Chapter 941: Few Harbor Resentment Toward Illness

In the sky, clouds and rain swirled. A woman in purple stood in the air, one hand forming a spell sign and the other holding a grayish-white pot. She chanted an incantation, as vast blue and cyan flames coiled around her body, like several ferocious, clawed flood dragons.

On the other side, billowing black smoke was gathering in the sky. A crimson light streaked across the heavens, like a blood-red longsword piercing through the air. It struck the surging flames, but was repelled by the immensely powerful boundless water-fire, and dispersed into swirling black mist.

The Purple Mansion demonic cultivator with four eyes on his face, a genius from the Helian family, stood amidst the swirling demonic smoke. His eyes continuously emitted crimson light, and a triumphant smile played on his face:

“The Supreme Minister Pot truly lives up to its reputation!”

The woman in purple within the flames ignored him. Her beautiful eyes shifted, calmly gazing at a spot in the clouds. There, she saw a strikingly handsome middle-aged man with a high nose and deep-set eyes, standing amidst the mist. He was slightly turned, his longsword, short knife, and long whip at his waist gleaming.

‘Helian Wujiang!’

This True Person, a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, was not renowned for direct combat. His cultivation path was also completely different from Helian Wumeng’s Heavenly Embryo Demonic Dao, being the Purple Mansion Golden Core path.

His cultivation level was much higher than Helian Wumeng’s. Most of the credit for the Helian family’s rise rested on him. He had almost single-handedly pulled the Tiefu Kingdom out of its predicament, allowing Helian Wumeng to survive to this day.

This person’s cultivation was not focused on spells, artifact crafting, alchemy, or similar skills, but solely on advancing his Dao cultivation. This was a path Tinglan knew well, as two predecessors from her own Purple Smoke Sect were adept in it.

This type of True Person had a wider range of divine abilities and transformations. Their various methods were also more comprehensive. Some True Persons who could reincarnate for cultivation, or manifest more changes according to their Dao lineage, were often of this type.

Therefore, although this person would not unleash any fierce spells, he could certainly implement more countermeasures against them. With Helian Wumeng, who was skilled in expansive and powerful combat, fighting upfront, and a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator with profound cultivation silently observing, it was undeniably a tricky situation…

However, the middle-aged man in the clouds made little movement. His deep-set eyes gazed from afar, watching the grayish-white pot amidst the surging flames, and he quietly sighed with emotion:

‘Zimu’s Supreme Minister Pot… what an exquisite technique!’

As someone also specializing in divine abilities and profoundly researching Dao cultivation, his gaze lingered for a few more breaths. He slightly turned his head, looking at Helian Wumeng, who had already risen into the air and was fiercely charging forward.

His divine ability had already condensed into a thread, silently transmitting:

“The Solar Dao Lineage still possesses strength. Houfu’s whereabouts are unknown, and there are even Grand True Persons who have yet to appear. Do not be impulsive; simply follow instructions to hold her back! If she suppresses you with any spiritual artifact and reinforcements arrive, you will surely be in peril!”

Although Helian Wumeng appeared greatly pleased and fought with abandon, constantly observing his opponent’s spells, he was no fool. He silently acknowledged.

The sky gradually darkened. Helian Wujiang lowered his eyebrows slightly. The jade pendant in his hand glowed, just as a clear light shone from the river, traversing towards them. Someone called out:

“Is that Fellow Daoist Tinglan!”

Helian Wujiang and Helian Wumeng exchanged a glance, and immediately turned together, stepping into the Void.

These two Purple Mansion cultivators of the alien race paused in the Void, not immediately departing. Helian Wumeng put away his long-handled oar-saber, looking somewhat subdued. He smiled at the man beside him and said:

“This is quite boring. It’s not like riding freely in the great desert, where it’s kill or be killed. If you don’t die, you escape with your life and recuperate for a few years… The South is just so lukewarm…”

“The situation in the South is stable, and the Solar Dao Lineage is unified; it’s incomparable.”

