CH 38

March 5th, 2023

Fang Li had a terrifying nightmare.

In his dream, he failed his mission, and this world disappeared. All of the people, Xie Huai, Wu Yimei…… vanished into smoke and mist before his eyes one by one.

He reached out to grab hold but caught hold of nothing but thin air, and the terror immediately woke him up.

Fang Li opened his eyes, his breathing frantic for a few moments, soaked in cold sweat.

That dream was far too terrifying.

After a long time, Fang Li finally calmed down and looked around him. He was in his own sleeping quarters.

Since he’d awoken, it meant that Wu Yimei had used an antidote to temporarily suppress the poison, just like in the original book.

Although it couldn’t cure the poison completely, it was enough for him to make it to the end of the script.

Because he’d used the black jade talisman not long ago, then had undergone a bout of commotion, his body was still somewhat weak right now. Fang Li coughed lightly, then propped himself up into a sitting position and was just about to pour himself a cup of tea……

The System’s anxious voice, which had been missing for a while, rang out in his ears.

【System: Host! Bad news! Xie Huai drew out the poison in your body into his!!!】

The hand that was holding the teacup shook, and Fang Li’s eyes became empty.

After a while, he used a slow, wooden voice to squeeze out word by word, “How, did, he, draw, it, out?”

【System: ……】

【The System processed his words: Relax, nothing happened! Look at your right hand.】

Fang Li hurriedly raised his right hand and opened his palm to take a look. The cut on his palm had already scarred over. So, the poison had been drawn out by cutting open their palms? Oh, his body didn’t seem to have any irregularities, either.

He immediately let out a long breath, his eyes full of the relief of having survived a great tribulation……

As expected of the ascetic Yuyi-jun, the righteous, honorable protagonist shou. How would he know that there was also a method of drawing out the poison like this?

True enough, this was the normal method of doing it, right?

It was all because he’d been affected by that nonsensical little smut novel that the first thought in his brain had actually been that kind of method…… How shameful!

Fang Li coughed lightly to cover up his embarrassment. This was what it meant for chaos to arise from haste. Actually, even without thinking about it, one would know that Xie Huai couldn’t possibly do such a thing to him, after all……

But since Xie Huai had drawn the poison into his own body, then what was he to do?

Didn’t I go to such painstaking lengths to cover for you precisely so you wouldn’t get poisoned?!

And you just make all my efforts go to waste like this?

When he thought up to here, Fang Li couldn’t sit still anymore, his eyes full of anxiety and worry. Without any hesitation, he got up and started walking outside……

But he’d just arrived at the door and was about to push it open when he thoroughly stopped in his tracks.

No, he couldn’t go.

What could he accomplish by going over there now? Playing out on a tragic and touching scene of mutual self-sacrifice just before he died?

He wasn’t here to win favorability points from Xie Huai. Doing so was of absolutely no use to advancing the plot, and might on the contrary even cause more changes.

With the situation at this point, he couldn’t let the final step fall through.

Fang Li slowly clenched his hands into fists, his eyes wavering without end. He took in a deep breath, then turned and sat back down on the bed.

【Fang Li: What did I get poisoned with?】

【System: Dreameater.】

Du Meng had still used the same poison as in the original book, so there was a solution. The difficulty of the Dreameater poison came from the antidote’s bizarre and unusual catalyst. He remembered that in the book, Du Meng had mentioned that the catalyst was the prismglow herb. With that, Wu Yimei would only need to create a portion of antidote, and things would be fine.

But just in case, he still needed to double-check.

【Fang Li: As my system, can you analyze the poison on me?】

Perhaps it was because it involved the safety of the protagonist, Xie Huai, but this time, the System was very quick-witted.

【System: I already analyzed it when you got poisoned. It’s the same as in the original book, the catalyst is the prismglow herb.】

【Fang Li said, moved: You’re finally a System with some use. 】

【System: …………… 】 Suddenly, I regret telling you a little.

