Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 131-132: Yan Lan Invites Me for a Consultation, Continues the Small Head (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets 1021)

Inside the Frost Palace on Cold Moon Peak.

Yan Lan, the peak master of Crimson Flame Peak, flew in riding on flowing fire. The frost and mist inside the hall evaporated upon contact with the heat, turning into a misty vapor that swirled around her.

Her figure landed gracefully, her gaze falling on Hua Qingshuang inside the hall. She said with a half-smile, "Junior Sister Hua, in this great battle, the Cave Master has ordered our two peaks to be the vanguard. He's certainly playing his cards right. What are your thoughts?"

Hua Qingshuang sat before the ice-jade table, her white sleeves fluttering as she picked up a teacup and said calmly, "Since Senior Sister has come here, why bother testing me?"

A cold glint flashed in her eyes as she looked up. "Although Immortal Yunfeng is nearing the end of his life, the two peak masters of Yunfeng Cave are not to be trifled with, and there are also those like Old Ghost Yanzi from Yanling Cave, all eyeing our two fine blades."

"good."

Yan Lan coldly said, "Our Linlang Cave has existed for more than three hundred years and has had two cave masters."

One is the former Master Cheng Ruiyuan, and the other is the current Master Zhong.

However, since Master Zhong took over the grotto a century ago, the number of talented individuals within the grotto has gradually dwindled, and it is no longer as prosperous as it was during Master Cheng's time.

She stood with her hands behind her back, shook her head and said, "Many years ago, in the great battle at Xiang Yu's treasure vault, our three peak masters of Linlang Cave Heaven perished, which brought about the day when your father and Lu Xinrong could rise to prominence."
Later, during the exploration and trial of the Tiannan Secret Realm, your father again…

She paused, noticing Hua Qingshuang's displeasure, then changed the subject, saying with her hands behind her back, "Therefore, I am already considering what you said last time."

Compared to Senior Brother Lu and Senior Brother Hou, we are younger, have better aptitude, and have a greater chance of breaking through to the Condensation Realm. If we just sit and wait for death…

"What are your plans, Senior Sister Yan?" Hua Qingshuang asked casually.

"The fire poison in my body is less than that in my junior sister's body."

Yan Lan turned her head, the cinnabar fire mark between her brows becoming even more alluring. "If Junior Sister is willing to expend her power outside the cave to expel the fire poison and protect me, I can try to forcefully break through to the Condensation Realm."

If I break through to the Concentration Realm, I can then help you, my junior sister, break through as well.

"At that time, if the two of us join forces, we will be able to contend with the Cave Master, break the stalemate that has remained unbroken for so many years, and restore the once mighty and powerful Linglang Cave Heaven to its former glory."

"The idea is good, but unfortunately..."

Hua Qingshuang shook her head, "Senior Sister, can't you see that the reason why the cave has been declining all these years is because of the competition for resources?"

Whether it's Xiang Yu's treasure vault or the Tiannan Secret Realm, which of the masters lost over the years wasn't fighting for resources? This is the tragedy of the Dharma-ending Age.

Yan Lan's voice turned sharp, "Aren't all the resources controlled by one person?"

“That’s right!” Hua Qingshuang’s eyes grew cold. “Since it’s all about resources, how can Senior Sister be sure that after we break through to the Condensation Realm, we will no longer have any resource difficulties?”

Once there are more cultivators at the Concentration Realm, the spiritual veins of this grotto-heaven may not be able to support multiple Concentration Realm cultivators.

Instead of just talking about the grand occasion...

With a flick of her wide sleeves, the chill in the hall solidified into a passageway. "Let's be more practical. I already have a cure for the cold poison within me; all I lack is a protector."

"You mean—" A red glint flashed in Yan Lan's eyes, "Zhao Wuji?"

She suddenly chuckled, "Junior Sister, have you perhaps suffered a cultivation deviation? You're actually pinning your hopes for a breakthrough on a mere Qi Refining stage brat?"

