501 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

Chapter 501: Forest Wind Yuan Gathering Pill A few days later, Yan Nan Xing managed to ransom the group from the Zhaixing Pavilion. Among the four, Chu Wen was the most severely injured, but thanks to the timely treatment by the Zhaixing Pavilion, no lasting damage was done. The other three had minor injuries and were now fine. "Everything went smoothly, and the Zhaixing Pavilion did not make it difficult..." Yan Nan Xing handed over a scroll of an agreement, "I took the liberty to finalize the ransom deal on your behalf. I assume this would not be an issue for you." "You've worked hard, Brother Yan. I will remember this favor," Qi Xiu remarked with a grateful smile. As he casually opened the contract, he saw lines densely packed with the items listed by the Zhaixing Pavilion: potions for replenishing health and energy, spirit stones, basic materials for crafting talismans and artifacts, among others. The annual payment of low-tier resources was roughly equivalent to ten thousand tier-three items, spread over thirty years, with no early repayment or substitutes allowed. "Interesting terms, right?" Yan Nan Xing's eyes gleamed, trying to read Qi Xiu's reaction. "Indeed, quite interesting," Qi Xiu said with a wry smile. In peaceful times, paying thirty thousand tier-three resources over thirty years was easy for the Chu and Qi families to share. However, if chaos ensued like the last Baishan civil war, the price of these essential goods could more than double, making it not just a matter of thirty thousand. Even if Chu Qin prepared in advance when prices were low, and paid annually without losing, missing out on greater profits would still feel like a loss. The Zhaixing Pavilion's peculiar request unambiguously highlighted their view of possible future turmoil. "They believe Baishan will face turmoil within thirty years. Old Qi, what do you think might cause such disorder?" Yan Nan Xing, seeing Qi Xiu avoid the topic, didn't relent and directly asked. The situation was labyrinthine, mostly involving high-level cultivators and enshrouded in mystery. Qi Xiu too felt overwhelmed and sighed, "How would I know? I just hope it doesn't concern our Chu Qin!" He spoke sincerely, to which Yan Nan Xing could only respond with a bitter smile. After bidding farewell to the equally concerned Yan Gui, Qi Xiu returned to the underground palace, where Chu Hong Shang was talking with Chu Wen, Miao Qing, and Qin Chang Feng, while Nan Gong Yan Ran had been sent out. "Ahem..." Chu Wen, still recovering, lay reclined on the couch, receiving care from Miao Qing, and spoke intermittently, "Last time, when I attended the Jade Crane Nascent Soul Ceremony, he mentioned that in this world, many matters can only be resolved through 'killing.' At that time, I didn't agree, but now it seems, there could be truth in that." Qi Xiu, puzzled, asked, "You've always been broad-minded, why are you becoming so fixated like Jade Crane?" Chu Wen replied, "It's not because of the humiliation at Zhaixing Pavilion. It's the dismay that a supposed virtuous figure, a model of righteousness, would engage in such disgraceful acts, which makes me feel that justice has been wronged." Seated nearby, Miao Qing nodded repeatedly. Unexpectedly, Chu Wen was harboring a grudge against Gui Zheng. Qi Xiu instinctively glanced at Chu Hong Shang and found himself meeting her eyes, both detecting a hint of helplessness in each other. "Do not speak these words to outsiders," Chu Hong Shang advised gently and dismissed them to rest, leaving only Qi Xiu for conversation. "Sigh!" Once the hall doors closed, she shed her facade of authority, kicked off her shoes, and lazily reclined on the throne, her exquisite form forming a striking curve. With a soft hand massaging her temple, she remarked mockingly, "Those two make fine guardians of morality." "Gui Zheng is remarkably calculating, even stooping to scheming against a lowly Golden Core cultivator. He is thick-skinned and ruthless, and one should never show him hostility," Qi Xiu advised, retrieving a map of the Baishan region from his pocket. Based on the witnesses' information he had gathered, he drew three lines on the map. One originated from Ji City, another from the Qi Cloud Mountains, and the last from Qi South City. The three converged in the skies above