Fang Li let out a slight breath of relief. Since that was the case, he could guarantee Xie Huai’s life without worries.

Actually, he’d been so cautious before in fear of Xie Huai being poisoned precisely because he was worried that the changes in the script had given rise to unknown variables. What if Du Meng had switched the poison he was using, or the System couldn’t analyze the poison? Anything could happen…… and he would be powerless in the face of it, so even if he had to take the risk himself, he definitely wouldn’t allow Xie Huai to be poisoned.

Thank the heavens, this part hadn’t changed.

Having gone through both shock and worry just now, his emotions had been taken up and down like a roller coaster ride……

Now, after confirming that Xie Huai was in no danger, Fang Li finally started to contemplate why Xie Huai would do such a thing.

First of all, Xie Huai obviously couldn’t have put himself at risk to draw the poison onto himself because he’d fallen in love with him.

Fang Li had absolutely no way to conjure up such a ridiculous, nonsensical, and terrifying fantasy from Xie Huai’s indifferent, ascetic face.

After thinking back and forth, there was probably only one possibility—Xie Huai didn’t want to owe him any favors.

This did seem extremely reasonable.

Right now, from Xie Huai’s point of view, not only had Fang Li savagely destroyed Cinnabar Gate, he was also about to stir up a great war between the demonic and righteous sects. Seeing that the world was about to be plunged into chaos, he would have to make a resolution. Regardless of how this period of time had gone, their positions had already been decided—in those final moments, they were fated to stand on opposite sides.

The battle was inevitable.

With Xie Huai’s lofty pride, how could he accept that his enemy had been poisoned to save him on the eve of the great battle? This way, even if he won, it would be a dishonorable victory. Xie Huai couldn’t do such a thing.

Fang Li hadn’t done this and that to him like Yan Sui had, so Xie Huai naturally wouldn’t treat him like Yan Sui. There were no personal grudges between them, only the conflict of good and evil. That Xie Huai would make such a decision was within reason.

First, clear all debts, then hold the decisive battle.

It made complete sense.

After all, that was precisely the kind of sincere and honorable person Xie Huai was!

Fang Li felt a profuse respect in his heart.

It was just too bad that it wasn’t too convenient for him to see Xie Huai right now.

Fang Li called in the demonic servant outside the door and said, “When did Yuyi-jun return?”

The servant said, “Two shichen ago.”

Fang Li said casually, “He returned by himself?”

The servant said, “Yes, Yuyi-jun returned on his own.”

Fang Li pondered to himself. Xie Huai had drawn out the poison, but hadn’t fallen unconscious and had even been able to return on his own without revealing any irregularities to others…… It looked like he’d had some measure of certainty when he’d done so, but just in case, the antidote still had to be prepared as soon as possible.

He wouldn’t allow Xie Huai to have a single mishap.

Fang Li spoke again. “Having Wu Yimei come see this lord.”

The servant accepted the command and left.

Wu Yimei arrived very soon after receiving the news. Seeing that Fang Li had finally woken up, he looked extremely excited and said in a hoarse voice, “Your Excellency…..”

Fang Li’s eyes softened. Wu Yimei was sure to have worried his heart out after he got poisoned. He said, “I’m fine.”

But Wu Yimei wasn’t consoled, and his expression was heavy. The antidote that he’d created could only temporarily suppress the poison. If the correct catalyst couldn’t be found as soon as possible, sooner or later, His Excellency would still……

Just then, he heard Fang Li say, “Fetch the prismglow herb and create another portion of antidote.”

Wu Yimei suddenly lifted his eyes, staring at Fang Li blankly.

Fang Li smiled faintly, giving off the air of having everything in the palm of his hand, and said mildly, “Is a mere Dreameater supposed to be able to confound this lord? Go ahead and do as this lord says.”

A joyous surprise appeared in Wu Yimei’s eyes. Although he didn’t know how His Excellency knew the catalyst, His Excellency had always been full of schemes and plans, and Wu Yimei would never ask too many questions. He quickly said, “Understood.”

