Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
In the vast wilderness outside the Heavenly Pill Hall, Li Hong and Chu Xi gazed at each other for a long time.
"I'm going into seclusion."
"Is that so? Preparing for the Golden Core, I suppose? Congratulations."
"And you, was your journey smooth?"
"Well, it was okay."
"…"
At this point, the two fell silent again.
Li Hong looked at the familiar and delicate face before him, longing to chat and laugh with her about what he had seen and experienced in Lin'an, hoping to hear her giggle, lightly scold him, or express her approval. But now, facing Chu Xi, he found himself unable to say anything; no matter how hard he tried, the words just wouldn't come out.
He didn't know when it had started, but their relationship had become so awkward that nothing they said felt right or timely.
Though he had countless words in his heart, all he could do was watch as they swallowed their thoughts, exchanging only a few trivial inquiries.
Li Hong could only say, "Take care, and I wish you success with your Golden Core." He walked past Chu Xi, a familiar scent of Forget-Me-Not Butterfly wafting into his nose and heart.
They brushed past each other.
Elder Yao was naturally pleased to see Li Hong arrive. They chatted for a while about their experiences in Song Dynasty Lin'an. However, upon learning Li Hong's purpose for visiting, Elder Yao fell into deep thought and after a while said, "This is difficult to handle! In my opinion, Zhao Gou doesn't truly have a problem with his body; rather, it's a psychological issue that is hard to cure!"
"A psychological issue? Is there such a thing?" Li Hong's eyes widened in confusion.
"He was frightened by the Jin people and since then has developed a shadow in his heart. He began to doubt his own abilities and consequently questioned that ability as well. The Nine-Turn Soul-Severing Wine is meant to strengthen the body, but because it comes from you as the National Guardian Master, it serves as a psychological suggestion for him—that with your help, his abilities can be restored. That's why he says he can 'hold on for a while.' You see, his situation isn't truly like that of a eunuch; how could he not be able to manage? I believe as long as the Jin people remain unvanquished, his condition won't improve. Unless one day we cross the Yellow River to reclaim lost territory and annihilate the Jin people completely, only then will the source of his doubts disappear and his ailment be cured," Elder Yao chuckled.
Li Hong found this perspective on such an ailment quite intriguing. However, he understood the reasoning behind it and laughed as he said, "Then it's easy to handle. If I ever get the chance to see him again, I can just casually give him some medicine to fool him; he'll definitely think he can 'hold on for a while' again..."
Thinking of the state of "holding on for a while," Li Hong's expression was extremely strange, and Elder Yao looked the same. The two exchanged glances and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
After some light-hearted conversation, Elder Yao said, "In these past few days, I've almost sorted out the celestial herbs you brought back from the Ancient Celestial Field. Some of them I'm not sure about, as I had to dig through many ancient texts to get a vague idea. How about we study them together?"
"Sure!"
********
It wasn't until dusk that Li Hong finally walked out of the Heavenly Pill Hall. Although he hadn't resolved the matter entrusted by Chuxuan, Zhao Gou's condition was a "heart ailment," and what could he do? The key point was that the celestial herbs had finally been mostly organized. According to Elder Yao, many of them were the main ingredients for certain Ancient Pill Formulas. As long as he had the main ingredients, finding auxiliary ones wouldn't be difficult. It seemed that it wouldn't be long before they could start refining a dozen or so ancient Elixirs with remarkable effects.
This was fantastic news.
Currently, the Nine Li Sect was effectively isolated within the Immortal Sect. Ever since they recalled all their elders from external battles, the other seven major sects, including Five Elements Sect and Heavenly Grain, had sent letters of accusation. Especially Heavenly Grain, which claimed it would no longer provide any Elixirs to Nine Li Sect.
This was expected. After Ling Xuzi offended Heavenly Grain last time, they had already given up hope of receiving Elixirs from them; now they simply had a formal excuse. From this point on, Nine Li Sect had publicly severed ties with Heavenly Grain.
Emei Sect was indignant, and Yiyang's letter was extremely fierce, accusing Nine Li Sect of being unethical. While Emei Cave Heaven was on the front lines against the Demon Sect and hadn't recalled their participating elders, Nine Li Sect openly withdrew theirs, effectively declaring a break with the entire Immortal Sect.
Ling Xuzi sneered after reading the letter. Yiyang had already sought out a large number of Kunlun experts to assist Emei Sect; in comparison, Emei Sect's participating elders were far inferior in both strength and number—essentially just cannon fodder sent out to die. What a boastful claim!
Although Ling Xuzi's reply didn't contain any overt mockery, it pointed out that it was precisely because Emei acted first to take Kunlun's elites that led to Nine Li Sect resorting to such measures.
