Translator: Lynn
Yun Lie remained silent.
Xu Ziqing spoke again, “I was blind and trusted the wrong people. When I reflect upon it, I realize how naive and foolish I was, lacking the vigilance to protect myself. But what is even more repugnant is that those three individuals deserved their fate, being killed by the demon vine. Yet, even after their demise, I didn’t feel relieved; instead, I felt sickened and disgusted.” He paused, lowering his gaze. “I was already aware of the demon vine’s nature, but it seems I still held onto self-righteousness. I…”
Taking a deep breath, he continued, “But now, I feel as if the demon vine resides in my dantian, and its cannibalistic tendencies… as if I am devouring myself.”
Silence filled the air.
Yun Lie finally spoke, “It’s not wrong to have kindness in your heart and to hold reverence for all creatures in the world.”
Having known Yun Lie for many years, Xu Ziqing could discern the unspoken meaning behind his words. He offered a wry smile and said, “It’s just that I didn’t know how to be cautious, and that was a grave mistake.”
Yun Lie nodded. “Once we realize our mistakes, we should rectify them.” Xu Ziqing composed himself and sat upright. “Brother Yun, please guide me.”
Yun Lie began advising him, as he had done in the past, but added, “I have known all along that Nian Hongzhi and the others harbored ill intentions.”
Xu Ziqing was taken aback.
Brother Yun had been aware of it, yet he never said anything to warn him… However, Xu Ziqing understood better than anyone that Yun Lie held no malice towards him. Since his reincarnation and rebirth, Yun Lie had been his closest and most caring friend. If he couldn’t trust Yun Lie, then whom could he trust?
A thought flashed in his mind, and suddenly he comprehended. “Brother Yun, you wanted me to experience it firsthand, so I could learn a lesson?”
Indeed, Xu Ziqing was not a stubborn person. He was well aware that due to being confined to a ward in his previous life and leading a sheltered existence in this one, his knowledge was limited, and his compassion often prevailed. Such inherent traits were incredibly difficult to change.
If Yun Lie were to openly instruct him, Xu Ziqing could avoid calamity and would unquestionably follow his teachings. However, knowing something, in theory, was different from applying it in practice. If he were to face a similar situation again, he would likely be deceived once more. And if he made a mistake at that time, he feared it could cost him his life.
Although Xu Ziqing had benefited greatly from Yun Lie, he didn’t have the audacity to rely on him for everything. Otherwise, on his long journey to immortality, he would not only be ensnared by demons but would also stumble and fall along the way.
Contemplating this, Xu Ziqing felt somewhat helpless.
Yun Lie’s approach had indeed proven effective.
Though the method remained the same, Xu Ziqing’s mindset had changed considerably from before.
For instance, when it came to the two Gui Yin-Yang sisters.
In the past, Xu Ziqing wouldn’t allow the sisters to accompany him in confronting the Xuangang Giant Ape, wanting to ensure he wouldn’t burden them, regardless of their benevolent intentions.
But now, Xu Ziqing, while still concerned about not impeding the sisters, harbored other thoughts as well.
The three individuals, Nian Hongzhi, and the others, had helped him on several occasions, only to facilitate their subsequent schemes against him.
Then, how could he be certain that the Gui Yin-Yang sisters were exempt from such intentions?
Xu Ziqing sighed.
He understood that the sisters, who had valiantly held back Nian Hongzhi and the others when he was unconscious, likely acted out of kindness and were distinct from those three individuals.
However, despite this knowledge, he couldn’t help but feel suspicious.
Even if he unconsciously engaged in such malicious speculation, it brought him shame.
But that shame wouldn’t alter his thoughts.
The actions of Nian Hongzhi and the others had deeply affected him, causing a slight estrangement from others. If he wished to restore his former state of mind, it might be an impossible feat.
In Xu Ziqing’s heart, the only individuals he could truly trust were Yun Lie and Chonghua.
Softly sighing, Xu Ziqing remarked, “Brother Yun possesses a compassionate heart.”
Yun Lie’s expression turned cold as he spoke, “The path of cultivating immortality is filled with thorns and dangers, with demons being the most treacherous. Your pure heart allows you to avoid straying, but it also brings the fear of death.”
Xu Ziqing listened silently to his friend’s guidance.
Yun Lie continued, “Just like Nian Hongzhi and the others, when evil thoughts arise, demons take hold, clouding their minds, causing them to relentlessly pursue you, leading to their own downfall.”
Xu Ziqing sighed once more.
Yun Lie understood his thoughts well and changed his mind due to disappointment with Nian Hongzhi and the others. His friend had noticed this and warned him once again.
Therefore, Xu Ziqing remained silent, awaiting the next words.
“After you establish your foundation, ascend the Dragon Gate to enter the Great World, and then enter the Wuling Immortal Sect, everything you witness, hear, and experience will differ from this place. Only through self-reflection can you take care of yourself and avoid being burdened by distractions and impurities.”
It was sincere advice, and Xu Ziqing replied earnestly, “Yes.”
The Great World was vast, far surpassing the small world in countless ways. Xu Ziqing knew that as a mere ant in his current state, he faced obstacles at every turn in this Hao Tian small world. If he were to venture into the Great World, he would encounter even greater difficulties and dangers, making progress arduous. Therefore, seizing this opportunity, his friend deliberately refrained from helping him, aiming to deliver a harsh blow so that he could personally comprehend the truth of the “world’s challenges and perils.”
He also knew that his good friend didn’t expect him to be perpetually guarded against others, devoid of trust. If he were to adopt such an attitude, he would view everyone with suspicion, easily succumbing to malevolent thoughts and straying further and further from his own path. In the end, he would share the same fate as Nian Hongzhi and the others.