Saying so, he left in a hurry.

A shichen later, Wu Yimei brought the antidote back. He respectfully presented the antidote to Fang Li, and Fang Li accepted it and casually put it to one side, turning back to Wu Yimei to ask about the situation outside.

Fang Li said slowly, “During the time that this lord has been unconscious, has anything happened in the outside world?”

Wu Yimei said in a heavy voice, “Because of Cinnabar Gate, right now, the hearts of the people across the world are anxious. More than a few cultivation sects have joined the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance, and the influence of Heaven’s Summit is like the sun in the sky. They might attack Hollow Ridge at any time.”

Fang Li was extremely pleased when he heard this. Everything was going as planned.

He hadn’t eliminated Cinnabar Gate to the last like Yan Sui had done and had only killed Chong Wanshan and his trusted confidantes, letting the rest of the Cinnabar Gate disciples go as much as possible, but the Cinnabar Gate disciples fleeing for their lives sure wouldn’t feel gratitude toward him for sparing their lives.

Rumors were a terrifying thing. Tens of thousands of stray disciples left with no home to return to would spread word of the despair and terror he’d brought upon them throughout the entire world.

Although his methods had been different from Yan Sui’s, the result he’d obtained was the same…… To the point that the effect might be even better than Yan Sui’s.

The ranks of the Thousand Immortal’s Alliance must certainly be full to the brim.

The plot was still on the right track.

Fang Li revealed a mocking expression and said languidly, “A flock of fools. Even if they join hands, so what?”

Looking for all the world like he didn’t hold any regard for the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance.

But Wu Yimei wasn’t so relaxed. Du Meng had turned traitor and had probably already joined hands with the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance. Nowadays, the members of the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance were united in heart and mind, whereas the people of Hollow Ridge were filled with anxiety. Those demonic cultivators only feared His Excellency’s methods and had no choice but to submit to him, and it was unlikely they could be relied upon at the critical moment. Their circumstances actually weren’t too good…… If war really broke out, the ones to lose would probably be themselves……

Just when Wu Yimei was hesitating over whether to persuade His Excellency to temporarily take shelter from the storm, he heard Fang Li speak again.

Fang Li said blandly, “Spread word of this lord’s order. This lord wants all the righteous sects of the world to hand over their allegiance and come to Hollow Ridge to bow before this lord within ten days. Those who refuse to submit—Cinnabar Gate’s ending will be theirs.”

Wu Yimei looked at Fang Li with disbelief, the blood on his face draining away.

Fang Li’s eyes were gentle as he looked at him, but his tone of voice brooked no dissent. He said slowly, “Do you have any objections?”

Wu Yimei’s fists clenched tight.

He finally, understood what His Excellency meant……

His Excellency was doing it on purpose.

He wanted precisely to force the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance’s hand.

He wanted precisely to turn the whole world against him.

But why did he have to do this?

Wu Yimei’s expression was confused and pained, and he looked at the person before his eyes in a daze.

Ten years ago.

It was this person who had picked him up out of that pile of corpses and taken him home. Time had flown by, and he had gone from an ant that anyone could trample underfoot to a great demonic cultivator whose name shook the earth. This person had given him the dignity and respect of being a human, and had also given him the trust and care that he’d never once imagined he could wish for.

Everything he had today had been given to him by this person.

That this day and moment existed was enough for him in this life.

So, if you want to die on Hollow Ridge, I’ll accompany you to die on Hollow Ridge.

Other than by your side, I have nowhere to go, anyways.

Wu Yimei knelt deferentially and bowed, his hoarse voice sounding slowly. “I will be sure to follow Your Excellency’s command and spread the word.”

Then, he turned decisively and left.

Fang Li watched Wu Yimei’s back as he went.

Falling into a faint silence.

Wu Yimei knew perfectly well what outcome his command would bring, but he was still marching forward bravely without looking back…… So, you want to accompany me to die here?