Hua Qingshuang said calmly, "I was able to reach the tenth level of Qi Refining entirely thanks to his help. If Senior Sister doesn't believe me..."

A cold glint flashed in her eyes. "You can continue to wait for your 'right time'."

Yan Lan narrowed her eyes and slowly shook her head. "I don't even fully trust you, so why would I place my hopes on this greenhorn?"

"Junior sister, you should consider helping your senior sister break through first. Once the war with Yunfeng Cave Heaven begins, if the cave master attacks Yunfeng Old Immortal, that will be our best opportunity."

After saying that, Yan Lan turned and left, but when she reached the door, she suddenly stopped.

“Since there is cold poison in your body, Junior Nephew Zhao can expel it.”

A slight smile played on her lips. "If he can also expel the fire poison from my body, then I might consider your suggestion and help you break through first."

Hua Qingshuang's eyes flickered slightly, and the tea on the table reflected her slightly furrowed brows.

Zhao Wuji is famous for his skill in using golden needles to expel cold poison, but I have never heard of him being able to expel fire poison, so it is probably impossible for him.

"That's all."

With a gentle wave of her sleeve, the restrictions within the palace closed one after another, and she let out a soft sigh.

She had hoped that Yan Lan would protect her.

This would mitigate the risk that Zhao Wuji might die from the sudden onset of the cold poison during her breakthrough, at least allowing him to lend a helping hand at crucial moments.

However, it was clear that her senior sister, like her, harbored reservations and suspicions and could not fully trust her.

The so-called joint breakthrough was merely a temporary compromise when the two were forced into a corner.

"Unrestrained."

She rose, walked out of the Frost Palace, and gazed coldly toward the direction of the mountain neck below.

"Gah! Ba!!"

Outside Zhao Wuji's cave, Xiong Ba swooped down and swept across the courtyard, the air currents from his flapping wings carrying a waft of medicinal fragrance.

It landed proudly on the drying rack, its black feathers gleaming with a purplish-gold luster in the sunlight.

He raised a wingtip in a human-like gesture towards Zhao Wuji and exclaimed, "Gah! Top-notch! Exceptional! Top-notch!"

The young apprentice Xiaoyue was amused and giggled, almost knocking over the medicine basket with the jade shovel in her hand.

Zhao Wuji shook his head and chuckled. This fellow might be too smug for too long.

The myna bird was clearly very satisfied with this environment rich in spiritual energy.

I feel like I've reached the pinnacle of my life.

What a miserable life I had been living before! Only by following Master Wuji could I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The only pity is that Zhao Wuji did not allow it to bring those former female mynahs into the cave to enjoy a life of luxury together.

They even warned it that they were bringing it to this sacred place to cultivate because they would need its help in the future, while the female birds would be of little use.

This made Xiong Ba feel flattered and overwhelmed by the attention he received.

The little fox once selected it from the flock of birds to teach it breathing techniques.

Now, its master has entrusted it with an important task and named it Xiong Ba, which makes it feel full of ambition.

It seems that, just as Little Jade Fox said, Xiong Ba is a descendant of the Black Phoenix.

A black phoenix landed among a flock of mynas, and was born different from everyone else.

"Practice well."

Zhao Wuji flicked his finger and released a wisp of spiritual energy to drive away Xiong Ba, saying, "You'll have your chance to shine in the future."

I brought this bird here not just for enjoyment, but to cultivate it properly so that I can draw some of its blood for future use.

After Little Jade Fox settles down near Hengyun Mountain Range, he will try to take her into the cave to cultivate, laying the foundation for nurturing the essence of demon beasts in the future.

The only thing to be careful about is that with a few more mouths to feed absorbing spiritual energy on Cold Moon Peak, those stubborn old fogies in the Spirit Monitoring Hall will probably be grinning from ear to ear for getting an extra 30% of the source crystals.

