Chapter 168: The Feast at Hongmen, Mastery of the Blood God Technique! - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

Chapter 168: The Feast at Hongmen, Mastery of the Blood God Technique! [You pause, your flying sword halting mid-air.] [Mao Fang has become a rogue immortal. Over the centuries, he's likely forged numerous alliances with other rogue practitioners.] [It's possible he could actually bring you many primordial spirits of rogue cultivators.] [Contemplating this, you decide to withdraw your flying sword.] "Very well, I won't kill you." [Mao Fang is overjoyed upon hearing this.] "Thank you!" [But just as he begins to feel relieved, you activate the Blood God Technique and plant a demonic seed in his consciousness.] [Mao Fang is horrified.] [He senses something burrowing into his primordial spirit.] [It feels unsettling!] "What have you done to me?" [With your current level, converting a rogue immortal into a demonic servant isn't easy and requires time.] [You smile at his question.] "Nothing much, just a little something you'll come to appreciate." [Mao Fang's expression turns grave. He suspects this isn't good, but "beneath the eaves," he must bow.] "May I ask if my arms and legs are still intact?" "I possess a miraculous salve given by the former island lord of Trapped Space Island, made from the Renewing Jade. If applied, it can reattach limbs." [This revelation surprises you.] [You hadn't imagined such a miraculous elixir existed.] [However, as Mao Fang hasn't fully transformed into your servant yet, you don't immediately comply.] "If such a salve exists, we can wait a bit." "Before your friends arrive, I'll reattach your limbs." [Seeing your refusal, Mao Fang grows anxious.] "Though the elixir is wondrous, even for a rogue immortal, if my limbs remain detached too long, blood congeals and flesh dies." "Even if reattached, they would be of little use." "I need the Congealing Jade Pill to stimulate the limbs." "But the materials, especially the Millennial Red Fruit Peel, are exceptionally rare." "Please attach my limbs now." "Otherwise, I won’t cooperate!" [Noting his mix of pleading and threatening, you burst into laughter.] [Baixue gifted you nine Congealing Jade Pills to help you recover.] [After consuming five, your body returned to normal, leaving four pills.] [With this thought, you produce a Congealing Jade Pill, leaving Mao Fang dumbfounded.] "You, you, you actually have the Congealing Jade Pill!" [Stunned, Mao Fang has no choice but to cooperate fully.] [The banquet is scheduled for seven days later.] [During this time, Mao Fang orders the Poison Dragon from the Poison Dragon Pool to prepare the banquet.] [This dragon, Mao Fang's guardian beast, is intelligent and rapid in its preparations.] [By the third day after planting the demon seed, Mao Fang transforms into your demonic servant.] [Typically, a rogue immortal wouldn't transform so quickly, but his defeat in a past duel damaged his primordial spirit.] [Coupled with his inherent demonic tendencies, from his path as a rogue, it took just three days.] [As your servant, Mao Fang retains his sentience but is now unwaveringly loyal.] [You generously apply the Congealing Jade Pill on his limbs, reattaching them with the Renewing Jade.] [Revitalized, Mao Fang is jubilant.] [He then offers a strategy to trap his rogue allies.] "Master, I acquired a potent toxin years ago in the Hundred Barbarian Mountains." "This toxin is colorless and tasteless and disables magical powers." "Those who ingest it won't lose their health but can't use magic for at least three hours." "Within this time, these practitioners are at your mercy." [You are elated to discover such a toxin exists.] "How much of this toxin do you have left?" "Not much, Master. It was a relic of the old Blood Sage, and its formula vanished when he perished." [Though slightly disappointed, you're determined to use this method.] "Very well, proceed as you suggested." "Yes, Master!" [With your approval, Mao Fang is thrilled.] [Finally free of emotional ties due to his transformation, he's eager to test the toxin's full power.] [The banquet time swiftly arrives.] [Mao Fang makes early preparations by the Poison Dragon Pool.] [Dozens of rogue immortals arrive, and you secretly tally them—over fifty! Mao Fang's network is indeed vast.] [With the final guest seated, Mao Fang raises his glass to toast.] [For the sake of the atmosphere, no one uses their powers to dispel the effects of the alcohol.] [Before long, all the rogue practitioners are tipsy.] [Conversations gradually become more relaxed.] [Some express indignation