the marshlands where they intercepted Jia Chang Geng, "Three Nascent Souls simultaneously acted against one person. Timing matches perfectly with my family member, Chang Feng's description, indicating that Jia Chang Geng is undoubtedly the reincarnation of Baishan's Nascent Soul." "Among the three, Tiandi Peak's ancestor probably has the greatest strength," Chu Hong Shang theorized. "Likely ended up in his hands," Qi Xiu agreed, drawing another line towards Jun Xuan Shan, "He went to find the old fox, but his intentions remain unclear." "Don't overthink it if it can't be figured out," Chu Hong Shang waved her sleeve casually, "We, humble beings, should focus on what lies before us." Her words, although lightly teasing, didn't fool Qi Xiu, as she was not the type to be content with being a 'humble being.' Like Chu Wen, who despite being only a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, harbored thoughts of possibly slaying Gui Zheng one day. This wasn't baseless arrogance typical of cultivator families but the result of diminished awe for those in high positions and natural confidence. Qi Xiu, unwavering in his resolve, recognized he lacked the inherent pride they possessed, but his cautious nature complemented the two Chus, increasing their cooperation over time. "We can't control these matters, but regardless of whose grasp Jia Chang Geng fell into among the three, it's certain Baishan is growing weak," Qi Xiu worried, "Thus, the Zhaixing Pavilion's proactive precautions make sense." Yet who could have predicted that Jia Chang Geng was quietly staying beneath Jun Xuan Shan? Their discussion yielded no solutions, other than "adapting to circumstances," leaving no actionable plans. "It's been several days already, I wonder what's happening at Bihu..." Chu Hong Shang continued to worry about the safety of Chu Shen and others. … In the hidden realm of Bihu, Wan Xuan's markers had reached the sixth level. Despite the old men and women advancing with difficulty, progress was smooth, and they now faced off against a cylindrical mechanical beast. The mechanical beast, standing slightly over half a person tall, was alone within a chamber, defending a black spike embedded in the center, never straying far. Upon its accidental discovery, it reacted sluggishly, employing only a singular method of attack: unleashing countless wind blades upon any intruders. These wind blades were formidable, requiring Chu Shen to lead the group in forming a temporary defensive formation to barely hold on. Qi Bing Yan and another elder skilled in formations were busy behind the formation, attempting to establish a stable wind block. "Put in more effort!" Chu Shen shouted. He spread his arms wide, maintaining the golden formation at its forefront. The endless white wind blades scraped against the huge golden shield, creating an ear-piercing whistle and scratching noise, sometimes escalating and then abating, echoing like cries. Occasionally, remnants of damaged artifacts and flying swords, damaged by earlier confrontations with the wind blades, were hurled against the shield with a clatter. Behind him, over ten individuals sat cross-legged, channeling their spiritual power into the formation. The eldest, Gan Long, was running low on energy, frequently consuming potions to rejuvenate himself. "With our power, descending further will probably be impossible!" Chu Zhuang Yuan, observing the situation, felt disheartened. She alternated between blaming Chu Shen Cang for dismissing familial ties and contemplating the obsidian spike, suspected of being irrelevant to personal enlightenment, while thoughts of her kin preoccupied her mind, leaving her in turmoil. "Focus everyone!" Chu Shen snapped her back to alertness with a stern gaze, prompting increased dedication. "Done!" Qi Bing Yan poured spirit stones from her storage bag into the formation core, which roared into action. A black shield emerged, prompting Chu Shen to exclaim, "Everyone, in!" He waved his sleeves powerfully, herding all present into the formation and slipping in himself. Though the wind blades kept raging, their force diminished significantly upon striking the formation's black shield, finally allowing everyone a moment's respite. "What do we do now?" someone queried. "We'll have to wear it down. No other choice," Chu Shen responded. Defensive formations and battle