"We need to cultivate demon beast blood, consume source crystals, and collect ancient books and medicines. In this era of declining Dharma, resources are a real problem."

Zhao Wuji shook his head and sighed. He entered the cave and took out several ancient books to study.

The five ancient books include "The True Explanation of Talismans and Incantations," which may unlock the secrets of talismanic water magic.

It may unlock the secrets of the head-regeneration technique in "Miao Jiang Gu Shu" and "Fifty-two Prescriptions for Diseases" and "Netherworld Records".

Finally, there's "Swordplay," which might improve swordsmanship.

"The last set of tadpole-like characters on the second Yin Bead were activated, most likely for a head-regeneration technique. It's unclear whether the talisman water technique will activate the Yin Bead or the Yang Bead."

Zhao Wuji flipped through the ancient books, pondering. The second Yang Pearl had also been activated twice before due to the flight technique and the storage bag.

He guessed that it most likely triggered the Wind Control Technique and the Heavenly Pot Technique.

Unfortunately, before the second Yang Pearl is unlocked, it is something that can only be encountered by chance and cannot be obtained.

Now, the second Yin Pearl has also triggered three techniques, with only the last set of tadpole-like characters remaining unactivated, almost reaching full capacity.

"Besides the second Yang Pearl, we also need to start deciphering the third Yin Pearl. We need 20,000 strands of Yin energy and two pieces of Yin marrow."

Zhao Wuji focused his mind and glanced at the Yin energy that had accumulated to more than 5,100 strands.

He wasn't worried about the yin energy.

The second Yin Pearl absorbs the essence of the moon and the Yin energy every day, and can condense a wisp of Yin energy.

Moreover, if it helps the peak master break through in the future, it is estimated that it can also fill the Yin energy required for the second Yin Pearl.

The only thing that should cause a headache is the two pieces of yin marrow.

In comparison, the condition of the Yang marrow is now much clearer.

At least we know that there are three of them lying in the dragon vein, so we won't be searching aimlessly without any clues.

Zhao Wuji collected his thoughts and focused on reading the book "Fifty-Two Prescriptions" in his hand.

When reading the passage that reads, "Those who have their throats slit with a knife can be given cinnabar and spiritual milk from the earth's veins,"...

The tadpole-like script on the second Yin Bead suddenly shone with dazzling silver light, and the progress reached 70%.

But this also brought the situation to a standstill.

"Just one breath away"

Zhao Wuji shook his head slightly.

Seeing that the rest of the book was unrelated to head-regeneration techniques, I put the book aside for now.

He then picked up the Dunhuang manuscript "The Record of the Underworld" and began to peruse it.

This book records a strange story about a monk from the Western Regions who used secret incantations to reconnect the heads of demons, creating an atmosphere of mysterious magic.

He perused the document in detail, and the progress of drawing out the spell from the Yin Pearl began to move again.

He read the book from night until dawn, and Xiaoyue came to serve him tea twice before he finally finished reading it.

At this moment, the second Yin Pearl trembled violently in the sea of ​​consciousness, and the tadpole-like patterns on its surface moved and rearranged as if they were alive.

"I see."

Zhao Wuji's eyes closed slightly, and the mysterious technique of regenerating a severed head appeared in his mind.
As the morning sun shone through the window, the second Yin Pearl revealed the fourth spell.

"Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Techniques: Head Regeneration Technique: Beginner (0/100)"

Zhao Wuji had a series of insights into this technique.

Rebirth after decapitation, using a clone to borrow a head, and grafting one thing onto another.
The beginner's head-reattachment technique can reattach various parts of the body, including the head, which is also the fastest to reattach.

For beginners, if their head is severed within an hour, it can be reattached within three breaths, and the wound will heal completely. Moreover, the reattached part is comparable to ordinary iron within three breaths, requiring the consumption of three drops of their own essence blood.

The more advanced the technique, the stronger its effect.

