Record of a Demon's Cultivation Chapter 1266: Forging Eternal Life Together
Previously on Record of a Demon's Cultivation...
Translator: CinderTL
The city of Great Tan.
Within a hidden chamber of a cultivator's lodging, Song Wen clutched Bai Wei's Communication Jade Slip and commenced sending a message.
[Senior Bai Wei, after much deliberation, I've resolved to journey into the Turbid Spirit Realm. I humbly request your guidance in reaching it.]
Bai Wei's reply arrived swiftly:
[This was my initial suggestion, so I shall not abandon my duty. However, I can only ensure you encounter no unjust hindrances during your entry and exit from the Turbid Spirit Realm. All perils within the realm itself will be yours to confront.]
Song Wen found Bai Wei's terms entirely reasonable.
The conditions present within the Turbid Spirit Realm were still uncertain. Had Bai Wei made broad assurances to resolve every danger, skepticism would have been his immediate reaction.
[Thank you for your caution, Senior. I shall navigate the various threats within the Turbid Spirit Realm with the utmost vigilance,] Song Wen responded.
[You need not fret excessively. Although the three major sects will dispatch cultivators at the Body Integration Stage into the Turbid Spirit Realm, current intelligence indicates that while treasures such as the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew and Heavenly Soul Mushroom exist there, these spiritual items predominantly benefit cultivators at the Void Refinement Stage and hold little significance for those in the Body Integration Stage. The number of Body Integration Stage cultivators dispatched by the sects will likely be exceptionally limited. By evading them and skillfully handling the demon beasts within the Turbid Spirit Realm, your risks should be minimal,] Bai Wei conveyed.
[My aim is to contend for the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew. How can I possibly evade the three major sects entirely? A fierce confrontation appears unavoidable,] Song Wen replied.
[It appears your understanding of the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew is quite limited. Have you ever pondered why it bears the designation 'Heavenly'?] Bai Wei inquired.
A spark of curiosity ignited within Song Wen.
Indeed, his knowledge regarding the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew was sparse.
Both sets of breakthrough insights he had acquired made mention of the dew, detailing only its appearance and effects, without ever elaborating on the circumstances of its formation.
This was precisely the query Song Wen had intended to pose to Bai Wei today.
Only by comprehending where the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew might manifest could he hope to locate it upon entering the Turbid Spirit Realm.
"I earnestly seek your wisdom, Senior," Song Wen stated.
"The Pure Origin Heavenly Dew is termed 'Heavenly' because its existence is confined to the heavens above the Nine Heavens..."
Bai Wei paused momentarily, as if gathering her thoughts before continuing the transmission.
"As you are aware, the world's spiritual qi embodies the Five Elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Only when these Five Elements achieve perfect equilibrium, are refined by the Nine Heavens Astral Wind for a century, and are imbued with the boundless might of the stars, can the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew begin to condense. Such exacting prerequisites render the dew extraordinarily rare. Furthermore, the dew is not stationary but drifts with the Nine Heavens Astral Wind, even risking dissipation back into the ambient spiritual qi of heaven and earth. Consequently, upon entering the Turbid Spirit Realm, you need only ascend to elevated altitudes and seek signs of the dew, rather than necessarily engaging in conflict with others."
"I comprehend now. Thank you for this clarification, Senior," Song Wen replied.
Bai Wei added, "The three sects will likely dispatch their envoys into the Turbid Spirit Realm in the near future, though the precise timing remains unknown. To avoid missing this opportunity, it would be best for you to remain within Great Tan City so that I may promptly inform you when news becomes available."
Following the conclusion of his communication with Bai Wei, Song Wen adhered to her counsel and stayed at the inn, dedicating himself to quiet cultivation and the regulation of his breathing.
With his departure drawing near, he had no spare time to advance his cultivation. Moreover, he carried all his essential provisions, leaving no room for further preparations.
Three months elapsed in the blink of an eye.
On this particular day, during the Chen hour (7-9 AM), the sky had just begun to lighten when Song Wen materialized above Great Tan City.
Several days prior, he had received a message from Bai Wei advising him to await events here.
Soon, a colossal flying vessel, spanning ten miles in length, emerged from the Spirit Jade Palace and streaked towards Great Tan City.