arrays excelled in defense but lacked offensive capability, making close engagement difficult for individual cultivators. Everyone settled into meditation, preparing for a prolonged endurance contest, when two shadowy figures suddenly appeared behind them. The hidden chamber was discovered by accident, and Chu Shen had added a protective measure, yet someone silently bypassed it. "Who's there!?" Startled, he bellowed. The intruders—Tu Zi Ru and Tu Dan—addressed their shifting surroundings and recognized Chu Shen's group, "It's you guys?" Tu Zi Ru's eyes darted undecidedly between the parties, clearly caught in inner conflict. "This mechanical creature is rather intriguing," Tu Dan focused on the wind-element mechanical beast. Before finishing his sentence, he had already soared upward, charging into the wind blades. "Ever heard of 'first come, first served'!?" Chu Shen snapped, powerless against the late-stage Golden Core cultivator. Tu Dan displayed formidable skills, relying solely on his defensive spiritual power to advance over a dozen meters before deploying a black, unmarked banner to shield himself, pressing further. The mechanical beast, sensing danger, intensified the wind blade assault. The crowd watched a black-clad, black-bannered figure float amidst the relentless wind blades. After burning through three sticks of incense's time, the figure failed to advance, retreated along the original path. "I am acquainted with your sect's Chu Wen and Qi Xiu. Shall we join forces?" Tu Zi Ru finally announced. "How do we divide the spoils?" Chu Shen inquired. "We want the black spike," Tu Dan stated without hesitation, "Everything else is yours, with additional compensation from us." Chu Shen and his companions were interested in longevity and the pursuit of the Dao, and weren't particularly attached to the black spike. After some negotiation, they reached an agreement and formally signed a soul contract. Chu Shen and the two others exchanged three-hand slaps, sealing the deal, and then welcomed Tu Zi Ru and Tu Dan into the wind-stabilizing formation. Two days later, the mechanical beast finally showed signs of weakening. Tu Dan charged up, using his black flag to momentarily restrain it, allowing the group to work together and shatter it completely. "It was a pleasure working with you," Tu Dan remarked, capturing the black spike in his hand. He casually handed over the promised items to Chu Shen, which included around twenty Forest Wind Yuan Gathering Pills, a specialty of Heifeng Valley. These pills could extend one's lifespan by eight to twelve years and were the main substance in their transaction. "Each person can only consume one pill. After ingestion, you must endure the torment of the forest wind lashing the body for forty-nine days, and you cannot resist it with spiritual power. It also hinders progress to the next cultivation stage," he kindly warned. Lifespan-extending pills from the Qi Cloud region, like the Great and Minor Return Pills, at most offer twenty years' effect when consumed in large quantities. Who would have thought that an unorthodox sect like Heifeng Valley would possess such a treasure? Chu Shen and his comrades, undeterred by the hardships and hindrances, quickly divided the pills among themselves, greatly boosting their morale. "This pill shouldn't be consumed here; perhaps we should head back home," Gan Long suggested. Having practically overindulged on the Great and Minor Return Pills, she, at the age of one hundred ninety-nine, with four or five good years remaining after deducting the longevity lost due to damaged origins, now felt less urgency with this new pill in hand. She began to cherish her life more and proposed returning. "We've reached the limits of our strength," the elderly members of the group, having regained their senses, agreed. Chu Shen was amenable to returning since he was not eager to pursue Chu Shen Cang. Thus, preparations were made to head home. "In that case, let us part ways here," Tu Zi Ru said, clasping his hands in farewell with Tu Dan. The transaction complete and bound by the contract, there was no possibility of hostilities. Chu Shen lowered his guard and was just about to return the gesture when he suddenly saw Tu Dan's upper body, still posed in salutation, slanting downwards to reveal a blood-red cut across his waist. (To be continued...)