A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 109 Dragon Soars and Grants Merit
Inside the medicine room, Gu Xu placed the medicinal herbs one by one into the medicine furnace. Then, he activated his true energy and ignited the fire crystal placed inside the furnace. A flash of red light appeared, and flames rose up inside the furnace, continuously melting the medicinal herbs and slowly turning them into a liquid medicine.

These fire crystals are a specialty of the Earth Flame Valley. One crystal is enough to burn for a day and a night, eliminating the need to constantly add firewood and saving a lot of effort.

Seeing that nothing unexpected had happened inside the medicine furnace, Gu Xu felt relieved and took out a book about incantations.

Previously, the rain-praying spell he practiced belonged to one of the six great divine spells. Today, he wanted to see another superior spell called the Prayer for Blessings and Reverence for Heaven.

After carefully reading through it, Gu Xu discovered that this kind of spell was extremely difficult to master. The incantation was very simple, but the requirements for the person casting the spell were almost extremely strict.

First, the person casting the spell must possess merit, which serves as the catalyst for the spell. The greater the merit, the easier it is to cast the spell. Second, the person casting the spell must have a cultivation level of innate or higher to perform the spell. Finally, the person casting the spell must be a member of the Tong clan; otherwise, the power of the spell will be greatly reduced, and there is a high possibility of backlash.

The reason why the Prayer and Reverence Mantra is so difficult to practice is because its effects are so great.

One of them is that it can extend lifespan, by up to fifty years.

"Although I cannot cultivate this spell, I can forge a different path based on its principles."

After reading it, Gu Xu decided that after refining the elixir, he would use the divination function of the jade pendant to disassemble and differentiate it.

Putting away the scroll, Gu Xu stared intently at the scene inside the medicine furnace. After a night, the fire crystal gradually turned white. Just as the last bit of fire was about to be exhausted, Gu Xu immediately activated another fire crystal and put it into the furnace to continue refining the medicinal herbs.

The fire crystal, having exhausted its power, turns pure white, crystal clear, and has a warm, smooth feel, similar to that of some fine jade.

"This thing is also a rare treasure; perhaps it can be used to carve something," Gu Xu said, putting the crystal away and deciding to leave it for later.

In the following days, Gu Xu spent the rest of his time reading the remaining few letters, apart from tending to the medicine furnace.

Besides the rain-praying incantation and the blessing incantation, Gu Xu also read through the remaining purification incantation. This incantation should be the most basic of the three great divine incantations, and also the most widely used. It also has the most records, and even some subdivided incantations have been derived from it.

For example, there are Pure Land Mantras specifically used to purify haunted places, Pure Water Mantras to purify water sources, and Purifying Spirit Mantras to dispel bloodlust, etc.

"The predecessors planted the trees, and the successors enjoy the shade. With these valuable experiences, future generations can address potential problems in a targeted manner. The Tong clan is truly blessed by heaven. Although their destiny has come to an end, the clan members are still alive. As long as they do not meddle in the world, their vitality will not dissipate."

Closing the book, Gu Xu looked at the medicine furnace. He saw that the flames inside the furnace had begun to change from crimson to pure blue, indicating that the medicinal materials inside had been completely cleaned of impurities and fused together. All that remained was the water-grinding process, and the most crucial step was yet to come.

Two days later, the lid of the medicine furnace was steaming and turning into clouds, with clumps of white vapor condensing and not dissipating. Gu Xu pointed his finger and a cold current rushed straight into the clouds. The clouds churned violently, then quickly gathered like rivers flowing into the sea, falling down and pouring into the medicine furnace. A pleasant, clear sound echoed back and forth inside the furnace.

"The Qi-gathering and pill-forming process is complete. The next step is to separate the pills." Gu Xu's expression was solemn. He formed his five fingers into claws, each releasing a wisp of true Qi to control the pills forming inside the furnace. His other hand controlled the fire inside the furnace, ensuring it was neither too strong nor too weak.

Under the division of true qi threads, the fist-sized pills shrank continuously. Under the control of the fire, each one quickly took shape. One by one, the Qingxin Pills floated in the medicine furnace. Gu Xu relaxed his mind and released the power in his left hand. The last trace of fire suddenly rose and enveloped the Qingxin Pills.

After a few breaths, the medicine furnace stopped moving. Gu Xu reached out and sucked all the pills out of the furnace.

"Not bad, this alchemy is the best one yet," Gu Xu said, looking at the forty-three Qingxin Pills floating in mid-air, feeling quite satisfied.

With a flick of his wrist, he guided the Qingxin Pill, which quickly fell into a jade bottle that had been prepared beforehand.

