Day and night tour

Chapter 486 Pink Nebula
The Crippled Monk had long ago discussed with the Eternal Life Sect Leader that they would take advantage of his descent to the mortal realm to feast on a bloody feast.

But the two people tonight are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they must ensure Zhou Xuan's safety until he has completely refined the good pill.

On the other hand, if Zhou Xuan's pills are not refined well and their quality does not meet the standards of the Heavenly Vault, then the two of them will have to kill Zhou Xuan and take the Azure Red Fish back to the Heavenly Vault.

The timing is quite opportune; Zhou Xuanqing has repelled the powerful enemy, and even the avatar of the Dream God was slain by him with a single strike.

The Five Styles of the Buddhist Kingdom and the Supreme Art of Escape have also died at Zhou Xuan's hands.

With all the major enemies eliminated, it's unlikely that Mingjiang Prefecture will be able to muster the strength to deal with Zhou Xuan tonight.

In other words, Zhou Xuan's safety is no longer a major concern.

As for Zhou Xuan's inability to refine good pills, the Longevity Cult Leader and the Crippled Monk want to take his life—refining pills is not like inviting someone to dinner, and the effort spent is not much more than a moment's difference.

Thus, the two "time management masters," the Crippled Monk and the Master of the Longevity Cult, took the opportunity to come out and seek some food.

The crippled monk took a liking to the fox cub; his eyes were filled with a thirst for blood.

But King Xishan flicked his sleeve, brushing away the hand of the crippled monk.

“King of Xishan, you…” A murderous glint appeared in the eyes of the Heavenly Crippled Monk.

King Xishan was not afraid of the Heavenly Crippled Monk's ferocity; his gaze was somewhat vacant, as if he were thinking about something.

The leader of the Longevity Cult then tried to smooth things over, saying, "Old Can, you're just too quick to speak. Our King of Xishan has six foxes under his command, each one a favorite of his."
Especially this fox-like fellow, he's his most trusted confidant, and you attacked him indiscriminately without even knowing the facts.

After hearing the explanation from the Longevity Cult Leader, the Heavenly Crippled Monk's gaze softened. He then said in a deliberately apologetic tone, "Then I must apologize to King Xishan. I was anxious, I was anxious."

"The fox must not be moved," King Xishan finally said quietly.

"I know, I know. We won't touch any of your six foxes. We'll just find some other foxes with better spiritual energy."

"The Lord of Immortality said."

King Xishan raised his eyebrows and said, "Master, you can't touch a single fox in the world?"

The Longevity Cult Leader could hardly believe his ears. In the past, which fox spirit or demon among the fox clan, whether it was the clan leader or an elder, would dare to speak to him like that?
"King Xishan, now that you've become a Celestial God, you seem to have forgotten some things."

The leader of the Longevity Cult also became angry, and his words revealed his sharpness. He said, "Over the years, your fox clan has been paying tribute to me every year as blood offerings. Don't you remember these things?"

"Of course I remember."

King Xishan said, "In return for the Fox Clan's tribute, you, the Longevity Cult Leader, will protect the Fox Clan's safety. This is an agreement we have reached between us."

However… the fox clan's annual tributes are always of high quality and quantity, never neglected, but the sect leader's care for our fox clan depends entirely on his mood, and often is not comprehensive.”

"You have complaints?"

Yes! And it's very big.

King Xishan said, "Therefore, the agreement between our fox clan and the leader ends here. From now on, the fox clan no longer needs your care, and our fox clan will no longer provide you with tribute."

During the conversation, the Changsheng Sect Master's expression turned extremely ugly. After exchanging a glance with the Heavenly Crippled Monk, he took out a "Heavenly Fire Token".

The token is made of wood, with a golden-backed beetle crouching in the center.

The leader of the Longevity Cult stroked the beetle's carapace, and the beetle fluttered its wings, making a rustling sound.

The sound wasn't loud, but it resonated with the air around the Himalayas.
A sound of "blood-sucking" mixed with the sound of "flesh-devouring" reverberated continuously, and the signs of Xishan King's aging became increasingly apparent, his back beginning to hunch.
"So what if you're a Celestial God? Just because you, King Xishan, have a divine title doesn't mean you can protect the Fox Clan."

The leader of the Longevity Cult looked at the token in his hand and sneered.

In the Kingdom of Well, the source of all power comes from the "fragrant insects and fire spirits" of the world, and these "insects" hidden between heaven and earth are controlled by the Heavenly Fire Clan.

"So what if it's nine incense sticks or the Valley Scripture... All the power you possess was lent to you by the Heavenly Fire. If the Heavenly Fire wants to take it back, it can do so."

The crippled monk stared longingly at the fox-like creature.

Fox Ugly was quite anxious and shouted, "Release the Fox King, and I'll go with you."