After that, Yiyang fell silent. However, he adopted an attitude of complete disengagement; Kongtong, which shared close ties with Emei, naturally responded first to Emei's call and also firmly expressed that they would no longer have dealings with Nine Li Sect.
The other sects like Zhao Zhen, Xuanwei, and New Luo made some mild accusations but nothing more. The main issue was that they noticed Kunlun had remained silent since Nine Li Sect recalled its elders; at that time, Xuan Xuzi had indeed tacitly allowed Ling Xuzi to withdraw their participating elders.
The matter ended without resolution; however, Nine Li Sect found itself on the fringes of the entire Immortal Sect. But what could Ling Xuzi do? If he didn't recall the participating elders, Nine Li Sect would still have no help; it was better to withdraw them and save themselves.
The lack of Elixirs was currently the most pressing issue. Fortunately, Heavenly Pill Hall could now refine several major Elixirs such as Supplementary Spirit Pill, Fire Origin Pill, Foundation Pill, and Gongxin Pill. Although their quantity was limited, it was barely enough for daily use. If they could also refine those ten or so Human-Level Spirit Pills from Ancient Pill Formulas, the benefits would be immense. These Ancient Pill Formulas were highly useful and even Heavenly Grain couldn't produce them. Nine Li Sect would thus gain a reputation in alchemy.
Moreover, the main ingredient for Gongxin Pill—the Golden Lantern Flower—was essential for breaking through the Heart Demon Barrier to achieve Golden Core status. Only Nine Li Sect produced it within the entire Immortal Sect; even if Heavenly Grain had stockpiles, they wouldn't last long. At that time, Heavenly Grain would be the first to panic.
At that time, the status of Heavenly Grain would plummet, while the Nine Li Sect would rise to fame for being able to refine their own pills. Even if they were on the fringes of the entire Immortal Sect, what was there to fear? People would come knocking at their door seeking the Gongxin Pill and other Elixirs. The first might even be Emei. Many problems would naturally resolve themselves.
Li Hong chuckled at this thought as a beam of golden light shot towards Ghost Stream, watching his old friend leave.
Yun Jiuzi saw him and immediately extended his hand. Li Hong was already prepared, pulling out dozens of jars of Imperial Palace Imperial Wine gifted by Zhao Gou from his Cosmic Bag, and the two began to drink together.
As they drank to their heart's content, Ling Stone Ziyue Changzi arrived. Thus, the four of them set up a banquet by Ghost Stream, drinking until the mountains shook and the sun and moon lost their light, until all the Imperial Wine turned into empty jars. The feast only ended when Li Hong swayed unsteadily, unable to stand.
Li Hong's tongue felt thick as he animatedly recounted Zhao Gou's Hidden Affliction and how he had clung to his own thigh, crying and begging him not to leave. This made everyone burst into laughter.
Yue Changzi laughed so hard he could hardly breathe, pointing at Li Hong and saying, "Little Monkey is always good at telling Bagua! If Emperor's Son knew, he would surely be furious!"
"But that's someone else's Hidden Affliction; why would I spread it around?" Li Hong chuckled mischievously.
"Next time you have some free time, you should go visit again. Imagine Emperor's Son waiting eagerly for you to deliver that 'impotent' Elixir. How pitiful!" Spirit Stone laughed heartily while patting Li Hong on the shoulder. The two sat side by side, not like master and disciple but more like brothers.
In fact, all three present felt this way; none truly regarded Li Hong as a junior. They were all equals, indistinguishable from one another. As Li Hong laughed heartily, he couldn't help but think that this was what it felt like to be home.
He didn't know when it had started, but the Nine Li Sect had long since become his home. It was here that he felt most comfortable and content.
As night deepened, Li Hong swayed back to Green Pavilion. Chuxiong seemed to have disappeared somewhere, and Little Fei along with Big Silver Ball and Small Silver Ball were also absent.
The effects of alcohol surged within him, blurring his vision. This state of inebriation felt quite pleasant; instead of forcing the alcohol out of his system, he rummaged through boxes and cabinets to find Chuxiong's hidden stock.
He hadn't drunk enough; he wanted another jar—no, ten jars would be better!
Holding onto the Bamboo Leaf Green that Chuxiong had hidden away, he sat in the second-floor bedroom without turning on any lights. With the windows wide open facing the swaying leaves of Green Forest outside, he began to drink wildly again.
Suddenly sensing someone’s presence, he sat still and raised his hazy eyes toward the window. A charming White Shadow floated outside in mid-air; it was too blurry to see clearly. Li Hong felt a mix of drowsiness and intoxication as he murmured unconsciously, "Wanyi, have you finally come to see me? It's been so long since you last visited; today you finally came?"