The forty-three pills were divided into four jade bottles. It would take about three bottles to completely remove the fire poison from Yin Feng's body, and the rest would be for Gu Xu himself.

Pushing open the door, the Tong family guards who were waiting nearby bowed and exclaimed with delight, "Daoist Master, you've come out!"

"Please trouble you to tell Elder Tianxuan that I have finished refining the pills."

Upon hearing this, the guard greeted another person and then hurriedly went to find Elder Tianxuan.

Before long, Elder Tianxuan rushed over. The guards bowed when they saw him. Elder Tianxuan waved them away and went into the medicine room.

"The Daoist Master said that there would be results within seven days, and it was completed in just six days. I admire you." Elder Tianxuan was also a master alchemist and naturally knew that alchemy was time-consuming and laborious. Daoist Master Gu Xu succeeded in alchemy so quickly, so his cultivation must be extraordinary and reach the level of a celestial being.

After receiving much praise from Elder Tianxuan, Gu Xu smiled faintly and said, "Elder Tianxuan, this is the Heart-Clearing Pill. Please taste it."

Gu Xu handed a jade bottle to Elder Tianxuan, who opened the stopper and poured out a pill. The pill was silvery-white, flawless, cool to the touch, and had a faint fragrance.

"This pill can be called a top-grade one," Elder Tianxuan exclaimed, his eyes fixed on the pill in his hand.

"Elder Tianxuan, there's no time to lose, let's get down to business."

"Yes, yes, I was just a little obsessed. I hope you'll forgive me, Daoist Master," Elder Tianxuan said, his face slightly flushed, as he put the pill back into the bottle.

Gu Xu picked up the needle box and jade bottle, and followed Elder Tianxuan out of the medicine room and into the ice cave.

Elder Tianxuan opened the ice coffin, straightened Yin Feng's body, and nodded to Gu Xu. The latter understood and nine golden needles flew out from his hand, accurately inserting into nine vital acupoints in Yin Feng's lower abdomen.

"Elder Tianxuan, as soon as I release my true energy, immediately feed Yin Feng a Qingxin Pill," Gu Xu handed the jade bottle to Elder Tianxuan, who reached out and took it.

"Rest assured, Taoist priest."

Gu Xu stood a few feet in front of Yin Feng, releasing true energy from his ten fingers to entwine the nine golden needles. As the true energy was injected, Elder Tianxuan pried open Yin Feng's mouth, stuffed the Qingxin Pill into it, pressed his hand against his throat, and swallowed it with a gulp.

Just after the Cleansing Heart Pill entered her body, the golden needles, controlled by her true energy, began to vibrate continuously. The fire poison in Yin Feng's dantian was shaken by this and reacted violently. Yin Feng's body turned red instantly, the ice beneath her melted rapidly, and a cloud of white mist rose up.

Upon seeing this, Elder Tianxuan's heart stirred slightly. The fire poison had begun to be drawn out, indicating that Daoist Guxu's treatment was progressing quite smoothly.

Under the influence of the Qingxin Pill, Yin Feng's flushed body gradually lost its heat and returned to its original state. Seeing that a trace of fire poison had been successfully removed, Elder Tianxuan felt relieved. As long as this process continued, the fire poison in Xiao Feng's body would be completely cleared sooner or later.

Gu Xu's fingers flashed, and as his true energy surged, the golden needles vibrated one after another, drawing out another strand of fire poison. Elder Tianxuan then performed the procedure as usual.

After three hours and nine vibrations of the golden needles, most of the fire poison in Yin Feng's body had been extracted. However, some of the poison was too deeply rooted, and Gu Xu had also consumed too much of his true energy, making it unsuitable to proceed with the treatment.

He slowly withdrew his true energy, and with a wave of his hand, the nine golden needles were drawn back.

"Thank you for your trouble, Daoist Master. How are you feeling?" Elder Tianxuan said apologetically, looking at Gu Xu, whose face was slightly pale.

"It's nothing," Gu Xushen exhaled a breath of turbid air. Treating the fire poison just now had taken more effort than fighting a battle.

"Today's treatment will end here. We will remove the remaining part after I recover my true energy. In the meantime, Elder, you may give me a Qingxin Pill every four hours."

Elder Tianxuan nodded upon hearing this. After putting Yin Feng back into the ice coffin and sealing it, the two returned to the medicine room.

"Daoist Master, these are some pills that I have refined to restore true qi. If you don't mind, please accept them."

Gu Xu took the jade bottle handed to him by Elder Tianxuan, opened it, and saw that it contained several vermilion pills. He took a sniff, feeling refreshed, and couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent pills!"

