Chapter 11: Another Favor
“What should we do with her?” The woman in white looked at Yun Ling, whose head was still buried in the ground, and asked Huang Feiyan for her opinion. Since Yun Ling was after Huang Feiyan, the decision was hers.
“Let’s take her back to Rain Terrace Blessed Land… When my mother arrives, I think we can exchange her for something more valuable than her life.” Huang Feiyan glanced at Yun Ling, then hesitated slightly. “And… we should also hear his opinion…”
The woman in white found this strange. Huang Feiyan’s concern for this Gathering Stream cultivator intrigued her. He must possess something special to warrant such attention.
The boy’s neck bore dark purple bruises, clearly from being choked. A scabbed wound marked his wrist. His lips were pale, but his features were handsome, and he possessed an indescribable, comforting aura. This was unusual. She had seen countless handsome young masters and chosen sons, but this boy was different. Although not overwhelmingly handsome, he exuded a unique charm that left a lasting impression.
The woman in white looked away, walked over to Yun Ling, grabbed her collar, and lifted her up. “Feiyan, let’s go.”
What did one see after death? Mingyan had often pondered this question. Did consciousness persist? Did one become a wandering soul, like in the ghost stories used to scare children? Or did one enter the cycle of reincarnation?
As the suffocating sensation faded, Mingyan felt a sense of relief. He must be dead.
It was a pity he had so much left unfinished…
He hadn’t fulfilled his promise to his master to look after Liu Mengli. He didn’t know what was in the cloth bag his master had given him. He wondered how Sect Leader Xia Yanming was faring and whether he had bought enough time for Celestial Sister.
The greatest regret was not catching up to her, not even knowing her name. But hopefully, he hadn’t disappointed her. Perhaps she had only saved him on a whim and had already forgotten about it.
Did he regret his actions? Yes, he should have saved Huang Feiyan, but he shouldn’t have brought her back to the Blessed Land, causing this trouble. Did he regret it? No. Either he and Celestial Sister would have died, or… he had bought enough time for her to avenge him.
Still, it was a shame. He had so much more he wanted to do. It was a pity to die so young…
A figure appeared before Mingyan. It was the nameless celestial being who had saved him. She stood in the distance, her gaze cool and distant. Mingyan instinctively walked towards her.
But she seemed to grow farther away… He began to run, but her image blurred. The more he chased, the greater the distance between them became, until she vanished completely. Mingyan jolted awake!
He sat up, disoriented, then recognized his familiar surroundings. He was in his room.
The wooden door opened, and Huang Feiyan entered, carrying a bowl of medicinal soup. Seeing him awake, her face lit up. “You’re awake!”
“…Celestial Sister…?” Mingyan was relieved to see her safe, but his head throbbed. He rubbed his temples, the memories before he lost consciousness returning. He looked up at Huang Feiyan. “Where’s Yun Ling, Celestial Sister?”
“We captured her.” Huang Feiyan sat beside the bed, holding out the bowl. “Drink this. It will help replenish your blood.”
Mingyan took the bowl, relieved to hear about Yun Ling’s capture, but then he frowned. “Are we back at Rain Terrace Blessed Land?”
“Yes. You’ve lived here for a year, and you don’t recognize it? Why are you asking me?” Huang Feiyan smiled, then her expression turned hesitant. “Don’t worry, everything is fine now. But… Sect Leader Xia…”
“What happened to the Sect Leader?” Mingyan’s heart sank. He had already braced himself for the worst.
“He’s severely injured, his cultivation realm has dropped significantly, and he’s unconscious. But don’t worry, once my mother arrives, I’m sure she’ll be able to help him.” Huang Feiyan paused. “As for your master and the others, don’t worry. They only suffered minor injuries. Sect Leader Xia protected them well.”
Mingyan was stunned, then scratched his head. He had feared the worst, but they were only injured. Although a drop in cultivation realm was a significant setback for a cultivator, it was better than death.