over Mao Fang's past experiences.] "Frankly, that Shushan Sect is ruthless. Your conflict with Yue Longcheng was personal, why involve their disciples?" "Bad luck, really. Of the few disciples they send out yearly, and we run into them?" "But you must admit, Shushan disciples are quite formidable." "I saw it myself with Mao Fang and Daoist Feicha." "They have outstanding aptitude, appearance, and fortune." "Especially one named Su Mo. Word is, he's already a direct disciple." "If things go well, he's the next sect leader of Shushan!" "Offending him then would've been disastrous." "Only his ascension might allow us to live freely again." "Is that true?" "Couldn't be truer!" "Enough chatter, let's drink." "Mao Fang, we've brought gifts to aid your recovery." "Truly grateful, fellow Daoists!" "You're welcome, you're welcome..." [The guests continue to drink, unaware that their powers are now dormant.] [Realizing the plan's success, Mao Fang feels unmatched satisfaction.] [It's the fulfillment of turning intentions into reality.] [Leading you to the banquet, Mao Fang presents the scene to you.] [You relish the sight of so many rogue immortals.] "Mao Fang, well done!" "This marks a great achievement." "Thank you, Master." "What’s our next move?" "Next?" "Ha ha." "We feast, of course!" ... [You proceed to absorb the primordial spirits of every rogue immortal, perfecting the Blood God Technique.] [Achieving mastery, you can now wholly conceal your demonic nature.] [To outsiders, you remain the graceful and poised direct disciple.] [With this void filled, you are finally ready to return to Shushan.] [Upon reaching Shushan, you head immediately to Qian-Kun Hall.] [Mastery over the Blood God Technique keeps Qian-Kun Hall from rejecting you.] [To the inquiries of Master Yisheng, you claim you've been preparing a wedding gift for Tieshan.] [Unveiling the spoils from the rogue immortals, you've much to offer.] [After centuries, their treasures are abundant.] [Among them, a piece of Millennial Warm Jade, even Master Yisheng finds impressive.] [With that, his questioning ceases.] ["Prepare well," he advises, "for soon you'll propose to the city of Asura."] [Your heart swells with anticipation.] [Eagerly, you hope to reunite with Tieshan soon.] [Unbeknownst to you, after your departure, Master Yisheng's demeanor shifts.] [He mutters softly to himself.] "This boy has learned an exquisite demonic art. Nearly fooled even me." "Such a pity." [Not long after returning to your quarters, Zhang Zangfeng pays you a visit, bringing along a jug of wine.] "Su Mo, it's been a while since we last met." "Let's have a good time today." [Unassuming of any hidden agendas, you raise your glass and drink heartily with Zhang Zangfeng.] [During the revelry, Zhang Zangfeng shares news of happenings with the Bull Demon King.] [It appears Sun Wukong has been captured, and the six, including the Bull Demon King, have vanished without a trace.] [According to a mortal realm ancestor, Monkey King possesses formidable abilities, free from even heavenly punishment, leading the Taoist Patriarch to place him in his cauldron to refine a Golden Elixir.] [It's said the Patriarch's Golden Elixir possesses profound properties.] [Even an ordinary person consuming it could become immortal.] [You sigh with awe at this tale.] "If I could acquire such a Golden Elixir, it would indeed be an extraordinary fortune." "Compared to this, the spirit mushrooms and Millennial Red Fruit I consumed as a child pale in comparison." [Listening, Zhang Zangfeng continues to raise his glass and drink with you.] [The conversation shifts to funny anecdotes from your youth.] [But just as you're about to speak, you suddenly realize you cannot exert any of your magical power.] [Even the Blood God Technique lies dormant.] [Your mind flashes back to Mao Fang's poison.] [This isn't good!] [Before you can react, Zhang Zangfeng has already restrained you.] "Junior brother, don't blame me. I'm only following the orders of the sect leader." "Best to stay calm." "Spare yourself further suffering." [After saying this, Zhang Zangfeng binds you with rope, channels his magic, and brings you to the Shushan Great Hall.] [In the great hall, all the elders are present.] [Yisheng and Yichen stand at the forefront, watching you silently.] [In your daze, you recall your first visit to Shushan as a child.] [But the admiration and curiosity in their eyes have transformed into regret, disdain, anger, and sorrow.] [Both Yisheng and Yichen show more signs of self-blame and introspection.] [This moment mirrors that moment long ago.] (End of Chapter)