Helian Wujiang’s expression was calm as he replied, a hint of melancholy in his voice as he said:

“Right now, being driven to act on the river, we absolutely cannot become someone else’s pawn. After the decline of our family’s lineage, we’ve painstakingly rebuilt to reach where we are today. We must not suffer any losses…”

He whispered:

“However… it was extremely well done that you didn’t mention the Profound Qi Combat Art. After all, it belongs to the Tuoba family. It’s one thing that the Tuoba family has always had protection, but a genius also emerged a few years ago. King Dai is now in his prime, just one step away from achieving the Five Arts. And he’s also a friend of True Person Chiguang… At this critical juncture, they absolutely cannot be offended.”

“Everyone knows there’s something wrong with that combat art, but who it comes from changes its meaning entirely… Not just you, but among those few cultivators in Jiangbei, who has ever dared to speak of it?”

“Don’t think that Murong Yan is crude and rough-mannered, or that Lou Yingge is arrogant. Neither of them would mention a single word about it.”

“This nephew understands.”

Helian Wumeng pondered for a moment, then asked:

“Could it have come from Tuoba Zhongyuan? The Second Young Master died suddenly in the South back then. The entire Mobei region was thrown into an uproar, and I heard about it at the time. It seemed he was killed by Dongfang Heyun… If Dongfang Heyun killed him, might one or two of his spells or divine abilities have been acquired and fallen into others’ hands?”

“It’s hard to say.”

Helian Wujiang’s expression was grave as he shook his head and said:

“Although Emperor Wu of Liang advocated the laws of Great Wei and held a good impression of the Wei Kingdom, at this point, it’s absolutely impossible for the Tuoba family to have any further involvement with the Li clan.”

“Even if you were to say he secretly provided assistance, there would be no need to reveal such obvious characteristics. The arrangements involved are definitely not simple. You and I should not interfere.”

His deep-set eyes were filled with hatred, and his voice was low:

“Just make sure… the forces that besieged and killed our Lord back then… We must flay their skin and consume their flesh… to offer as a sacrifice to our Lord’s spirit in heaven!”

Helian Wumeng clearly showed hatred on his face, but it was far less profound than his uncle’s. Though he was usually the impulsive one, at this moment, he cupped his hands and said through gritted teeth:

“We will endure for now… but they will certainly pay the price…”

The uncle and nephew finalized their decision and returned north together. The flames over Mount Ji Prefecture finally subsided, all receding into the grayish-white pot. True Person Tinglan descended on the wind, meeting the wisp of clear light that rose from the river.

It was an old man with a full head of white hair, holding a wooden staff. He stopped in the prefecture and cupped his hands towards Tinglan. Though Tinglan was clearly troubled, she could only force a smile and say:

“Senior Shanbai! Thank you very much…”

This person was none other than the rogue cultivator from the seaside, True Person Shanbai. At this moment, he seemed slightly embarrassed as he replied:

“I waited by the river for quite a while. Seeing someone crossing the river, I offered a little help…”

Tinglan silently sensed the jade pendant in her sleeve, and noticed it was no longer flickering. This indicated that the matter at Moonlake had also been resolved. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, saying:

“Please come in!”

True Person Shanbai had always maintained a good relationship with Ziyan and Xiukui. However, the sea region where he resided was near the Xiuyue Mountain Gate, and strictly speaking, it was under Xiuyue’s jurisdiction… Considering this, Houfu and others had not formally requested his help. He was also sensible, spending all these years in reclusive cultivation, thus declining involvement.

Now that the North-South struggle had briefly paused, with the two sides in a standoff, and the Solar Dao Lineage only capable of defending the river, True Person Shanbai finally stopped waiting. He arrived under the pretext of emerging from seclusion… naturally, to observe Zhugong’s injuries.