"Okay, he's a loyal and righteous person."

The Longevity Cult Leader gently stroked the token again, intending to put the beetle back to sleep.

He only wanted to give King Xishan a warning, not to actually take his life. He had to keep this newly crowned Fox King alive; he would be of great use in the future.

"King Xishan, you must remember this well: between heaven and earth lies a vast net. Once you're in it, don't try to break free. It's best to lie still quietly."

The more you struggle, the tighter the web binds you. If you are not careful and startle the spider in the web, you will surely meet a dead end.

As the leader of the Longevity Cult spoke, his right hand was already on Fox Ugly's shoulder. Before his fingers even touched the white fox's shoulder, a whooshing sound came from the air.
Then, a white light streaked across and struck between Fox Ugly and the Eternal Life Cult Leader.

The leader of the Longevity Cult did not dare to directly confront the sharpness of the white light, and withdrew his hand. After the white light struck with its power, it transformed into a bird, flapping its wings and flying to the entrance of the cave.

At the entrance of the cave stood a young and slender figure, none other than Zhou Xuan.

After recognizing the newcomer, the leader of the Longevity Cult immediately changed his previously stern expression and said with a smile, "I didn't expect to see you here in this cave, Master?"

"The power of Heavenly Fire is similar in effect to some of the spells of Wuwen Mountain, primarily aimed at stripping others of their cultivation and incense offerings."
I sensed the heavenly fire appearing in the world, so I traveled here to take a look. Perhaps I've disturbed the sect leader's plans?

Zhou Xuan said with a forced smile.

"It was nothing serious, just a minor disagreement between me and the Prince of Xishan. I used some family rules to punish him."

The leader of the Longevity Cult was all smiles, but Zhou Xuan's words quickly froze his smile.

"Oh? King Xishan and I are old friends. Although we are not related by blood, we are still family and friends. Leader, are you going to use your family rules to punish my family members? You have quite the nerve!"

Zhou Xuan's words stunned the Longevity Sect Master. He had no idea that Zhou Xuan was standing up for the King of Xishan.

"No, no, sir. Your fighting prowess today is truly astonishing. And you are a future alchemist of great renown in the Heavenly Firmament. How could I dare to harm your people?"

"Then stay away from the fox clan from now on."

Zhou Xuan turned to King Xishan and said, "Old Xi, the alchemy is about to begin, why don't you come and lend a hand?"

"Master, I'm coming right now, I'm coming right now." King Xishan's expression softened, and tears welled up in his eyes as he spoke.

"Ah."

After Zhou Xuan responded, he left again during his daytime journey. King Xishan tried to calm himself down and then said coldly to the leader of the Longevity Cult, "Master, the Grand Master has summoned me on important business. I must take my leave."

Even now, he remains exceptionally charming and retains his usual dignified demeanor.

But it was precisely his polite demeanor that infuriated the Longevity Cult Leader. After the King of Xishan left, he said angrily, "King of Xishan, you've chosen a good master! The road ahead is long, so don't slip. If you slip, I'll make your fox clan pay."

The Heavenly Crippled Monk was also indignant, and said to the Longevity Sect Leader, "That Zhou Xuan is being too unreasonable. He hasn't even become a Pill Official yet, and he already doesn't take the two of us seriously..."

The leader of the Longevity Cult stared at the crippled monk with a "lecture" in his eyes and said, "Don't say anything bad about Zhou Xuan anymore. He's not someone we can afford to offend."

"..." Heavenly Crippled Monk.

"Zhou Xuan can slay the avatar of the Dream God with a single strike; he can refine pills and gain the appreciation of the Palace Master of Qingyang Palace and even Bai Yujing; and he has the help of butchers and incense-offering Taoist priests. Can we afford to offend such a person?"

After finishing his speech, the leader of the Longevity Cult shared his philosophy of survival, saying, "Old Can, let me give you another piece of advice: when you walk among humans, you can only bully those who are easy to bully. If you encounter a truly powerful person, you should nod, bow, and smile obsequiously. This is the right way."

The monk Tiancan then realized—no wonder the Longevity Cult Leader had lived for so long; he was also one of the ancient gods of the heavens. He had finally understood life.
He understood that "it was clearly Zhou Xuan who stood up for King Xishan," but the Longevity Cult Leader only took his anger out on King Xishan, and had no hatred for Zhou Xuan whatsoever.

"Human relationships are too complicated. There is still so much for me to learn."

The crippled monk sighed and said.

……

"Hmph, that old dream is truly despicable, actually impersonating me. He deserves to be killed."

After the misunderstanding between Mingjiang Prefecture and the Taoist priest was cleared up, and Zhou Xuan explained that he had just played a joke on the old priest, the Taoist priest became even more indignant.

