Shushan Earthly Immortal

Chapter 318 A Tumultuous Time, Refining Evil Spirits in the Temple

A sword flashed across the sky, its light leaping across Yunnan and arriving in Kangzhong from southern Yunnan.

Things are not constant, just as water has no fixed shape.

Cheng Xinzhan chose to remain in the Southwest after rescuing Gu Yi, in order to bring his trip there to a close. He had two purposes in coming to the Southwest: one was to learn about the Xuanmen sect, and the other was to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye, and he now believes he has a general understanding of the Xuanmen (Taoist sect). However, he feels he hasn't accomplished much in the matter of eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path. He has only killed some demonic monks from Xikang and demons within the Demon-Locking Tower, which he considers far from sufficient.

With my current level of cultivation, I naturally cannot talk about quelling the demonic chaos, but at least I should be able to eradicate a demonic sect from its root, just like I overthrew Tianqiao Mountain, and restore peace to the region.

That's why he chose to stay.

Initially, his targets were the White Bone Zen Temple or the Suspended Heart Temple, because he had killed too many demonic monks practicing the Eight Sufferings in Xikang and knew these two places well. Moreover, the remaining demonic monks in Xikang were all gathered in these two places.

However, because Wu Qingbo was undergoing tribulation, he put the matter aside for a while. During his time as a protector of the Dharma, he suddenly had another idea: to stir up trouble in Wuliang Mountain or Ailao Mountain, both to practice killing demons and to stir up the stagnant waters of the southwest that had been quiet for several years, so as to seek opportunities for subsequent demon-slaying.

However, by sheer chance, he discovered Wan Gaoming as a valuable pawn. Furthermore, with the Five Poisons Demonic Sect now based in two locations and its leader abroad, Cheng Xinzhan immediately realized that this was a good opportunity.

Wuliang Mountain is not as good as Wuling and Xikang.

Wuling is located in the heart of China, surrounded by major righteous sects, which is why Zhenwu Temple and Haoran Alliance were willing to settle here. Xikang is vast, with high skies and distant lands, and its mountains and rivers are rugged and cold, gathering energy and storing gold, making it a favorite place for the Xuanmen (Taoist sects).

Wuliang Mountain is located in the southwestern border region, a truly remote and impoverished area. It is unbearably hot and humid, and teeming with snakes and insects. The Eastern Taoist sects and the Xuanmen sects both look down on it, and no righteous sects are willing to establish a base here.

The art of poison manipulation is also a form of alchemy, and the cultivation of insects is also a form of spiritual control. It doesn't mean that those who cultivate poisonous insects must necessarily become demonic; it simply depends on how the practitioner uses them. If Wuliang Mountain could be transformed from a demonic sect to a heterodox one, even if it doesn't bring blessings to the region, simply stopping the rampant violence and the creation of new killings would be a great merit. This would solve the problem of demons emerging from the treacherous mountains and waters of this place once and for all, which is far more meaningful than demolishing Xuanxin Temple or Baigu Zen Monastery.

Now, only one final step remains before Wuliang Mountain can truly reform, and of course, this is the most difficult step—eliminating the Five Poison Kings. Cheng Xinzhan believes this should be the last thing he does before leaving the Southwest.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Kangzhong, Kanli Mountain.

"You're back, what a coincidence."

Upon entering the temple, Cheng Xinzhan saw Feng Jihu standing in front of the medicine cabinet tidying up his things.

"What's wrong, fellow Daoist?"

Feng Jihu then said,
“Yu Nanlin came to invite me, but he had just left when he said that a major epidemic had broken out in Sichuan and that I needed to go to Sichuan.”

"A major epidemic?! How could there be a major epidemic in Sichuan?"

Cheng Xinzhan was surprised, and his expression became serious. The immortal path was flourishing in Sichuan, and the Xuanmen (Taoist sect) emphasized engagement with the world. Logically speaking, there should not be a major epidemic. Once such a thing shows signs, the Xuanmen will intervene.

Moreover, the cultivators on the mountain all say it's a major epidemic, and Qingcheng Mountain still wants to invite fellow Daoists. How big must the epidemic be?

"We don't know yet, but it must have been done by the devil."

Feng Jihu said.

"When did this happen?"

"It's been going on for about a month now, and it's all over Sichuan. At first, it was just coughing, and everyone thought it was just the autumn wind causing a cold. In previous years, this time of year was when typhoid fever was common. But this time, the sick people didn't get better, and as it dragged on, many people died from coughing. That's when everyone realized it was an epidemic."