The two entered the formation, and saw that the mountain area was still a mess, with order barely maintained. True Person Shanbai, being fond of neatness, immediately frowned and shook his head upon seeing this, saying:

“The cultivators under Zhugong are, after all, East Sea demonic cultivators; they are not to be relied upon! Look at the state of the new disciples recruited these past few years… How can this be called a Dao lineage? Do they even put any effort into this place…?”

Tinglan still held some respect for this old True Person, at least more courteous than True Person Sumian had been back then. Her words were also much more truthful, and she said with some regret:

“She is inherently free-spirited… In her eyes… managing these things is less important than practicing divine abilities for a few more days… If it weren’t for the continuation of the Dao lineage and the treasures of Jiangnan, she wouldn’t bother…”

Shanbai simply shook his head:

“How can this be? The matter of Mifan is over, but do they still find the Mihuah Spiritual Medicine insufficient? Do they want more from you? Or are they hoping for the Elucidation and Transformation of the Original Leap Method? That seems rather dim.”

The Mihuah Spiritual Medicine was renowned. It was a very powerful elixir from the Mifan Dao Lineage, capable of cleansing superficiality, reinforcing foundations, and greatly benefiting earth- and metal-affinity cultivators. Although True Person Shanbai had not known why she came earlier, now that the situation was clear, he naturally understood.

But as soon as these words were uttered, Tinglan was unable to respond. She silently lowered her eyes.

Only she herself knew that the South had gained no extra benefits from the Mifan affair. What appeared to be gained was all there was… There wasn’t even a shadow of the Mihuah Spiritual Medicine!

As for the Elucidation and Transformation of the Original Leap Method, there was no trace of it whatsoever. Everyone knew it was in the Eastern Fire Grotto-Heaven, so they all came to suspect the Solar Dao Lineage. They had grievances they couldn’t voice! Shanbai guessed correctly; Zhugong truly coveted these items…

At this moment, she composed her expression, and subtly smiled, saying:

“Senior, you worry too much. Sister Zhugong desires the Three-Inch Wutu Heart Soil from the Grand Xiukui Temple. As for the Mihuah Spiritual Medicine and similar items… we do not possess them.”

Shanbai nodded and stroked his beard; it was unclear whether he believed her or not. But the old man only sighed and said:

“Many hate to be born ill, many families perish seeking the Dao. Are the waves of Zhulu not tumultuous? Why walk through fire?”

Tinglan slightly turned her head. Her usually delicate and smiling face no longer smiled, instantly revealing a resolute demeanor:

“If one can cultivate a golden lotus in fire, why regret one’s life!”

The old man was momentarily stunned. Only then did he realize that although Tinglan had always been gentle, the fact that she could befriend the adventurous and radical Zhugong, who was a demonic cultivator, meant they ultimately shared something in common.

He sighed and remained silent. They continued all the way to the deepest part of the grotto-heaven. The surroundings became increasingly deep and secluded. There were no attendants around. The leading disciple trembled. Tinglan stopped before the dwelling, and tentatively asked:

“Fellow Daoist Zhugong?”

“Ah… Tinglan.”

From within, a reply was heard. The voice was ethereal, echoing emptily through the grotto-heaven. Along with it, a gust of warm wind swept out, and a few scattered red petals, rolling all the way to Tinglan’s feet.

These red petals were delicate, but had scattered holes on them, as if bitten by something. They looked quite mangled. Zhugong’s voice was noticeably hurried:

“Has the old True Person arrived? Many thanks to both benefactors!”

True Person Shanbai’s expression slightly changed. He raised his eyebrows to look, his pupils slightly dilated. He heard the continuous rustling sound of cracking earth, like shattering porcelain, and the scurrying sounds of rodents. The old man formed a spell sign, performed a quick divination, and frowned, saying:

“When did she also suffer a Jueyin injury?!”

The old man sighed:

“This is bad!”