Zhou Xuan, who had just returned from the cave, pointed to the corpses in Xiejia'ao and said to the incense-burning Taoist priest, "Old incense-burning priest, don't be angry yet. Let's talk about serious matters—you can't take any of these corpses with you."

The corpses that are littered with nine incense sticks in the human world must be taken back to the "world of time and space" by the Taoist priests who offer incense and prayers for registration.

Faced with Zhou Xuan's request, the Taoist priest hesitated, saying, "Young Master Zhou, you've become quite domineering. I can't control the corpses of the Five Buddhist Masters among these bodies; after all, they aren't from the Jing Kingdom."

But I must bring the corpses of the six Supreme Masters of the Dunjia Sect back to the world of time and space.

Zhou Xuan shook his head vigorously, saying, "There are no so-called Supreme Masters of Escape Technique; they are all people from the Buddhist Kingdom."

"..." Incense-burning Taoist priest.

“The people and the gods of the entire Mingjiang Prefecture can all testify that the six Supreme Masters of Dunjia have all acquired the citizenship of the Buddhist Kingdom on my stage.” Zhou Xuan stood with his hands behind his back and said, “If they hadn’t died at my hands, they would now be completely obedient to the Buddha’s command.”

“I can attest that nothing the Master said was false. The Master of Dunjia has already recognized the Medicine Buddha of the Buddhist Kingdom as his new master on the stage.”

"As the master said, there is no such thing as a Taoist master; they are all people from the Buddhist kingdom."

The painters and musicians chimed in, each offering their own opinion.

"is it?"

The Taoist priest flicked his whisk and said, "Since that's the case, then this old man can't interfere with their affairs after death. I don't have that much authority to manage the corpses of the Buddhist Kingdom, let alone their..."

He pointed his whisk at the corpse on the ground, a sly smile on his face that said, "This old man knows how to be flexible." He said, "It's yours, Zhou Housheng."

"Very good, very good."

Zhou Xuan said no more and threw the corpses of the Dunjia disciple, the Supreme Being, and the Five Forms of the Buddhist Kingdom into his secret realm one after another.

With so many incense sticks, he was afraid the Blood Well would get too full.

"We can't finish it, we simply can't finish it."

Zhou Xuan said with a smile.

With the ownership of the body now clear, Zhou Xuan had reached the final step of cleaning up the mess.

The Dunjia and Buddhist people came with overwhelming force, but now, only one survivor remains—Zhao Youting, a disciple of the Dunjia and a star official of the Imperial Observatory.

Zhou Xuan walked step by step to the carriage of the Dunjia Sect to Mingjiang. Zhao Youting was nailed to the side wall of the carriage by the Dao nail of the gourd sage.

Zhou Xuan reached out and pulled out the Dao nail, causing Zhao Youting, who had lost his support, to fall to the ground.

His cultivation was largely destroyed by that nail, and his once jet-black hair was now covered in large patches of white.

"Mr. Big."

Zhao Youting's voice was extremely hoarse.

Zhou Xuan said, "Zhao Youting, among the Dunjia Sect, you are at least someone who understands righteousness. I won't make things difficult for you. Let's go."

“My family has passed away, and I am now half-crippled. There is no point in living. I only ask the master to send me to my death.”

Zhao Youting was the first clever person to accurately predict that "the butcher was going to cut off the Dunjia Mountain Gate".

He guessed that his family members, far away in Dunjia Mountain, had also suffered at the hands of the butcher.

At this moment, a butcher wearing a greasy long robe walked over from a distance: "Zhao Youting, when I was at Dunjia Mountain, although I had already fallen into demonic possession, I am still not a bloodthirsty person. I did not take the lives of your wife and children. There is still something left for you in your life."

"Oh……"

Zhao Youting raised his head, his eyes shining with hope.

"Aren't you leaving yet?"

Zhou Xuan glared at him, and Zhao Youting immediately stood up, bowed to Zhou Xuan and the butcher, then, exhausted, boarded the carriage and rode off towards the capital.

"Like birds returning to the forest, leaving behind a vast, clean, white expanse."

Zhou Xuan sighed.

The excitement and the murderous intent had completely dissipated.
The butcher walked towards Zhou Xuan and said, "Congratulations, Master, you have reached the seventh incense stick age."

"Congratulations are not my opinion, but thank you for lending me your knife today."

Zhou Xuan smiled and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"My knife, well, it wasn't borrowed."

"What does that count for?" Zhou Xuan asked.

"It's considered returned to its rightful owner." The butcher looked up at the sky, lost in thought.

He seemed to see a knife cleaving the sinful sky in two.

The butcher knew that the Calamity of Wuwen Mountain and the Supreme Master of Escape Technique were nothing more than vicious dogs that bite.

