Record of a Demon's Cultivation Chapter 1258: Formless Weak Water

Having procured a substantial amount of Demon Souls from a merchant, Song Wen emerged onto the bustling streets of Great Tan City.

His gaze occasionally drifted towards the Spirit Jade Palace, as he remained indecisive about entering the Turbid Spirit Realm.

Though the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew was a rare find, his own life held immeasurable value.

Just as he wrestled with his decision, a subtle vibration emanated from a Communication Jade Slip within his storage ring.

Initially believing it to be a message from Bai Wei, he retrieved the jade slip only to discover Mi Man as the sender.

[Lei Yue, if this message reaches you, please respond promptly. I urgently require your assistance.]

"What does she want with me now? Bai Wei just requested my aid for Xu Mengyu, and now Mi Man follows suit. Do they perceive me as some sort of altruistic hero?"

Pondering this, Song Wen veered into a quiet alley, using the opportunity to send a reply to Mi Man.

[Esteemed Fellow Daoist Mi Man, what matter requires my attention?]

Mi Man’s response arrived with remarkable speed the instant his message was dispatched.

[I require the assistance of someone skilled in thunder magic to help me refine a spiritual artifact.]

"How did you ascertain my proficiency in thunder magic?" Song Wen inquired.

Mi Man explained, [Many years ago, you employed thunder magic to rescue Xu Mengyu, Che Jing, and Liu Shanshan within the Primordial Qi Death Zone. Che Jing informed me of this event. Would you consider lending me your aid this once, considering my past efforts in procuring Mingqing Grass for you and my recent invitation to the Gu Master Exchange Conference?]

"Fellow Daoist, I compensated you handsomely with spirit stones for both of those endeavors," Song Wen retorted. "If you expect me to act, surely some form of compensation should be offered in return, should it not?]

"Where are you currently located? I shall come to meet you. We can discuss the compensation face-to-face," Mi Man proposed.

"Very well, I shall await you at Auspicious Jade Mountain," Song Wen conceded.

"Auspicious Jade Mountain is excessively populated and presents inconveniences. Let us select a more secluded location," Mi Man countered.

Song Wen remained silent for a moment, his attention suddenly drawn upwards.

He noticed that the alley opened onto another main thoroughfare.

Directly opposite the alley stood a remarkably elaborate and eye-catching pavilion. An illuminated plaque bearing three prominent characters, "Jade Cauldron Pavilion," adorned its grand entrance.

"Then proceed to the Jade Cauldron Pavilion," Song Wen finally replied.

With his response sent, Song Wen proceeded towards the impressive pavilion, disregarding the persistent vibrations of the jade slip.

"A warm welcome to you, honored guest! Please, step inside quickly!"

As Song Wen neared the entrance of the Jade Cauldron Pavilion, two elegantly attired young women, with surprising swiftness, grasped his arms and guided him inside.

The moment he crossed the threshold, his vision was met with a vast and lavishly decorated hall.

Numerous wooden tables occupied the space, each surrounded by cultivators engaged in lively drinking and boisterous laughter.

Dressed in suggestive attire, women moved amidst the tables, their sheer veils and revealing robes offering tantalizing glimpses of their forms. Their gazes were as captivating as fine silk, and their lips bore the vibrant hue of crimson flames.

Some were seated intimately with patrons, while others swayed their lithe bodies in mesmerizing dances.

The conclusion was undeniable: the Jade Cauldron Pavilion was, in fact, a house of ill repute.

"Young master, you possess a striking appearance, yet I do not recognize you. Is this your first visit to our esteemed Jade Cauldron Pavilion?" A madam, of slightly fuller figure, greeted him with an expertly crafted smile.

Upon the madam’s approach, the two young women released Song Wen’s arms, returning to their positions by the entrance, their designated role being the enticement of customers.

Without awaiting Song Wen's response, the madam continued, her face fixed in a sycophantic grin.