“This epidemic only spreads among mortals, and cultivators are unaffected. By the time the news reached the ears of the Xuanmen sect, a thorough investigation in Sichuan revealed that it had already spread everywhere. That’s when Yu Nanlin came to call me.”

Feng Jihu's expression was also very serious.

"How could there be a sudden outbreak of disease?"

Cheng Xinzhan's question seemed like a pointless one, but it was actually quite significant. Spreading a plague across the mortal world would certainly incur divine retribution and damage one's karmic virtue. Divine retribution and karmic virtue are things that are difficult to explain, yet they truly exist.

For those who are infected, divine retribution will descend. If they are at the first or second realm, they might die from a reversed Qi flow during the opening of their Qi channels, or from a mishap during the formation of their core. If they are at the third realm, they might die during the tribulation. If they are at the fourth realm, they might die from a calamity. If they are at the fifth realm, they might die while trying to become an immortal. These are all quite common occurrences. Moreover, they might not even have the chance to be reincarnated. Even if they are reborn, they will be reborn as animals. Therefore, even if the Demonic Sect has such methods, they rarely use them unless they are desperate.

So what kind of madness has the Demonic Cult gone mad this time?

Feng Jihu was also shocked by this. Upon hearing this, he sighed and said,
"I heard from Yu Nanlin that this is probably retaliation for the Spring Sweep of the Pagoda."

"Spring hunt?"

"Yes."

Feng Jihu nodded.

"The Xuanmen sect has completely cleared out the Demon-Locking Tower and issued a proclamation, making such a big fuss that the Demonic Sect must be losing face."

Cheng Xinzhan fell silent. He truly hadn't expected the Spring Sort to cause such a commotion. If these demons felt they'd lost face, they could vent their anger on the Xuanmen Sect; what kind of skill was it to wreak havoc on mortals?
After a brief silence, he looked at Feng Jihu again and hesitated,
"But if we are to enter Sichuan..."

Entering Shu was extremely risky. It was a completely different world, and the two of them were disciples of the Eastern Dao, concealing their identities. They had also released people from the Demon-Locking Tower right under the noses of the Xuanmen. If their deeds were exposed or their identities were revealed, they would have a hard time escaping. Cheng Xinzhan had been in Xikang for so long and had made many friends among the Xuanmen disciples, but he had never thought of going to Shu.

Feng Jihu's tone was very firm.

“Xinzhan, there’s no need to persuade me. I’ve studied medicine to heal the sick and save lives. Now that I know there’s an epidemic in Sichuan and the people are suffering, I must go.”

Cheng Xinzhan nodded, not surprised by Feng Jihu's answer. He knew his fellow Daoist would definitely go, so he said...
"I will go with you."

Since there are more urgent matters at hand, other things can only be put aside. Besides, although my medical skills are not as good as Brother Ji Hu's, I still know a little bit and can help out.

However, after he finished speaking, Feng Jihu shook his head.

"If you're not going, let me finish explaining. There are two reasons."

Cheng Xinzhan was about to object when Feng Jihu stopped him.

"First of all, I'm going to Sichuan to treat patients and prescribe medicine, not to kill demons. You're good at killing demons, but I'm good at prescribing medicine. Once the medicine is ready, the epidemic will be cured. The Xuanmen sect has no shortage of manpower and medicinal materials. One more or one less of you won't make a difference."

"Secondly, I have no grudge against the Xuanmen. When the matter of the Demon Locking Tower was exposed, I could simply pretend I didn't know anything. I was only on the sixth floor at the time, and everyone knew what was going on. Moreover, I have a good reputation as a doctor in Xikang, and I was there to save people, so even if my identity was exposed, I shouldn't be in any danger. You are different. You already have a grudge against the Xuanmen, a feud over the stolen sword, and there's also the matter of the Demon Locking Tower."

"Furthermore, don't forget your identity. You are the Master of Ten Thousand Laws of Sanqing Mountain and a candidate for sect leader. Once your identity is exposed, you will definitely be arrested. And once you are arrested, the sect will certainly not let it go. At that time, things will get serious."

"So, you're not allowed to go."

Feng Jihu said firmly.

Cheng Xinzhan remained silent because he knew that what Brother Jihu said made sense.

Feng Jihu moved quickly, talking to Cheng Xinzhan while collecting all the prepared medicinal herbs in the yard, and was about to leave.

Cheng Xinzhan no longer hesitated and handed over a lead bottle.
"The 'Sick Tree Blossoms' curse, obtained from exorcising demons, keep it; you might find it useful. Also, take a closer look at the 'Heavenly Yellow Detoxification Pill' formula I gave you before, see if it's effective against this epidemic." Feng Jihu didn't refuse and accepted the curse.