Bai Wei stood at the ship's bow, her white robes fluttering in the wind.
"Gou Jun, board the ship," her voice echoed within Song Wen's mind.
Hearing her words, Song Wen moved with haste, ascending rapidly towards the flying ship.
As he drew nearer, he observed dozens of figures arrayed on the ship's deck, in addition to Bai Wei.
Their cultivation ranged from the Divine Transformation realm up to Body Integration, and their clothing was a diverse mix. Only a mere dozen donned the standard Spirit Jade Palace uniforms, while the rest were in casual wear. Amidst them, Song Wen spotted a familiar face:
Wang Qiuyue!
It had been years since Song Wen, fleeing from Gu Huang's pursuit, had stumbled into Chu’an City. It was Wang Qiuyue who had appeared then, forcing Gu Huang to retreat and, in doing so, indirectly saving his life.
On the ship's deck, Wang Qiuyue and Bai Wei stood as the sole cultivators at the Body Integration Stage.
"Greetings, Senior Bai Wei," Song Wen said, offering a respectful bow with clasped hands as he alighted beside her.
Bai Wei gave a nod. "Accompany me to the ship's tower. A room has been prepared for you."
As they began to drift a few dozen meters away, Wang Qiuyue approached.
"This young friend appears unfamiliar. You cannot be a disciple of our sect. From which family beneath our sect's banner do you hail?"
Song Wen's senses immediately sharpened. He knew that any hint of weakness or the revelation of his identity as a demonic cultivator could result in a swift, powerful strike from Wang Qiuyue.
During their prior encounter, Song Wen had subtly commanded Shadow Void to investigate Wang Qiuyue. Her cultivation base was identical to Bai Wei's, both at the early stage of Body Integration. Normally, with Shadow Void at his side, Song Wen would feel secure. However, he could not be certain if other Body Integration or even Great Ascension cultivators might be concealed within the ship's tower.
Despite his internal unease, Song Wen maintained a placid expression. He bowed respectfully, his gaze focused on Wang Qiuyue as she drew nearer.
Having resolved to enter the Turbid Spirit Realm, Song Wen had long since braced himself for potential questioning by the Spirit Jade Palace.
However, before Song Wen could utter a word, Bai Wei intervened.
"Elder Wang, this young man's name is Gou Jun. He is a rogue cultivator who once rendered me a significant service. Due to a lack of suitable opportunities, he has been stalled at the peak of Void Refinement for close to a millennium without achieving a breakthrough. Upon hearing about the Pure Origin Heavenly Dew within the Turbid Spirit Realm, he implored me to bring him along. In repayment for his past assistance, I felt compelled to agree. I would appreciate it if this matter could be kept discreet, Elder, to prevent the arousal of discontent among certain sect members."
As Bai Wei spoke, she consciously erected a spiritual barrier, ensuring their conversation remained private among the three of them.
"So, he is an old acquaintance of Elder Bai Wei," Wang Qiuyue remarked with a subtle smile, her eyes scrutinizing Song Wen with evident curiosity. "Elder Bai Wei, if my memory serves, your primary objective in venturing into the Turbid Spirit Realm was to procure a Heavenly Soul Mushroom. This spiritual herb is a crucial component for the Heavenly Astral Body Integration Pill. Could it be that you are going to such lengths to refine this pill specifically for Junior Gou Jun?"
Bai Wei regarded Wang Qiuyue with a look of bewilderment, as if questioning the relevance of her inquiry.
Wang Qiuyue pressed on, "Elder Bai Wei, you are expending considerable effort to aid Junior Gou Jun. Is he truly merely an old acquaintance?"
Bai Wei's countenance faltered slightly, evidently caught off guard by Wang Qiuyue's veiled suggestion.
A knowing amusement began to bloom on Wang Qiuyue's face, her smile deepening.
"Rest assured, Elder, your association with Junior Gou Jun will remain between us. Should you two attain eternal life together, perhaps you might recall my magnanimity."
With a wave of her hand, she unleashed a surge of spiritual power that dissolved the barrier. She then turned and departed from the immediate vicinity.
Bai Wei watched Wang Qiuyue's receding figure, making no attempt to offer an explanation.
"Let us proceed," Bai Wei stated softly to Song Wen standing nearby. "Follow me to the ship's tower."