However, putting these words into action was easier said than done. Xu Ziqing could only keep Yun Lie’s warning in mind and strive to comprehend it.
One day, when his state of mind improved, he would be able to detach himself, embodying the principles of “doing good with vigilance and eradicating evil without complacency.” He would stand tall with unwavering resolve, possessing the might of thunderous tactics.
Yun Lie had imparted a great deal of wisdom today, awakening Xu Ziqing.
In the future, there would likely be numerous situations that would shake him or even cause hesitation. Nevertheless, Xu Ziqing would rectify his words and actions, listen to his inner voice, and discern the most significant thread amidst the multitude of thoughts. In doing so, he would refine his heart and fortify his determination.
Observing Xu Ziqing lost in thought, Yun Lie refrained from saying much. The two sat facing each other, enveloped in an atmosphere reminiscent of the secret realm, tranquil and tacitly understood.
Xu Ziqing didn’t meditate for too long, as the lingering pain from his dantian injury, caused by forcibly suppressing his spiritual power, interrupted his contemplation.
Recalling that the Xuangang Giant Ape still stood guard outside, Xu Ziqing realized that the correct course of action was to swiftly recover his spiritual power to put his mind at ease.
Having made up his mind, he conjured a light green spirit grass in his palm.
As the spirit grass materialized, a potent wave of Ethereal Wood Qi permeated the cave.
This grass was known as Yuanmu Grass, nourished by the condensed essence of Ethereal Wood Qi within the lake’s cave over many years. The surrounding spirit grasses benefited from its presence, absorbing substantial amounts of Ethereal Wood Qi and resulting in the birth of this particular spirit grass.
With intentions of venturing into the secret realm, being a wood attribute cultivator, Xu Ziqing had harvested plenty of mature Yuanmu Grass and stored it in his ring. Given its great usefulness to him, Xu Ziqing had never sold it when he needed funds. And now, he had a genuine need for it.
Yuanmu Grass was different from ordinary spirit grass. While it couldn’t match the essence of Ethereal Wood Qi in quality, it served as an excellent spiritual power replenisher for wood attribute cultivators. If used in alchemy, with a decent cauldron and a skilled alchemist, it could easily produce exceptional elixirs. Moreover, its mild nature rarely clashed with other alchemical ingredients, making it one of the most coveted medicinal materials for alchemists. But, of course, one could only “chew peony1I don’t understand this sentence, I think it was meant to chew raw spiritual grasses??” when relying solely on a red huo pill.
Xu Ziqing took a deep breath and consumed the spirit grass.
As soon as the Yuanmu Grass entered his mouth, it immediately transformed into a potent surge of Ethereal Wood Qi that flowed down his throat, leaving a sweet and delicate fragrance on his lips. The spiritual essence permeated his body, swiftly healing the injuries and damages on his meridians, flowing through his limbs and bones.
Once the meridians were repaired, the Ethereal Wood Qi surged into his dantian, infusing it with vibrant vitality.
Before long, the dull pain in his dantian vanished, replaced by a rush of joy!
Xu Ziqing was taken aback. Could this be… the consciousness of the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine?
It was a faint thread of emotion, distinct from the vague and scattered sensations he had experienced before. Yet, he could clearly discern its meaning.
The Bloodthirsty Demon Vine was calling.
“Mother!”
Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing was stunned.
With no response from Xu Ziqing, a hint of grievance emanated from the consciousness of the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine once again.
“Mother…”
Xu Ziqing snapped back to reality, remembering the second vine that had transformed from the Demon Vine during their previous battle. In other words, it had also advanced. No wonder it easily suppressed his consciousness—it had gained significant strength.
Upon closer reflection, it made sense for the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine to have advanced.
In the Chenghuang Kingdom, the Blood Demon had used the blood of hundreds of people to set up a large formation, and the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine had absorbed all the blood mist, providing it with a substantial feast. Then, in Shangyan Ridge, it had fed on the blood of third-level monsters and Qi Refining cultivators at the seventh or eighth stage… Not to mention the years it had spent consuming the flesh and blood of numerous monsters in the secret realm. It was only natural for the vine to grow and advance.
Fortunately, Xu Ziqing had also advanced to the first level after enduring hardships this time; otherwise, he would have been suppressed by the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine, as warned by Yun Lie. However, upon further contemplation, he realized that without such trials, the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine wouldn’t have been able to advance, and its growth would have been stunted. Reflecting on this cause-and-effect relationship, Xu Ziqing found it quite intriguing.
With his decision made, Xu Ziqing felt a sense of relief, though he couldn’t help but feel both amused and exasperated.
With the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine’s advancement, its expression became clearer. It was certainly more convenient compared to before, but its name was truly unbearable.
“Mother…”
The continuous calls received no response, but this time, a faint sense of anxiety could be sensed.
Xu Ziqing immediately snapped back to attention and sent comforting thoughts.
In truth, the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine had behaved quite well ever since it entered his dantian, showing no signs of retaliation. However, Xu Ziqing knew that while it didn’t seek revenge, the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine possessed a surly temperament. Once it dominated one’s consciousness, it acted without restraint, exhibiting an insatiable thirst for blood.
For this reason, Xu Ziqing desired to keep it suppressed.
The Bloodthirsty Demon Vine was appeased, and its joy grew stronger.
Even though Xu Ziqing was aware of its temperament, he felt a slight sense of relief.
This bloodthirsty Bloodthirsty Demon Vine was still young, its consciousness simple, akin to that of a child—innocent and naive…
Feeling the motherly affection within Xu Ziqing’s body, the Bloodthirsty Demon Vine leaped with excitement. “Mother, name, name!”
Xu Ziqing was at a loss for words, so he first conveyed his thoughts: “Don’t call me Mother.” Then he inquired, “Do you want me to give you a name?”
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