"Any speculations about which evil lord did this? Why did they just kidnap people and ask them if they had tried the antidote?"

Cheng Xinzhan asked another question.

Feng Jihu shook his head.

"I don't know, but it should be the Southern School. The Northern School isn't good at this. There are many demonic sects in the Southern School that are capable of spreading plagues. Baiman Mountain is very good at it. Didn't the Yinhe Ghost Sect, which you destroyed before, also do it? Moreover, now that the Southern School has subdued Miao territory, there are even more people in Miao territory who are good at spreading plagues. As for Dianwen, the Five Poisons Sect is also good at it. It's impossible to find out."

Cheng Xinzhan nodded in distress. The Demonic Sect had indeed come up with some really sophisticated ways to use such despicable tactics.

"Okay, I'm leaving."

"Safe travels."

"Ah."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Standing in the deserted temple, Cheng Xinzhan sighed. These are truly troubled times.

He found a futon to sit on, beckoned, and the bamboo avatar that had been cultivating in the backyard transformed into a streak of green light and returned to his physical body. He had deliberately left an avatar in the temple initially because he feared his deeds would be exposed and the Xuanmen would seek revenge. He wanted to leave an avatar to protect his brother, Ji Hu. Now that the temple was empty, it was no longer needed. Besides, going to Shu wouldn't make a difference, let alone sending an avatar to accompany him; even going in person would be useless.

Furthermore, it is now late autumn, and more than half a year has passed since the Spring Hunt, yet the Xuanmen has made no move. This means they must have been completely unaware that Uncle Gu had already left the tower alive. In that case, just as Brother Dao said, he has long held a reputation for healing, and his trip to Sichuan to treat the epidemic at Qingcheng's invitation should have been without danger.

Cheng Xinzhan calmed down a bit and took out the three lead bottles he had just acquired from Wuliang Mountain.

The evil spirit found on the Great Elder of Wuliang Mountain was the "Sick Tree Blossoming Evil Spirit," which Cheng Xinzhan had just given to Feng Jihu. Of the three in front of him, two were obtained from Pan Tianzhuo, the Vice Leader of Wuliang Mountain, and one was presented by Wan Gaoming.

He first opened the offering made by Wan Gaoming.

A dark, malevolent aura wafted out, its stench foul and damp, a scent that was none other than the "filthy, stagnant water malevolent aura" originating from the swampy land.

Cheng Xinzhan remained unfazed, opened his mouth and consumed and refined it. The [rottenness], [filth], [dampness], and even [stench] were all part of the Taiyin Dharma's intent.

Then he opened another lead bottle.

A bluish-green aura wafted out, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, and casting a cool shade. It seemed to be a Yin-type wood-based evil spirit. However, there are many wood-based evil spirits among earthly evil spirits, and Cheng Xinzhan could not distinguish the specific type of evil spirit based on color and smell alone. He would have to refine and comprehend the meaning of the law within it to know.

Cheng Xinzhan opened his mouth and swallowed it.

After a while, he opened his eyes. At this moment, he also learned the name and origin of this evil spirit: Yin Sha, "Yin Sen Jian Jiao Sha".

In the south there is a giant tree called banyan, which is said to form a forest from a single tree. Its crown is like a canopy, reaching high into the sky and blocking out the sun, hence it is also known as the "gloomy tree".

This inauspicious energy, born in the gloomy banyan forest, neither embodies the lush and flourishing spirit of giant trees nor the cool, shade-shading qualities of dense foliage. Instead, it draws inspiration from the banyan tree's intricate, sprawling root system, its ability to devour other trees and its domineering, self-sufficient nature. It possesses both the gentle, entangled qualities of Yi wood and the domineering, independent spirit of Jia wood. This is a rare and precious inauspicious energy, where Yin contains Yang and wood overcomes wood.

The Taiyin Dharma meanings contained therein include 【covering and pressing】, 【binding】, 【devouring】, 【dark and mysterious】, 【persistent】, and 【entanglement】.

Cheng Xinzhan gained some insights and then opened the last lead bottle.

"call--"

He took the bottle cap, and a blazing flame shot into the sky, the malevolent energy inside the bottle gushing out and transforming into a ball of azure fire. The fireball instantly shot to the top of the temple, setting the roof ablaze in an instant and burning a large hole in it. Then, the fireball was about to burst through the roof.

"Where are you going?"

Cheng Xinzhan reached out and pointed to the fiery glow.

"Certainly!"

The fiery clouds that flew out of the summit were bound by an invisible force and fixed in the air. The blue-green fiery clouds expanded and burned violently, trying to break free from this invisible cage.

"Photography!"