After reaching a certain level of proficiency, one can temporarily attach their head to a puppet, monster, or even the corpse of an enemy to maintain it for a period of time, for purposes such as deceiving the enemy or scouting ahead.

During the period of borrowing the head, the main body is headless and the five senses are blocked, so it is necessary to set up a protective array in advance.

After reaching a high level, one's head can even detach from the body and fly, like the flying head crafted by sorcerers, impervious to swords and spears, and unaffected by water and fire.

For example, Sun Wukong's head in Journey to the West is invulnerable to swords and spears, and after performing the spell, he can fly and attack enemies everywhere.

In past dynasties, some fox-like demons used the "Head Extension Technique + Shapeshifting Technique" to impersonate human emperors, but were exposed because they forgot that the tail would be exposed when the head was extended.

Zhao Wuji recovered from his state of enlightenment, thought for a moment, raised his hand, and summoned the Cold Soul Flying Sword.

As the sword's edge approached his arm, the hairs on his arm stood on end, and the blade of the Frost Soul Flying Sword trembled violently, emitting a clear and melodious dragon's roar.

This magical flying sword seemed reluctant to harm its master.

"Trying it on your arm right away is too much. Don't be so hard on yourself. What if you're a beginner and can't reattach it properly?"

Zhao Wuji thought for a moment, then pointed the Cold Soul Flying Sword at his fingertips.

But looking at my ten beautiful, slender fingers, as delicate as jade, I still couldn't bear to part with them.

"My fingers are precious too. If I need to perform acupuncture on them, and they become somewhat inflexible after being reattached, I'll be disliked when I perform acupuncture on the Peak Master in the future."

He dismissed the idea, took off his shoes, looked at his toes, and saw them curling uneasily on the prayer mat.

"Forget it, if my toes don't heal properly and I become a cripple, Zhixia definitely won't like a crippled sword immortal."

At this moment, the Frost Soul Flying Sword suddenly fell silent, its tip drooping to the ground, as if speechless at its master's dilemma.
Just then, Zhao Wuji suddenly unbuckled his belt and looked at his crotch.

"This place is more suitable. Let's continue the process; even the scalp of a small head is still part of the head."

He then remembered that the body he had transmigrated into had not yet been circumcised.

Even now, the world is still like ancient times, where people believe that one's body and hair are gifts from one's parents and are generally not cut off.

Only a very small number of noble boys suffer from urinary retention due to phimosis, and a small incision is made with a jade knife dipped in medicinal wine.

Its predecessor didn't enjoy this treatment, and now it's quite old.

Zhao Wuji felt perfectly justified in targeting this long stretch of land.

He immediately pulled up two fingers slightly, urging the Frost Soul Flying Sword to move quickly!
This time, the Frost Soul Flying Sword was quite efficient.

Precisely nail it three inches in front of the point where you are about to make the cut.

The blood at the wound site congealed due to the stimulation of the frost.

Zhao Wuji quickly dispelled the frost.

I'd rather bleed than be frozen to death by the frost.

He swung his sword again, splitting the skin in two.

He then performed a head-regeneration technique by making hand gestures.

"The gale passed over his neck, and his flesh and blood were reattached."

"Continued!"

As soon as the incantation was uttered, the piece of skin automatically adhered to the skin as if it were alive.

In just three breaths, he was completely healed, without even a red mark left. It was faster and better than stitching with gold needles.

Zhao Wuji was very pleased after seeing it, and with satisfaction, he lightly tapped the repaired area, producing a sound like metal striking jade.

The spell is quite effective.

"Wow!"

The sound of a teacup shattering suddenly rang out.

Xiaoyue stood frozen in front of the door, the tray in her hand tilted, spilling spiritual tea all over the ground. Her eyes reflected the bloodstains on the ground and her master's disheveled appearance.

"My lord!" she rushed in, "What foolish thing are you doing?"

Her voice suddenly stopped and went blank.
(End of this chapter)