He tilted his head back and took a big gulp of Bamboo Leaf Green. The spicy Bamboo Leaf Green rushed down his chest and abdomen like a hot current, and it felt as if a fire was burning in his heart. Rubbing his eyes vigorously, he focused on the window outside; the White Shadow was gone.
It turned out to be an illusion. A deep sense of sorrow surged up, and an overwhelming feeling of loneliness flooded his heart. Li Hong picked up the Wine Jar and drank it all in one go. He tossed the jar aside and collapsed onto the mat.
In a daze, it seemed someone floated in lightly, squatting down beside him, their icy little hand gently caressing his face.
"You’re here? Why did it take you so long? Where have you been? Do you miss me? I've been waiting for you here, you know?" Li Hong spoke randomly with his eyes closed, feeling that the touch of this hand was extremely comforting.
The owner of the hand said nothing. Li Hong gradually sensed the warmth flowing beneath the cold skin. With a slight sigh in his heart, he realized it was not Wanyi, but Chu Xi. The effects of the alcohol surged even more, and he closed his eyes, not wanting to speak.
Soft strands of hair brushed against his face, and the faint fragrance of Forget-Me-Not Butterfly wafted over.
She slowly leaned down, her warm lips resting on his. First, there was a gentle touch, followed by a deeper kiss. A peculiar softness immediately penetrated into his Viscera; something in his mind suddenly awakened—a deep yearning, an indescribable desire. All at once, Li Hong became sober from the alcohol, yet instinctively kept his eyes tightly shut. Deep down, he hoped Chu Xi would continue—an odd hope.
"Sleep now..." Chu Xi pulled her fragrant lips away gently and softly stroked his forehead with tender movements. Her figure soon vanished.
Li Hong suddenly opened his eyes as if waking from a dream, but he could still smell the faint scent of Forget-Me-Not Butterfly at the tip of his nose.
His Divine Consciousness involuntarily reached out.
By the Herb Grove, Chu Xi stood in a hazy white garment, her Long Hair cascading down her back as she faced the wind gracefully. The soft strands danced behind her, creating a mesmerizing sight. Yet this outfit seemed like she had just walked out from a fragrant boudoir—her attire was somewhat disheveled.
Opposite her stood Chu Yan.
Chu Yan's face was flushed, her voice barely above a whisper: "You still can’t make up your mind?"
"He got drunk and mistook me for Wanyi; I can’t do it," Chu Xi lowered her head slightly and said sadly.
"Alas, you are truly infatuated; he is infatuated too," Chu Yan's expression was uneasy.
Tears began to well up in Chu Xi's eyes: "I am infatuated; I am foolish. I thought that if we had something together, he would completely forget Wanyi and untangle the knots between us. But I was wrong..." Two clear tears finally slid down her beautiful face, gently falling onto the fragrant herbs and into Li Hong's heart.
"Alas, we should hurry back. If Master finds out, he might confine you in Reflection Cliff for a lifetime of reflection," Chu Yan sighed deeply.
"What difference does it make? I am about to enter closed-door cultivation for Golden Core. Who knows how long it will take this time? Who knows if I will succeed or if something will go wrong? I just want him to remember me for the rest of his life." Chu Xi clutched her thin garment, trembling as she finally cried out. Yet, she dared not wail loudly, sobbing softly like a Cuckoo weeping blood.
"It is precisely because of this that I came up with this terrible idea. Alas, but it truly is a terrible idea! Fortunately, nothing has happened yet; there is still time. Otherwise, your cultivation might be affected. Stop crying; Chuxiong has been diverted by my design. We should leave quickly while he hasn't returned."
Chu Yan pulled Chu Xi up and flew into the sky, disappearing in the direction of Nine Purple Peak.
Li Hong was shocked. Chu Xi was actually planning to?! He suddenly stood up and transformed into golden light, chasing after them.
The cold wind hit his face, and he suddenly became clear-headed. He couldn't chase after them. Chu Xi was about to enter Golden Core closed-door cultivation; he couldn't let her have any more emotional turmoil. This matter should be buried deep in his heart from now on.
Yet that delicate silhouette in light gauze remained before his eyes, impossible to erase no matter what. Chu Xi, you are so foolish, foolish to the point of being adorable.
Li Hong turned around and fled towards Green Pavilion, lying on the mat for a long time without being able to calm down. In the chaos, Wanyi seemed to be smiling at him, but her beautiful face gradually transformed into Chu Xi...
Comment 0 Comment Count