Elder Tianxuan stroked his beard and smiled, "This pill is called the Return to Truth Pill. I refined a total of ten. I gave six to the clan and the remaining four to the Daoist."

"Then I will be ashamed to accept your thanks," Gu Xu said, putting away the jade bottle. Elder Tianxuan knew that Gu Xu needed to rest, and after saying a few more words, he left the medicine room.

Inside the medicine room, Gu Xu sat upright on the stone platform, silently circulating his qi to recover. After one night, the depleted true qi in his body would be restored.

"This place is rich in spiritual energy, and the time to recover true energy is greatly shortened. It is truly a place of extraordinary creation."

Thinking of this, Gu Xu sighed again. If the Tong clan's destiny had not yet run its course, they might be able to contribute to the common people five hundred years later. But now they can only retreat to Shuiyue Cave Heaven. It has to be said that this is a loss for the common people.

Another day passed, and Gu Xu and Elder Tianxuan arrived at the ice cave, preparing to completely remove the fire poison from Yin Feng's body.

"Elder, this time give us three Qingxin Pills at once," Gu Xu instructed. The remaining fire poison was the most stubborn, so the dosage needed to be increased.

Elder Tianxuan nodded upon hearing this. After six rounds of acupuncture and qi-guiding, the fire poison in Yin Feng's body was gradually drawn out. She then took eighteen Qingxin Pills before she fully recovered.

Just as the last trace of fire poison was completely removed, the golden needles in Gu Xu's hand also became unusable.

"It's finally all gone. Elder, please check on Yin Feng," Gu Xu said breathlessly.

Elder Tianxuan felt very guilty seeing Gu Xu's even paler face. After hearing Gu Xu's words, he hurriedly stepped forward, took Yin Feng's pulse, and found that her breathing had returned to normal, but she was still unconscious.

"Master, the fire poison in Xiao Feng's body has completely disappeared, but she is still unconscious."

"This is a normal reaction. Now that the fire poison has been neutralized, we should take her out of the ice cave. Otherwise, she'll be exposed to the cold poison again. Her body can't withstand such a combination of hot and cold."

"What the Daoist says is true," Elder Tianxuan said, carrying Yin Feng on his back. The three of them left the ice cave and headed straight for the medicine room.

After giving Elder Tianxuan a few words of advice, Gu Xu returned to his residence.

After these two detoxifications, the pure yang energy in Gu Xu's body has been integrated into all parts of his body, and his mastery of the five elements has also reached a new level.

After finishing his daily meditation practice, Gu Xu casually picked up a bamboo scroll, which contained descriptions of local customs and traditions. In the section on regions, it was mentioned that the Southern Frontier was the most mysterious place, where things that had disappeared from the Central Plains could still be seen everywhere, and the customs and habits had been preserved in their original form.

"Southern Xinjiang has always been a mysterious place. In this world of Water Moon Cave, who knows how many secrets remain unknown? I should definitely go and see for myself when I travel there in the future."

After reading it carefully, Gu Xu noted down some of the common knowledge, set it aside, and picked up another bamboo slip about runes.

"Talismans are a general term for runes and spells. Spells are already extremely profound, and the art of runes is no less so."

Gu Xu studied it for half an hour, but he had only read a small part of the talismans and seal script inscribed on it.

"If we're talking about the most powerful rune, it has to be this Heaven-Covering Rune. Once drawn, it can temporarily obscure the secrets of heaven. It's truly a heaven-defying technique."

According to Gu Xu's speculation, the Water Moon Cave World is almost a high-level world, and even just a small part of it is enough to make people unable to fathom its secrets.

That night, Gu Xu devoted most of his energy to the Way of Runes. It wasn't until dawn that he put down the bamboo slips, stretched, got up, washed, ate breakfast, and was about to return to the library to continue reading when the clan leader came over.

"Master, General Longteng requests your presence; he says he has something to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu agreed and followed the clan leader to the stone cave where Long Teng lived.

After recuperating, Long Teng's health improved considerably, and he was able to get out of bed and walk around. When Gu Xu and the other arrived, they saw Long Teng wiping the Divine Dragon Sword.

"General, the Taoist priest has arrived," the clan chief reminded him. Long Teng snapped out of his daze, hurriedly stood up and bowed, and Gu Xu returned the bow.

"General, Taoist priest, please speak with me. I still have some matters to attend to in the clan, so I must take my leave now."

Gu Xu and Long Teng nodded to him and watched him leave.

"The general summoned me here; I wonder what instructions he may have for me?"

"To be honest, the clan chief has already told me everything. I, Long, am also willing to contribute to the common people. Daoist Master, this is my Long family's secret technique, the Dragon God Skill. Please accept it."