If True Person Shanbai could see it, Tinglan naturally wasn’t far behind. She first paused slightly, a hint of guilt in her eyes, and whispered:

“Perhaps… she was injured by Wei Xuanyin’s flowing light artifact. The Jueyin injury lay hidden, manifesting later. Now… it will be difficult to deal with…”

“Please, old True Person, stabilize her injuries first. I will go find Zhaojing and bring him here.”

Tiger Yi Mountain, Kuidu Hall.

“Clang… clang…”

Long, resonant metallic clashes continuously echoed within the hall, making the sound waves surge one after another in the enclosed, vast hall. At times, they were slow, like the tolling of a bell; at times, they were rapid, like hammering iron, ringing incessantly.

A dark purple alchemical furnace stood in the very center, but it swayed slightly, somewhat unstably, as if something was sealed within it. Each violent struggle would cause golden light to flicker.

“What a spiritual item…”

Li Ximing’s face was slightly pale. Excessive divine ability and spiritual power surged into the alchemical furnace, continuously increasing the power of the True Fire, attempting to forcibly refine the item within.

This pill was different from all the previous pills he had refined. Initially, it was very simple, and Li Ximing proceeded smoothly. However, as the Profound Store Golden-Winged Bat and the Indestructible Golden Cloud merged into one, the situation within the alchemical furnace changed. The pill actually came to life!

The blazing True Fire had been burning under the furnace day and night for four months. Yet, the item within the furnace grew increasingly stubborn. It began to tremble like a living creature, leaping and thrashing wildly, trying to find a way to escape from the furnace.

And every moment of its struggle continuously demanded immense divine ability and spiritual power from him… If the Xiuxuan Crossing-Scenery Furnace were not a Purple Mansion spiritual artifact, completely unafraid of any collisions from the pill, and he didn’t need to spend any effort stabilizing the furnace, problems would have likely arisen much earlier!

“That pill scripture didn’t even mention it! The power after these two spiritual items combined is even more terrifying. Let alone the former River Midst Furnace… even the Treasured Elephant Furnace wouldn’t last long!”

He had long been cursing Fuxun inwardly, guessing that the old fellow didn’t even know this himself!

Instead, the pill scripture had mentioned that various unfavorable things could occur during refinement: such as unbalanced spiritual energy, unfavorable spiritual item harmonization, or spiritual fire clashing with spiritual energy… He had experienced all of them. Fortunately, he was experienced, and had the assistance of a noble descendant from the Qingxuan Dao lineage beside him. He passed through smoothly.

“Adding to that the consumption of divine ability and spiritual power… only I could handle it; anyone else would have long ago ruined his pill…”

Fortunately, after nearly four months, 108 days of refining, the item finally reached its critical point. As wave after wave of collisions passed, the two spiritual items finally ceased their resistance. The entire alchemical furnace also quieted down.

Li Ximing immediately put his anxious heart at ease. The Three-Phase Xu Xuan Fire blazed fiercely, illuminating the entire hall. Then, a low, hoarse wail was heard:

“Second Uncle… Second Uncle…”

It turned out that the Demon King Qingyan’s eyes were red at this moment, unable to control his emotions, his face streaming with tears. His hands were clenched into fists, pressed tightly against his thighs. For a moment, he was choked with sobs.

“Fuxun… Fuxun… if I take this pill and can no longer cultivate, how can I face returning to Threefold Delusion Mountain?!”

Li Ximing had not expected such a strong reaction from him. Presumably, Qingyan also knew Fuxun, his elder. After a moment of silence, the True Fire in his hand became increasingly fierce.

Instantly, golden and crimson lights flickered, illuminating the Demon King’s face with a flush of red fire. His tears immediately dried up.

Characters in this chapter:

Helian Wumeng: Early-stage Purple Mansion, Helian direct lineage.Helian Wujiang: Mid-stage Purple Mansion, Helian direct lineage.Tinglan: Early-stage Purple Mansion, Purple Mansion Formation Master.Shanbai: Mid-stage Purple Mansion.Li Ximing: Early-stage Purple Mansion, Purple Mansion Alchemist.