Chapter 284 - Without Ripples

In the vast hall.　　Chen Xia came to see the Flesh Statue, and his first question was about how to suppress heart demons.　　He asked calmly, as if it were not related to him.　　The Flesh Statue carefully examined him, especially his eyes, and replied only after noticing no obvious change.　　"Has someone told you about changes in your heart demon?"　　Chen Xia nodded, "They explained it somewhat, but I still don't understand. Moreover, there are matters at hand, so I'll just suppress it for now. Once things settle down, I'll properly deal with the heart demon."　　Wang Yangzi's words made sense to Chen Xia, yet he didn't fully grasp them.　　"Your heart demon is yourself."　　But Chen Xia felt differently; he believed this heart demon wasn't entirely himself—it seemed to have its own thoughts.　　The Flesh Statue began to explain: "Regarding heart demons, you shouldn't worry too much. Keeping your emotions stable is the best way to suppress them."　　"But some powerful heart demons will actively influence the host's divine consciousness. It's inevitable since the heart demon is your opposite side. If you lose your mind, you can't blame others."　　"I know this method. What I want to ask is about other methods," Chen Xia frowned.　　The Flesh Statue hesitated, then cautiously asked, "Are you sure you can maintain a good mindset and control the heart demon?"　　"It should be fine. It hasn't appeared for a long time," Chen Xia nodded.　　"It must be dormant," the Flesh Statue exhaled, then replied.　　"For other methods to suppress heart demons, I have a potent technique—directly aligning with the nature of the heart demon, mimicking its actions."　　"He acts crazy, you act crazier!"　　"Indeed potent, but is there a gentler method?" Chen Xia shook his head and asked again.　　"Yes," the Flesh Statue nodded, "Since the heart demon has a 'heart,' it comes from within you. Without a heart, there would be no heart demon."　　Chen Xia frowned, "Then wouldn't I cease to exist?"　　The Flesh Statue chuckled softly, "So you need to deceive, making the heart demon believe your heart is dead. This is a marvelous feigned death technique, even capable of deceiving the Heavenly Dao. I used this technique to escape the Boundary Realm."　　His body trembled slightly as he extended a small hand outward, pointing and speaking solemnly.　　"Immortal Technique—Deceive Heaven."　　Golden characters suddenly spread out in the hall, densely gathering before Chen Xia.　　"Just observe; you don't need to memorize it deeply. The heart demon would also know," the Flesh Statue reminded.　　"Alright," Chen Xia agreed, beginning to examine the ancient golden text.　　Generally speaking, he didn't quite understand, finding it rather intricate.　　The Flesh Statue seemed to notice and smiled, "It's normal not to understand. Since it's meant to deceive Heaven, if it can't even fool oneself, how could it deceive the Heavenly Dao? When you use this Immortal Technique, you'll naturally remember it."　　Indeed, it was quite mysterious.　　Chen Xia nodded, temporarily believing it.　　The Flesh Statue added gravely, "However, this method has a concern: after reaching the Heaven-Repairing stage, you must eliminate the heart demon. Otherwise, it will start competing for consciousness with the host."　　"In short, madness."　　Two consciousnesses fighting for dominance indeed sounded like madness.　　"Hmm." Chen Xia nodded, then fell silent for a moment before saying, "Regarding the alliance you mentioned, I think it's better to pass."　　The Flesh Statue was taken aback but bitterly nodded, "Alright."　　He had anticipated this result but hearing it firsthand still stung.　　As for imparting an Immortal Technique, it wasn't significant, especially since it wasn't a combat technique and held low value.　　Suddenly, Chen Xia spoke again.　　"But if I become a Great Emperor in the future, I might help protect your path, repaying this favor."　　The Flesh Statue's eyes lit up, hurriedly saying, "Thank you, Sir!"　　With Chen Xia's future protection as a Great Emperor, his chances significantly increased.　　This time, he must break through the Boundary Realm and seek the path to becoming an Emperor in the Great Many Heavens!　　Time passed quietly thereafter.　　As if the heart demon had settled down, Chen Xia no longer diligently refined medicines, occasionally doing so when he remembered.　　The medicinal field hadn't been tended for a long time, but the herbs grew well on their own, so Chen Xia didn't need to intervene.　　Over these years, he gradually became obscure, his fame fading.　　New cultivators emerged in the Boundary Realm, gaining more prominence.　　Discussions about past cultivators diminished.　　Even the Starry Sky Alchemy Sect was rarely mentioned.　　Zhen Hu and Bai Jie left the Boundary Realm together, saying they wanted to train outside and return to revive the Starry Sky Alchemy Sect.　　Whether they could return was uncertain.　　On the path of cultivation, danger and opportunity coexist.　　For ordinary cultivators, danger often outweighs opportunity.　　Not so for Chen Xia.　　He could add points.　　Thus, he lived until now and would continue living.　　But Zhen Hu and Bai Jie weren't guaranteed the same fate.　　On the day of their departure,　　They specially sought out Chen Xia, expressing sincere gratitude and offering half of their remaining spirit stones.　　Chen Xia accepted.　　After all, why refuse a gift?　　As a farewell gift, he gave them two Dao pills, both for healing wounds. For cultivators like them, these pills were almost a second life.　　Zhen Hu was profoundly grateful, tears welling up as he said,　　"When we return and re-establish the Starry Sky Alchemy Sect, we'll invite you to preside over the founding ceremony as our Supreme Ancestor!"　　"Stay alive first," Chen Xia waved his hand gently, speaking slowly.　　"Take care on your journey."　　He seldom offered such advice.　　But today, he couldn't resist saying it.　　Perhaps it was because he was getting older.　　Chen Xia sighed, tightening his blue robe as he watched Zhen Hu and Bai Jie's figures grow distant.　　There was no sadness of parting.　　Only an understanding of immortality.　　He remained calm.　　Unperturbed by the waves.