Just like in the original book.

Fang Li lowered his eyes and sighed softly, his expression complicated.

But, I won’t allow you to die here.

………………………………………

Xie Huai sat cross-legged, his eyes shut tight, his face occasionally tinged with an ashy purple, occasionally with a faint red, up until a whole three shichen passed, and Xie Huai suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. He slowly opened his eyes and wiped away the trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

This poison truly was a bit thorny, but luckily, he had still been able to suppress it in the end.

Had Fang Li awoken yet?

Xie Huai inhaled deeply and immediately stood up. When his feet reached the ground, his body swayed faintly, and then he heard the demonic servant from outside say, “Yuyi-jun, His Excellency has instructed me to send this tea brew to you.”

His Excellency?

Xie Huai’s expression shifted. Fang Li had woken up?

He said in a hoarse voice, “Come in.”

The servant pushed open the door and entered, presenting the tea brew with both hands and saying respectfully, “His Excellency said this was prepared especially for you. Please be sure to enjoy it while it’s still hot.”

Saying so, the servant stood there, actually intending to personally watch Xie Huai drink it.

Xie Huai’s expression was impassive. Without looking or asking any questions, he picked up the brew and drank it to the last drop.

The servant took the empty bowl and smiled, saying, “Please rest well.”

Having said that, the servant left.

Xie Huai lowered his eyes slightly.

As soon as the brew entered his body, it flowed through like warm spring water, cleansing every corner of his body. The poison that he’d finally been able to suppress without regard for damage to his cultivation immediately melted away like snow……

It was the antidote.

The real antidote.

Xie Huai creased his brow with confusion. How had Fang Li known the real catalyst? And had he guessed that Xie Huai had drawn out the poison for him in such a short amount of time?

True enough, he was that intelligent, like there was nothing in the world he didn’t know……

Only…… What would he think?

Would he understand Xie Huai’s feelings because of this?

When he thought up to here, nervousness arose in Xie Huai’s heart for the first time. It was his first time so urgently wanting to see a person, yet wavering with indecision because he didn’t know how to face him……

After a long time, he took in a deep breath and pushed the door open to leave.

Just when he was about to leave the courtyard, his gaze swept around. The courtyard was empty without a trace of life, and in an inconspicuous corner, two letters were stuck among some tree branches.

They had been sent by Feng Yin.

What was so urgent that he had to send the letters now?

Xie Huai’s footsteps paused, and his brow furrowed as he opened the letter.

One of the letters had been written personally by his master.

In the letter, his master explained that the world had been shaken because of Cinnabar Gate’s destruction, and Cloudbank Keep had already entered the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance. They were currently selecting a date to attack Hollow Ridge, and they wanted him to cooperate from the inside. They must eliminate this devil at all costs and return peace to the world.

Xie Huai gripped the letter. If it had been before, he would certainly have agreed without the slightest hesitation, because this was the reason he had come here…… But right now, at this moment, he only felt that it was ridiculous and absurd……

Because, that devil was going to die from the start.

What need is there for me to act?

He’s been waiting this whole time for you to come and kill him.

Everything is exactly as he wants.

Xie Huai’s eyes dimmed, and he opened the second letter.

This letter was written a bit sloppily, and the ink hadn’t even dried yet. It had clearly been written in a hurry, and there was only one line of text on it: The demon lord just gave out the order, all sects are to submit within ten days, those who disobey will be killed without mercy.

Xie Huai looked at this line of words……

Intently, thoroughly, over and over again, as if to carve them into his eyes.

A metallic taste suddenly arose in the back of his throat, the taste of blood filling his mouth.

Xie Huai closed his eyes and let out a miserable laugh.

As soon as this order went out, it would be the final straw for the righteous cultivation sects. They couldn’t possibly submit, and right now, the ranks of the Thousand Immortals’ Alliance were overflowing. They were sure to strike full force.

Ten days.