"Would you prefer to enjoy the song and dance performances in the main hall, or would you rather retire to the rear courtyard for some personal companionship?"

"The rear courtyard, if you please, but without any company," Song Wen stated.

"No company?"

The madam registered a flicker of surprise but did not press further. She signaled a maid to escort Song Wen to the rear courtyard.

Following a winding path through the rear grounds, Song Wen listened to the occasional melodic chirping of orioles emanating from the surrounding enclosures. He soon arrived at Courtyard Seventy-Two.

After bidding the serving girls depart, Song Wen entered the wooden dwelling within the courtyard, settled onto the low-lying couch, and swiftly altered his appearance to that of Lei Yue.

It was only then that he retrieved Mi Man’s Communication Jade Slip.

Throughout his time at the Jade Cauldron Pavilion, Mi Man had dispatched numerous messages, all urging him to relocate their meeting point.

Disregarding her entreaties, Song Wen dispatched his reply:

Courtyard Seventy-Two at the Jade Cauldron Pavilion. Esteemed Fellow Daoist, if you wish to meet, please make haste.

Shortly after, Mi Man arrived, her form completely concealed by a dark cloak, evidently wishing to avoid recognition.

Her hood was drawn back, unveiling her true features, and she cast her eyes about the room.

Crimson draperies adorned the bed, swaying like the hem of a dancer's skirt. A screen displayed lifelike, alluring courtesans in suggestive poses. From an incense burner on the table, fragrant smoke curled, its potent aroma distinctly aphrodisiac.

Every detail within the chamber exuded an aura of decadent charm.

"Lei Yue, why are you here?" Mi Man inquired, her brow creased, a clear sense of discomfort emanating from her in the lavish surroundings.

Song Wen lounged on the bed, a subtle, roguish grin gracing his lips, radiating an air of decadent idleness.

"What else would I be doing? Seeking enjoyment, naturally."

"I believed you were dedicated solely to the pursuit of immortality," Mi Man stated. "I never imagined you would partake in carnal delights."

"Such desires are only human," Song Wen responded. "I am a cultivator, not some ascetic monk sworn to celibacy. Fellow Daoist, why don't you reveal your true intentions? If you continue to skirt the issue, I might just summon a companion."

Mi Man pressed her lips together and moved towards the wooden table, taking a seat before she spoke.

"I have acquired some Formless Weak Water and intend to refine it into my natal magic treasure. However, the water lacks purity, containing residual Yin Energy. I require your thunder magic to assist in its purification."

"Where is this Formless Weak Water?" Song Wen inquired. "Permit me to examine it first."

Without a moment's delay, Mi Man presented a square jade box.

Upon opening, the jade box revealed a pale blue liquid filling nearly its entirety.

The liquid shimmered like amber, with countless minuscule, star-like particles suspended within, as if the very cosmos were swirling in the fluid.

A sharp glint flashed in Song Wen's eyes.

Ever since the Blood Sea Seal was upgraded to a mid-grade spirit treasure, its power had plateaued.

This Formless Weak Water, with its properties that perfectly complemented the Blood Sea Seal, seemed an ideal candidate for integration.

Yet, the potency of this particular sample was somewhat lacking, rendering it of limited utility for the current Blood Sea Seal. Furthermore, the trace of Yin Energy it contained significantly diminished its value.

Perhaps I should seek out stronger Weak Water to merge with the Blood Sea Seal, Song Wen contemplated.

With a newfound resolve, he abandoned his earlier languid posture and rose from his reclining position.

"Fellow Daoist Mi Man," Song Wen asked, his smile warm, "did you obtain this Formless Weak Water from your Sect? Does your Sect happen to possess any more remarkable Weak Water?"

The Spirit Jade Palace's cultivation methods leaned towards the Yin and feminine, with the majority of its disciples being women. It was therefore not surprising that the Sect would maintain a reserve of water-attribute spiritual resources.

(End of the Chapter)