Chapter 208: Enmity (I)

Chapter 208: Enmity (I)

Mount Yue, entrenched in the land of Wu and Yue States, boasted its own customs and had a scattered population numbering over ten million. Findd new stories at novelhall.com

North of Mount Li, a vein of more than a million people found refuge under the protection of the Duanmu Kui. With the demise of Duanmu Kui, Mount Wu's disciples scattered far and wide, some fleeing while others sought refuge in various sects. The territory once controlled by Duanmu Kui was now divided among his four disciples, each imposing their authority, constructing palaces amid a scene of turmoil.

Deep within the northern vein, a monstrous beast dwelled in a deep cave amid the forest. Its mouth bristled with sharp teeth and its body was covered with yellowish scales. Its two brown eyes—each the size of a human head, stared lifelessly into the air.

"Finally, we've slain this beast!" Xiao Chuchou sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he accepted a pill from Xiao Yuansi. Swiftly swallowing it, he felt an immediate sense of reassurance and renewed strength overwhelm his body.

He let out a soft sigh and chuckled before saying, "My lifespan is dwindling and my qi is weakening. Not only has my cultivation stagnated, I don't even move like I used to! To think how heroic I was when I traversed the north... dominating the lands of Jin and Zhao States! Now, in the blink of an eye, I've become an old man..."

Xiao Yuansi looked at the old man with concern, hesitating slightly before finally speaking.

"Old Ancestor, you... you may want to consider trying the blood sacrifice ritual passed down from the sect... It could prolong your life by a few more years and alleviate your physical discomfort."

Xiao Chuchou sneered in response.

"No thanks. When my father fought with Chi Wei and ultimately became a sacrifice for him, I made a vow in my youth... I will never condone any sacrificial rituals."

"Chi Wei... He's truly the devil's spawn," Xiao Yuansi muttered resentfully as deep-seated hatred seeped from his usual gentle demeanor.

Xiao Chuchou was taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor. He hesitated before continuing, "I know you resent him, but the war between the immortals and the devils has passed. The line between good and evil has become blurred... Chi Wei is indeed a villain, but hardly a devil's spawn."

"What goodness does he possess?" Xiao Yuansi exclaimed indignantly, unaware of the conflicted look in Xiao Chuchou's eyes.

"More than a hundred and fifty years ago, when I was but an Embryonic Breathing Realm cultivator, the Demon King at the southern border invaded. Millions faced imminent doom... and while the three sects and seven gates watched from afar, it was Chi Wei and a few others—who had just attained the Purple Mansion Realm—that intervened. They risked their lives to coerce the ancestors of the Azure Pond Sect and others to take action, ultimately saving the day. Chi Wei sacrificed his lifespan during that battle and severely damaged his cultivation foundation. Had it not been for his sacrifice, he wouldn't still be struggling to break through to the Golden Core Realm even now... Simply put, the Xiao Family and half of Yue State owe him our lives," Xiao Chuchou revealed.

Xiao Yuansi glanced around him, his eyes falling upon a cluster of large yellow flowers blooming in the depths of the cave. A group of stamens curled up, with a drop of glistening dew gathering at the ends of them, emitting a fragrant aroma.

"It's a valuable medicine—Nine-Stamen Spirit Daylily."

While Xiao Chuchou was still struggling to identify the strange flower, Xiao Yuansi recognized it instantly, having been immersed in the alchemy for many years. Xiao Chuchou nodded in realization and chuckled.

"Even if we don't find any relics here, obtaining this precious herb alone already makes the journey worthwhile."

For cultivators in the Purple Mansion Realm, ordinary spirit items were no longer effective to them. Only the precious medicines that had been nurtured by the essence of heaven and earth could work wonders for them.

Satisfied with their find, Xiao Yuansi flicked his sleeve. Mana surged through his hand but it was without the expected luster of a spell.

"Old Ancestor, please be careful... This flower is sensitive to light."

Xiao Yuansi retrieved a dharma medicine pouch and carefully stowed away the flower. Xiao Chuchou observed the string of medicine pouches draped over Xiao Yuansi's body and chuckled.

"Always prepared, aren't you?"

Xiao Yuansi smiled wryly. Dharma medicine pouches and qi collection bottles like these possessed inner space and could not be stored within storage pouches. Despite this inconvenience, Xiao Yuansi still carried them around with him.

After collecting the Nine-Stamen Spirit Daylily, the two exited the cave and buried the demonic beasts on the ground.

Xiao Chuchou performed a few Spirit Sealing Techniques, then spoke again, "With the current situation of our Xiao Family, the Li Family on Moongaze Lake could provide a breakthrough, securing the west side for our family. Moongaze Lake, backed by Mount Dali, is an advantageous location... Even if Chi Wei dies, the Azure Pond Sect likely won't relinquish control of Moongaze Lake. Given the relationship between our families, using the Li Family as a barrier seems most appropriate."

Xiao Yuansi, his head lowered as he cast spells, nodded in agreement.

"That's good, I've heard that Yongling gets along quite well with Li Tongya... Ruyu and Li Xuanfeng are also friends."