’zhu’s main soul acts as the root, drawing Shen Yi’s soul energy downwards to quickly reconnect with his physical body. His body just now endured power that was too extraordinary from ‘us,’ and its ‘roots’ have rotted, making it unable to identify its owner. Perhaps even the ‘identification’ function has been damaged, so remember to be careful. During daily activities, Er’zhu also needs to remember to periodically feed soul energy back, otherwise, constantly drawing from it, your Uncle Yi won't be able to bear it. This symbiotic state can last for a maximum of three months. Beyond that, both will be at risk. I won’t say more; you can figure it out yourselves.”

He stopped speaking. Xu Xiaoshou, who knew what to do, was forcibly held in place for three breaths. He had wanted to do exactly that! But Dao Qiongcang had said it aloud. Did this mean there was… a trap? He turned his gaze and saw the flamboyant old Daoist roll his eyes and spread his hands, saying: “That’s truly unnecessary, Master Shou!” Xu Xiaoshou grunted twice, unable to figure out how the flamboyant old Daoist could manipulate the soul-body surgery he was performing from a distance, other than the imprint of the Great Descent Art. But that imprint, if it was to be placed, was probably already there. One more wouldn't make a difference now. In short order, he put Cao Er’zhu back together.

“Do I feel like something is still missing?” After restoring Cao Er’zhu’s damaged body and receiving his thanks, Xu Xiaoshou watched as Yue Gongli’s soul-body recovered his physical form and Cao Er’zhu’s soul-body recovered his physical form, feeling as if he had forgotten something. When he tried to think, even the very thought of “recalling” became very blurry, as if it had been diluted from his mind.

“We can prepare to leave now.” Dao Qiongcang, twirling the formation disk in his hand, pointed to the sky, signaling Xu Xiaoshou to open the tree gate. He came empty-handed yet left with abundant gains; Dao Qiongcang felt quite satisfied. For him, life’s material desires had largely been fulfilled during his thirty years as Palace Master. He knew exactly how much he had embezzled. At this point, even treasures in the Ancestor of Arts’ ruins, the Shattered Jun Shield, the Painted Dragon Halberd, etc., it would be false to say he didn’t covet them, but if he couldn’t get them, Dao Qiongcang truly didn’t care. These things were merely icing on the cake, not essential needs. Dao Qiongcang had never forgotten the main purpose of his trip. In the Four Symbols Secret Realm, he had cast a divination with the Great Divination Art. The hexagram was 'Decrease'. It wasn't a major auspicious sign, not even a minor one; it was quite an unfavorable hexagram. However, no hexagram was absolute, and Dao Qiongcang interpreted it this way: “There is a marsh under the mountain; the marsh nourishes the tall mountain. What is lost below benefits above. What decreases me benefits others!”

Dao Qiongcang never forced anything; he let things come and go with fate, so he went with the flow and entered this perilous Divine Relic. As expected, there was a great deal of karma here, layer upon layer. If he didn't handle it well, he could easily die. But the final outcome proved that his initial choice had been correct. Willingly playing a supporting role, decreasing himself for Xu’s benefit, fortune bestowed upon him, and then reciprocated to me. Xu Xiaoshou had been supported, and he himself had obtained what he most desired and was most satisfied with:

“Controlling Cao Er’zhu’s body means the Great Descent Art can be performed at any time, which is equivalent to holding Kuilei Han’s vital lifeline. As long as I don’t mess up later, anything is possible… I wouldn't dare descend upon you, but I wouldn't dare descend upon your son? Ah, humans are indeed constrained by the continuation of their bloodline; I must be vigilant about this… Yes, there’s also Bayue… Cao Er’zhu is capable. Controlling him also came with a bonus of Shen Yi’s soul, who is a bit of a headache, hiding in the City of Dead Buddhas and not coming out. If nothing unexpected happens, when the ruins’ cycle returns, Shen Yi’s soul should return to the crossroads… Xu Xiaoshou won’t remember this detail, and even if he did, he’d be powerless… So my next stop should be taking over the City of Dead Buddhas, the master of Owl North Street. I hope her traces haven’t been completely erased. Damn Heavenly Human Five Decays, detonating so decisively. Am I really that scary…? Yue Gongli’s body has been reformed. Although I can’t use the Great Descent Art on him, as the risk is too great, at least a third of him is mine now. At critical moments, variables can arise at any time… Hmm, if Little A’li can, she probably doesn’t want to bear hatred towards me. As long as I don’t give her the chance, we’ll still be friends after we leave… With the seeds of suspicion sown between Yue and Ba, the two can no longer be of one heart and mind. This is a subtle process, difficult to perceive… The moment Yue Gongli accepts the Saint Emperor position and becomes the family head will also be the moment he completely parts ways with Ba Zun'an and Yue Gongnu… The siblings’ relationship is good, unfortunately, with me in the middle, you are destined not to get along peacefully… My Dao of Memory has progressed, which was unexpected. I never thought defeating Cuiyin would help my Dao heart so much. Indeed, ancient sword arts aren't suitable for me; I seem to have some talent in other Daos… The souls of Wu Xiu and other Saint Slaves can be returned to Xu Xiaoshou, but of course, he has to remember and proactively ask for it. If they’re exchanged after leaving, I can manipulate many things… Fen Qin… Heh, that fool Gou Wuyue, he doesn’t even know how to cultivate a threat to elevate himself. No wonder you only have one arm left… Bai Zhou, Xuanyue Grey Palace… Apologies, the net cast thirty years ago, it’s time to reel in the big fish today… Sister, the Southern Domain wasn’t a congratulatory gift I left for you to become Palace Master; it was my brother’s retreat… Calculating the time, Gou Wuyue’s side should be ending soon. I hope that even if they lose contact with me midway, they won’t become headless flies and can still proceed with the original plan… Hmm, if Gou Wuyue is there, it’s fine; if Wei Feng is alone, it’s uncertain… Xu Xiaoshou, tsk, still too young. Grow up quickly, we don’t have much time left… Surpassing the Ten Revered Ones isn’t difficult, but the era won’t wait for you; you need to surpass the era itself… Should I remind him? Judging from various timelines, Cuiyin had already revived by the time of the God-Love War… I don’t understand, I’m about to not understand this guy anymore. Is he truly hiding something, or is he genuinely unaware of this crucial point? And also… The Ten Ancestors’ secret…”

What does the 'Decrease' hexagram mean?Decrease me, and benefit others.The 'Decrease' hexagram, reversed.Decrease others, and benefit me!

“Suspected, Passive Points, +1.”

The info panel popped up again. Xu Xiaoshou glanced suspiciously at Dao Qiongcang, who was staring blankly at the sky. Judging by the effervescent state of his soul, this guy was undoubtedly cooking up some mischievous scheme in his mind again. He produced the Core of Heaven Realm, scratched his head, truly feeling he had forgotten a lot. Just as he was about to summon the tree gate, he suddenly paused, slapped his forehead: “Flamboyant old Daoist, I remember now!”