“I know you must be confused. Remember when I asked you to inform Sect Leader Xia? That night, I asked him to send word to my friend, Yue Qingying, about my situation. I thought it would take Yun Ling some time to find me, but she brought a Rotating Core Realm cultivator with her to kill me. He quickly found my trail. Fortunately, my friend, upon hearing the news, immediately asked her master, Holy Master Yue Ying, to come to Rain Terrace Blessed Land. Holy Master Yue Ying saved Sect Leader Xia, preventing a tragedy. As for the other disciples, we sent people to retrieve them. They should be back soon.”
“Rotating Core Realm?” Mingyan had never heard of this realm before.
“You don’t know the cultivation system yet?” Huang Feiyan, seeing his confusion, explained with a smile. “We cultivators have four major realms. The first is the Spring Opening Realm, where you are now, with four minor realms: Spring Gushing, Gathering Stream, Great Brook, and Illuminating Sea. The second is the Transcendence Realm, where I am, also with four minor realms: Yin Tomb, Yang Tomb, Qi Sea, and Divine Gate, each with early and peak stages. The third is the Saint Realm, with four minor realms: Tai Yi (three stages), Divine Seal, Rotating Core (seven stages), and Human Gateway. The final realm is the Apex Realm, with four minor realms: Manifest Saint, Great Saint, Human King, and Great Emperor. This realm is unique, as the difference between each minor realm is comparable to the entire previous three major realms…”
Mingyan’s head spun. These were completely new concepts. The highest cultivation he knew was the Divine Gate Realm, Sect Leader Xia’s level. He hadn’t realized there were so many realms beyond that…
“The Spring Opening Realm is just the beginning. But I believe with your talent, you’ll one day surpass Sect Leader Xia and reach new heights.” Huang Feiyan smiled, then paused. “By the way, there’s something I’d like to ask you. It involves your personal choice, so please consider it carefully. There’s no rush to answer.”
Mingyan finished the soup, set the bowl aside, and nodded. “Please speak, Celestial Sister.”
“I came to Dragon Ridge to search for clues about the ancient Dragon God Clan. According to ancient texts, the last ancient dragon perished here hundreds of thousands of years ago. Ancient dragons possess the purest Yang blood. I sought clues about them for their blood. As for why I need dragon blood… When I was young and mischievous, I wandered into a forbidden zone. My aunt rescued me but was poisoned and has been in a coma for over ten years. I’ve been searching for a way to wake her up. About two years ago, my mother obtained an ancient pill formula that can cure any poison, but it requires dragon blood as a key ingredient. That’s why I came to Dragon Ridge.”
“But I didn’t find dragon blood. Instead, I encountered a Yin Dragon Soul born from a dragon’s corpse and was poisoned, nearly dying…” Huang Feiyan’s face darkened. “That damned Yin Dragon Soul devoured the entire dragon corpse to increase its power. If it weren’t for a powerful expert intervening, it could have caused a major disaster. But this also means I can’t obtain dragon blood. I was devastated, thinking I had missed my best chance, but then I discovered the immense Yang energy in your blood. I don’t know why your blood possesses such power, but perhaps… it can replace dragon blood… as the medicinal ingredient. So, if you’re willing, I’d like to invite you to return to the Huang family with me…”
“I won’t force you. Only I know about this for now. I won’t tell anyone until you make your decision. So… please consider it carefully. I won’t let you or Rain Terrace Blessed Land suffer any loss. Both you and the Blessed Land are my saviors. I’ll never forget your kindness.”
Mingyan pondered, then nodded. “I’ll consider it.”
“Good.” Huang Feiyan smiled. “Even without the medicinal ingredient, I would have invited you to my home as a guest. Anyway, let’s not talk about this now. Your fellow disciples should be back by now. How are you feeling? Shall we go greet them?”
Mingyan nodded. “I’m fine, just a little dizzy, but it’s nothing serious. Let’s go, Celestial Sister.”
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