Chapter 290: The Primordial Spirit Turns into Butterflies and Dissipates

After some skillful treatment by Wuwei Laozu and several days of recuperation, Chiyanzi was finally able to get out of bed and walk around, though he still needed to recuperate for a few more days to fully recover.

However, even if he were physically recovered, it was likely he would be unable to engage in combat for some time.

In his previous battle with Bai Wuchang, Chiyanzi had held a resolve to die, and thus had left himself no room for retreat. Now that his internal organs were injured, his spirit meridians damaged, and his cultivation severely impacted, he would likely be unable to fully execute his witchcraft for at least three to five years.

Fortunately, he had not yet taken the Gathering Spirit Pill that Lingxiang had given him earlier; by resting in a place rich in Spirit Qi, he would still be able to return to his former state.

Zhao Wuyang's luck was not as good; regardless of whether the dosage of Lingxiang's Dream-Returning Pill was too strong, he had actually slept until now without waking.

Of course, it was impossible for Lingxiang to admit the problem lay with her. She merely mumbled some excuse about Wuyang being too young to handle such a dosage of the Pill, and would not allow others to say anything more about it.

However, since matters here were concluded and the disciples had been training for quite some time, Chengxin Zhenren proposed that it was time to return to the Yuanqing Sect.

Wuwei Laozu was indifferent, as if this trip out were merely for leisure. Every day, he would either go to the stream to fish or tell old stories to the disciples, acting just like a storyteller in the marketplace. Yet, his appearance was entirely that of an old sage, and he would deliberately imitate the mannerisms of those storytellers, which looked extremely comical.

This also allowed Banxia to relax.

Banxia had originally thought that as the founding ancestor of Yuanqing, Wuwei Laozu would surely have a stern face, but she had never expected him to be able to play along with them juniors; it was truly unexpected.

However, Wuwei Laozu specifically asked Banxia for the Wen Wang Eight Trigrams. He stared at the patterns under the Lord in the Clouds Seal with a solemn expression for a long time, and then carefully examined the identical markings on her arm that the old Mountain God had given her. Only then did he wear a helpless expression, say something about how all things are fated, and say nothing more.

This left Banxia puzzled, but since Wuwei Laozu was unwilling to say more, she had no choice but to let it go.

Liu Xia, who had gone out to buy medicine, finally returned. These days, Liu Xia would frequently approach Banxia, either to boil water and cook together or to sit in meditation and regulate his breath, claiming it was mutual support between fellow disciples.

Support, my foot!

Liu Xia was a young official from the Inspector's Mansion who had never done a day's work in his life; he could barely tell green onions from garlic, so it would be good enough if he didn't just cause trouble!

While complaining to herself, Banxia helped Lingxiang decoct the medicine. Watching Lingxiang put floating wheat and other heat-clearing items into the medicine jar, she finally couldn't help but ask her previous question.

Lingxiang explained it to her carefully.

As it turned out, there are many types of heat-related illnesses. All things require balance. Like Long Qi, who was feverish all over yet sweating cold sweat and shivering uncontrollably, this was a case of cold evil entering the body and internal Qi sinking; naturally, one must supplement warmth to drive out the cold.

Hearing what Lingxiang said, although Banxia did not fully understand, she grasped one principle: all things require balance; only by being neither biased nor leaning can one endure.

This was exactly what Donghui Zhenren had once told her, but at the time she had been so obsessed with talisman arts that she had never delved into it.

Long Qi had been much quieter these past few days, unlike his usual boisterous self. It was not that he had suddenly changed his temperament, but rather that he could not fathom what Wuwei Laozu had said to him earlier.

What did "do not wait for the next life" mean? He was living perfectly well, so why bring up the next life?

Long Qi felt restless; he suddenly thought of the dream he had while injured and unconscious.

Could it have something to do with Lingxiang?

Impossible, impossible! The Old Ancestor was Lingxiang's grandfather; he would never watch Lingxiang fall into danger.

But then what did it mean?

Watching Lingxiang laughing and chatting with Banxia, Long Qi shook his head.

Regardless, Lingxiang was right by his side, and with the Old Ancestor protecting her, nothing would go wrong.

Xin Yi and Hanyang had been close lately; perhaps after the battle with the wolf-head, they had developed a tacit understanding and, having shared life and death, felt closer.

Chengxin Zhenren looked at the courtyard full of young people and suddenly felt that if life could just continue like this, it would truly be quite nice. Just as he was watching all this with a smile on his lips, Wuwei Laozu drifted out from behind him.

"These disciples have truly excellent character and aptitude; the future is promising! The Yuanqing Sect is like the rising sun, and with them, it will surely flourish in the future."

Chengxin Zhenren was caught off guard by Wuwei Laozu's sudden appearance and voice. He was startled and hurriedly prepared to salute, but was stopped by Wuwei.

"You brothers have managed Yuanqing well, which is not in vain for the teachings your master gave you back then. This is very good, and I can rest easy now."

Hearing this, Chengxin Zhenren felt there was more to Wuwei Laozu's words. After a moment of thought, he understood and was immediately struck with horror.

"Grandmaster, you..."

Wuwei Laozu raised his hand: "No need to be sorrowful; it is time. The only thing I cannot let go of now is that girl Lingxiang. You brothers have taught her well, but she has a reserved nature; I fear there are many thoughts she keeps that you do not know. As her senior brother, you must guide her more."

Chengxin Zhenren saluted with a calm expression and agreed.

"There will eventually be such a day. In a few days, your brothers will also know. I only fear that after I am gone, some petty villains will come looking. For a seven-year illness, seek three-year moxa; remember not to wait until you are thirsty to dig a well, or wait until death to seek a doctor."

As Wuwei Laozu gave these instructions, his body gradually became transparent. Before long, he transformed into specks of fluorescent light, shaped like butterflies, which drifted away toward the east.

It was actually the Primordial Spirit of Wuwei Laozu.

Chengxin Zhenren had a solemn expression and bowed toward the east, which was the direction of the Yuanqing Sect.

"Grandfather is gone," Lingxiang said, appearing from behind Chengxin Zhenren with a calm expression.

"Yes, he is gone," Chengxin Zhenren replied, his face equally composed.

At this moment, at Wuji Hall, Shangqing Zhenren, who was sitting in meditation, suddenly opened his eyes and said with a sigh: "The time has come."

It was at this moment that the entire Jiuque Mountain began to shake, accompanied by a thunderous explosion. The commotion was earth-shattering, causing the disciples meditating in Youyuan Hall to be terrified. Not knowing who shouted "Earthquake!", the disciples scrambled to run outside.

As soon as they rushed into the courtyard, they saw that a mountain peak had inexplicably vanished from the continuous range, while the Sect Leader and the Elders all stood on Wangxian Terrace, staring motionless into the distance.

Just then, the clear sky was suddenly swept by wild winds, and clusters of black clouds formed abruptly, surging and gathering like ocean waves. Snakes of lightning darted within them, blue and purple intermingling, roaring incessantly.

Just as the disciples were astonished, those flashes of lightning suddenly converged. Looking closely, there was actually a person suspended in mid-air at that spot.

It was a Thunder Tribulation!