So that’s how impatient you are? Even when dying, you have to set yourself a deadline?

………………………………

Fang Li quickly received the demonic servant’s report, saying that the servant had personally seen Yuyi-jun drink the brew, and he finally relaxed.

Ten days.

He could finally end things.

He thought about how it had only been a few months since he’d arrived in this world, but at this moment, it somehow felt like a lifetime ago. It turned out that he’d already gone through so many things……

Now, only the final step remained.

Fang Li idled his time away, bringing his fishing pole to the mountains in the back to fish. Previously, when he had nothing to do, he liked to go to the seaside to fish. It calmed his heart and made time fly by.

The seaside cliffs were located to the back of Hollow Ridge, and below was the dark, bottomless Fallen Star Sea. Powerful gales raged, and monstrous waves crashed against the sky. It was an extremely dangerous place, but even in such a fierce and dangerous location, there were still fish who could survive here.

Only, these fish were extremely ferocious. In the past, Yan Sui liked to throw the people who disobeyed him in here to feed the fish. In just a few moments, a living person who fell in would be devoured until not even a scrap of bone remained. As soon as Yan Sui so much as spoke the words “feed the fish,” plenty of people would be so terrified their legs would tremble.

Fang Li couldn’t help but laugh and shook his head. He didn’t have the hobby of feeding fish, but the fish here tasted pretty good, the flesh tender and flavorful, and he liked it very much.

He sat there idly and contentedly. The wind on the cliff was a bit strong, violently stirring up his robes, when his eyes suddenly lit up. He’d gotten a bite!

Fang Li flung the fishing pole fiercely.

A savage-looking black fish was sent flying over, and Fang Li nimbly caught the fish by the tail. The fish glared at Fang Li fiercely, opening its mouth of razor-sharp teeth, and snap—Fang Li slammed it into the ground, where its jaws crushed a piece of solid rock into bits.

Having missed that vile person and instead getting a jawful of rock, the monstrous fish was infuriated into letting out wild howls, struggling without rest in Fang Li’s grip to bite him again!

Fang Li laughed cheerfully, his eyes sweeping up and down, pondering whether to steam it, or roast it, or fry it……

When a figure in white slowly appeared at the shore.

Xie Huai’s robes billowed up from the wind. He stood there quietly, his dark, black eyes heavy, watching him without blinking.

Although Xie Huai didn’t say a word, Fang Li instinctively sensed that Xie Huai wasn’t very happy right now.

With a bit of a guilty conscience, he tossed the fish back into the sea with a flick of his hand. You’re a lucky one, I’ll let you off today. Then, he coughed lightly and gave Xie Huai a slight smile. “How come you’re here?”

Xie Huai’s chest heaved faintly, his eyes fixed on the person before him.

His eyes were complicated and gloomy.

Inside them were emotions that Fang Li didn’t understand.

Fang Li was stared at by Xie Huai until his scalp began to tingle. It looked like Xie Huai already knew about his order. This was a naked intent to stir up a war between the righteous and demonic sects. Right now, Xie Huai must be at the peak of his anger and had definitely come to interrogate him. He suddenly didn’t really want to face Xie Huai right now……

Because other than deceiving him, he didn’t know what he could say.

And he didn’t want to deceive him anymore.

Xie Huai looked at Fang Li’s evasive expression, a chill trickling through his chest. So you also knew that I wouldn’t be happy……

You know everything, yet you still intend on doing this.

And what more can I ask you?

Should I ask, if you really want to die this badly?

That sentence lingered on the tip of Xie Huai’s tongue, yet no matter what, he couldn’t get it out.

He no longer had any way to watch this person continue on like this.

After a long time, Xie Huai slowly opened his mouth, saying in a low and hoarse voice, “Let’s leave this place, okay?”

………………………………………

The Author Has Something to Say:

Fang “Blockhead” Li: He wants to clear all debts with me.

Xie Huai: ……

Author: You can even come up with a reason for this? (Thumbs up)