As soon as Cheng Xinzhan finished speaking, the fiery glow was compressed by an invisible force, turning into a blue flame, which was then pulled by this force and landed in Cheng Xinzhan's palm.

Cheng Xinzhan looked at the flame in his palm with some surprise. He hadn't expected this fiery energy to be so spiritual. Moreover, its power was considerable; even though the roof of his own Taoist temple was engraved with protective barriers, it was burned through by this fire in an instant.

He examined it closely; it was a bluish-green fire elemental, but not ordinary earth fire. He sensed the magical essence of thunder and wood. It was clearly a burning flame, yet it gave off a feeling of vibrant life—truly strange.

Such a unique Dharma sound immediately brought a name to his mind.

"Heavenly Fire Azure Demon".

The formation of this evil spirit is extremely difficult, even more so than that of ordinary celestial spirits. First, there must be an ancient tree that is ten thousand years old. If this tree grows to ten thousand years old and still lives, its bark will not show any changes, but its heartwood will transform into azure nectar, also known as "Ten Thousand Year Azure," which is a sacred medicine for healing.

Once plants reach ten thousand years old and possess the "Ten Thousand Year Azure," even if their origin is low, they should develop sentience and undergo tribulation by drawing lightning. When the lightning tribulation descends, it will penetrate the bark and fall directly onto the "Ten Thousand Year Azure" in the heart of the tree, transforming into heavenly fire to burn it.

If it survives, "Ten Thousand Years of Azure Sky" can take on a different form with the help of heavenly fire, either as an ox or a sheep. This would mark the official beginning of its cultivation as a spirit, just like Bai Yongliang. However, Bai Yongliang's origins are somewhat higher; he is a humanoid spirit ginseng, so he doesn't need to wait ten thousand years, but only one or two thousand years to become a spirit.

But if it fails to survive, the "Ten Thousand Year Azure" will be annihilated, the entire ancient tree will burn from the inside out, and eventually turn into ashes, and the wood energy accumulated over ten thousand years will return to heaven and earth.

Besides the two cases mentioned above, there is another extremely rare special case. That is, the "Eternal Azure Sky" failed to survive its tribulation, being ignited by heavenly fire, its trunk burning from the inside out. But at this moment, the tribulation dissipated, and coincidentally, a timely rain fell from the heavens. This timely rain irrigated the ancient tree, suppressing the spread of the heavenly fire, causing it to burn only in the heart of the tree.

When the Heavenly Fire of the Tribulation Burns the "Ten Thousand Years of Azure Sky", this essence of wood and fire, composed of the wood energy of the Ten Thousand Years of Azure Sky and the yang energy of the Heavenly Fire of the Tribulation, is locked in the heart of the tree under the nourishment of the sweet rain. It cannot be burned out or dispersed. In this way, it will transform into a mass of yang evil energy, which is the "Heavenly Fire Azure Sky Evil".

When the rain subsides, the "Heavenly Fire Azure Demon" is locked inside the tree's heart. Although the ancient tree is hollow, its roots and bark remain, and its vitality is still there. It can continue to sprout and live another life.

Therefore, this is a calamity that has survived a catastrophe. It is a calamity formed by the symbiosis of heavenly fire and ancient wood under the nourishment of sweet rain. It is an extremely rare calamity, a calamity full of vitality.

Cheng Xinzhan sighed, thinking how lucky Pan Tianzhuo was to have obtained such a curse. Moreover, Cheng Xinzhan had a guess that since both curses were wood-based, Pan Tianzhuo might have obtained them from the same place, perhaps in a banyan forest, since banyan trees are known for their longevity.

Moreover, these two evil spirits are extremely rare in the mortal world. Perhaps Pan Tianzhuo doesn't even recognize them, only able to sense their evil intent but unaware of their origin. Therefore, he is still investigating and testing them, and hasn't yet figured out how to use them. Otherwise, he wouldn't have kept them on his person without refining them.

But now, he has gotten a great deal.

Cheng Xinzhan opened his mouth and swallowed the Fire Demon.

This refining process took longer, and Cheng Xinzhan carefully comprehended the underlying principles: [Incineration], [Vitality], [Balance], [Heavenly Might], [Thunder Sprout], [Remaining Life]...

He sat there until noon the next day, when Cheng Xinzhan slowly opened his eyes, feeling that he had gained a lot. At that moment, he saw the blazing golden sunlight shining into the temple through the large hole in the roof, like a pillar of fire burning in the air.

Looking at the fire in the sky, Cheng Xinzhan suddenly had a thought.
"Heavenly Fire Azure Demon"—isn't that the wood-fire I've been searching for day and night?

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(End of this chapter)