The real villains are one stationed in the capital city government, and the other is in the Jade Capital high above the sky.

Zhou Xuan also looked up at the sky, where he saw two pairs of eyes.

One pair of eyes naturally belonged to Mr. Yan, while the other pair belonged to Qing Yangyu, the master of the Longevity Palace.

"It's time to refine the elixir."

With a casual wave of his hand, Zhou Xuan brought the "Starry Sky Scroll" that was still hanging in the sky back to his hand.

This starry sky scroll, having absorbed the "seven emotions and six desires" on the stage, now feels quite different in its texture. It's somewhat slippery and slightly elastic when gently pressed, unlike a Xuan paper scroll, more like a fresh human skin.

Zhou Xuan wanted to refine pills, and Bai Lu, the only "master alchemist" present, trotted over.

"Master, tonight, your pills will likely be refined into an unparalleled elixir in the world."

As the White Deer Taoist spoke, he gazed at the scroll of starry skies, and in that single glance, tears streamed down his face.
Within that scroll of stars, countless scenes seemed to emerge, all depicting the life of the White Deer Alchemist.

He became a disciple of a master, who looked at him with a kind smile.

When he first tried to refine elixirs and the furnace exploded, his master severely reprimanded him.

When he successfully refined the elixir for the first time, a simple, honest smile graced his still somewhat immature face…

The scroll depicting the starry sky vividly portrays a series of important moments in the life of the White Deer Taoist, giving the old White Deer a feeling of being reborn.
The scene also brought him a strange sense of emotion, and he couldn't help but shed tears.

"Is this what they mean by 'seven emotions and six desires'?" The White Deer Taoist sighed, marveling at the power of desire.
Zhou Xuan, however, noticed his unusual behavior and immediately summoned Bone Fang, making a small cut on the back of the White Deer Taoist's hand.

The sudden pain jolted the White Deer Taoist awake. He realized his loss of composure, hurriedly wiped away his tears, and said, "Master, I was just feeling deeply saddened. Why did you disturb me?"

The feeling of being reborn was truly wonderful for the White Deer Alchemist.

Zhou Xuan pointed to the Starry Sky Scroll and said, "The Starry Sky Scroll collected too many and too mixed emotions tonight. Besides inexplicable feelings of emotion and desire, there is also a great deal of fear—the fear of the Supreme Master of Escape Techniques and the Five Styles of the Buddhist Kingdom."

I'm afraid of you. What if you see something you shouldn't see later? It'll scare you half to death.

Zhou Xuan was a top-notch master of dream manipulation, extremely perceptive of human nature. He naturally understood that in people's hearts, there are both touching moments and terrifying past experiences that they dare not face.

The "seven desires and six passions" can move a person, but they can also terrify them.

People can be easily moved and awakened, but if they are gripped by fear and want to escape the shadows, it's not so easy.

Therefore, he was able to awaken the White Deer Alchemist in time.

"Old White Deer, let me ask you, the Starry Sky Scroll today looks quite different from the one I used to refine medicine dust a few days ago. Does that mean our alchemy furnace needs to be redesigned?"

Zhou Xuan asked.

The Starry Sky Scroll is both a recipe for alchemy and the lid of the alchemy furnace.

To refine high-quality pills, one must meticulously design the main body of the alchemy furnace according to the fire eye depicted in the Starry Sky Scroll.

After carefully examining the positions of the "stars" on the Starry Sky Scroll, the White Deer Alchemist said to Zhou Xuan, "Master, the main body of the alchemy furnace does not need to be redesigned."

"Are you sure?" Zhou Xuan asked.

"I'm sure I don't need it."

After giving a confident reply, the White Deer Alchemist continued, "Master, the nebulae on this starry scroll are the fire eyes of the alchemy furnace."
We designed the main body of the alchemy furnace based on the "fire eye" (the area around the fire). Although the painting incorporates a great deal of "seven emotions and six desires," the location of the fire eye remains unchanged.

"As long as the position of the fire eye remains unchanged, then the main body of the furnace does not need to be changed?" Zhou Xuan asked.

"Yes."

“Then look at these nebulae.” Zhou Xuan pointed to seven pink nebulae and said to the White Deer Taoist, “How come I remember these seven nebulae weren’t in the previous Starry Sky Scrolls?”

Seven more nebulae appeared, which were called the Starry Sky Scroll. As the lid of the alchemy furnace, seven new fire eyes were added.

With the number of fire holes increased, shouldn't the furnace body be redesigned?
Bai Lu, the sorcerer, stared intently at the spot Zhou Xuan pointed to. After carefully examining it, he doubted his own eyes and said, "Master, I, Bai Lu, am afraid my old eyes are failing me. I simply cannot see the pink nebula you mentioned."

(End of this chapter)