Long Teng handed a bamboo scroll to Gu Xu, who pondered for a long time before accepting it.

Seeing that Gu Xu accepted it, Long Teng felt much more at ease.

"General, please speak frankly, and I will do my best to help you," Gu Xu said, seeing that Long Teng's actions meant he had something to ask of him.

"Master, you are incredibly powerful. I humbly request that you protect the Long clan in the future," Long Teng said, taking a deep breath. In the whole world, the only people he could trust besides the Tong clan were Gu Xu. That was why he was willing to pay any price to ask for his help.

"This humble Taoist agrees, but I must ask, has the general's family been settled, and where are they settled?"

"Before rescuing the Tong family, Long had already arranged for his family to leave in advance; they are currently at Juhe Mountain in Tianhua Prefecture."

When Long Teng heard Gu Xu agree, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He knew he could no longer protect his family, and those who opposed the Long family would not let his family go.

Upon hearing this, Gu Xu recalled that it had been mentioned in the Regional Chapter that Tianhua Prefecture was located a thousand miles south of Shuiyue Cave.

"I understand, General, you can rest assured." Since I have accepted such a generous gift, I must do my job well.

After examining Long Teng's pulse, Gu Xu gave him some instructions and then left to return to the library to continue reading the bamboo slips.

On the other side, the clan leader summoned Elder Tianxuan and the five elders to prepare to refine several items.

"Elder Jin, are those things ready?" the clan leader asked.

"Everything is ready; we can begin the ritual at any time."

A few days earlier, they had been discussing what kind of treasure to forge. After the discussion, the clan leader suggested forging a treasure that could purify the souls of the dead. They used the Spirit Mirror as a model and finally decided to forge a treasure called "Soul Purification and Heart Cleansing Mirror".

As for the remaining treasures, they no longer had the energy to work on them and could only entrust them to future generations to refine.

"The forging will begin in three days. According to my calculations, this treasure will take quite a while. Go and finish up your current tasks; there can be no mishaps."

"Yes," the six men stood up and accepted the order.

Inside the library, Gu Xu had just mastered a dust-removing talisman. He took out a carving brush and focused intently on carving on a jade piece. He poured his true essence into the brush, and in one breath, a flash of white light appeared on the jade piece, which instantly transformed into a jade talisman covered with runes.

"It's alright."

Gu Xu reached out and picked up the jade talisman. With a surge of true energy, the jade talisman floated in the air, and a wave of ripples spread out. The room suddenly shook, and visible dust quickly rushed into the jade talisman. After a few breaths, the jade talisman's light faded, and it fell into Gu Xu's hand. The originally delicate and pure white jade talisman became dull and rough to the touch.

"It can be used to remove dust, and perhaps it can also be used to collect souls," Gu Xu pondered. There were no runes related to soul transfer in the library, so perhaps he could create one himself.

"There are just too many things to do, so let's take it one step at a time. You can't rush things, and I'm being too greedy."

Shaking his head, Gu Xu put away the jade talisman and continued studying the bamboo slips containing runes.

During this time, the clan chief came once and said that they were going to refine a treasure and asked Gu Xu to take care of it. Gu Xu agreed, saying that he would take care of it, but in fact, everything had already been arranged. He only needed to deal with any unexpected changes.

For the next period of time, Gu Xu spent his time reading the bamboo slips, checking on the physical condition of Long Teng and Yin Feng, and then looking outside to see if anyone had accidentally wandered in. Fortunately, nothing happened.

After several months of peace, a sudden explosion came from the direction of the back mountain. The clansmen all looked up and looked in the direction of the sound. Gu Xu's expression was solemn, and he immediately flew over.

Arriving at the outside of a stone cave, Gu Xu saw that the cave entrance had been blown open and half of the stone door was missing. He knew something was wrong and rushed in. He saw a furnace lying on the ground, some fire crystals still burning, and the six clan leaders were lying on the ground, unconscious.

He reached out and channeled his true energy into each of the six clan leaders, and only then did they regain their senses.

"Clan leader, what has happened?" Gu Xu wondered to himself, could it be that the treasure refining failed?

"Cough cough," the clan chief coughed a few times and said with a wry smile, "We were too greedy. Fortunately, the treasure was undamaged, otherwise all our hard work over the past few months would have been in vain."

The clan leader stood up, went to the furnace, and with a wave of his hand, a bright and clear treasure mirror flew out. Gu Xu looked closely and saw that it had four divine beast patterns on it, set against auspicious clouds and stars, with flowing light. It looked quite good and was not an ordinary item.

Thank you to reader "May I ask Ali" for the donation.


(End of this chapter)