It was as if some ancient ritual had been triggered. A torrent of black blood surged from Xiao Chen's wounds, drawn irresistibly toward the golden seal. The seal absorbed it, purifying the blood and glowing ever brighter with a soft, golden radiance. Under this light, the black poison coursing through Xiao Chen's veins seemed to retreat as though meeting its nemesis. In mere moments, the deadly black mist dissipated entirely, and even the rotting flesh of his hand began to regenerate at an astonishing rate.
When his injuries had completely healed, the golden seal seemed to have reached its limit, its radiance dimming until it became faint and ephemeral. Then, without warning, it merged into Xiao Chen's body and vanished.
In a dreamlike state, Xiao Chen felt himself bathed in warm golden light. It was a soothing sensation that seeped deep into his bones, leaving him refreshed and comforted.
In the cave, his fingers twitched slightly before his eyes fluttered open. Confusion gave way to disbelief, and then to unrestrained joy. I survived!
He raised his hand to inspect it, finding it perfectly intact. The blackened and decayed flesh, the rotting wounds—gone as if they had never existed.
"The golden seal is missing... and my poison's gone. Could the two be connected?" he murmured, his brows furrowing in thought. Yet as he pondered, he felt a peculiar sensation within his spiritual consciousness. Curious, Xiao Chen closed his eyes and performed the internal observation technique he had recently learned.
The moment he accessed his spiritual sea, his eyes snapped open in shock. The missing golden seal was there, resting deep within his soul. He tried to summon it out, but no matter how hard he willed it, the seal remained motionless, as if anchored in place.
After a long and fruitless effort, Xiao Chen sighed and gave up for the moment. He checked his body thoroughly, ensuring no hidden injuries or complications lingered. Satisfied, he decided he would study the seal later when he had more time and resources.
The scattered items from the storage pouches were still where he had left them, a clear sign that no one else had entered the cave while he was unconscious. Xiao Chen rummaged through the belongings again, swapping his old, palm-sized storage pouch for a seemingly ordinary one with an internal space over ten times larger.
He meticulously gathered the spiritual weapons, talismans, spirit stones, and pills, storing them in his new pouch. Carefully erasing all traces of his presence from the cave, Xiao Chen ensured no one would find anything that could link him to this place.
Before leaving, his gaze landed on the black gourd that had emitted the eerie green flames. Hesitating for a moment, he picked it up and stored it. It could be a powerful weapon, as long as I learn how to control it.
With a final glance around, Xiao Chen turned and left the cave.
The shimmering illusion of the stone wall rippled as Xiao Chen stepped through, emerging into the forest. The young man, about sixteen, scanned his surroundings carefully before slapping a Wind Talisman onto his leg. In an instant, his figure blurred into a streak of light, vanishing into the dense woods.
The Xiao Family Hall, Xiao City
"Second Brother, it's been four days, and your son Xiao Chen has yet to return. Do you know where he is? Today is the deadline for returning to Falling Cloud Valley. If he's late, he'll face severe punishment under their rules." Xiao Wentian, seated beside Xiao Wenshan in the family hall, spoke with feigned concern while closely observing Wenshan's expression.
Wenshan's face darkened. He had already dispatched search parties to find Xiao Chen after the boy failed to return from fetching his mother. The reports they brought back were troubling—signs of a violent battle, three corpses, but no trace of his son.
The Xiao family was abuzz with rumors that Xiao Chen had perished fighting cultivators. Xiao Chen's mother, grief-stricken, had been inconsolable for days. Though Wenshan remained outwardly composed, inwardly, he was deeply worried. He refused to believe his son was dead but feared Xiao Chen had encountered grave trouble.
Xiao Wentian, on the other hand, was inwardly gleeful. If Xiao Chen truly died, the balance of power within the Xiao family would tilt back in his favor. His son Xiao Lin would be the family's sole representative in Falling Cloud Valley, cementing his position as head of the Xiao family.
Just as Xiao Wentian was reveling in his thoughts, a cold voice echoed from the doorway.
"My affairs are none of your concern. Worry about your own business, Wentian."
Xiao Chen's figure appeared at the entrance, his expression calm yet sharp as a blade. His gaze swept across the gathered family members, and not a single one dared to meet his eyes.
"Father," Xiao Chen said, stepping forward, "I encountered some delays but have returned safely. I apologize for causing you worry."
"Good, good! As long as you're back safely." Xiao Wenshan's relief was palpable, his joy written plainly on his face.
"I must return to the sect today. I'll go bid farewell to Mother now." Xiao Chen's tone was even, but his cold glance at Xiao Wentian sent a shiver down the latter's spine. Beads of sweat formed on Wentian's forehead as he lowered his head in submission.
Satisfied, Xiao Chen left the hall.
An hour later, outside Xiao City, two figures streaked across the sky like shooting stars, their forms shrinking into the distance.
"Second Brother," Xiao Wentian said, forcing a smile as he turned to Wenshan. "Shall we return?"
Wenshan nodded. He noticed the flattering gazes of the other family members directed at him and felt a surge of pride. His triumphant return to the Xiao family was all thanks to his remarkable son, Xiao Chen.
Using the Wind Talisman, Xiao Chen and Xiao Lin traveled swiftly, their pace unrelenting. Covering a thousand miles in a single day was no exaggeration.
Along the way, Xiao Lin attempted to strike up a conversation, hoping to build rapport. However, seeing Xiao Chen's disinterest, he quickly fell silent. By nightfall, the two reached Falling Cloud Valley and parted ways.
Returning to the Spirit Herb Valley, Xiao Chen freshened up before heading directly to Yaodaozi's quarters.
"Master, your disciple Xiao Chen has returned as promised," he announced respectfully at the door.
"Enter," Yaodaozi's calm voice replied.
Stepping inside, Xiao Chen was momentarily taken aback before he composed himself and knelt.
"Your disciple has returned after five days and reports to Master."
Seated on a meditation cushion, Yaodaozi was flanked by five disciples—three men and two women. Among them was Ji Yuewu, who stood silently at the end of the line.
As Xiao Chen entered, the other four disciples sized him up with barely concealed disdain. A mortal without spiritual roots? Even if he joined the sect, his future prospects were laughable.
"Xiao Chen," Yaodaozi began, gesturing toward the group, "these five are my formal disciples—your senior brothers and sisters."
Xiao Chen bowed respectfully. "This disciple greets the senior brothers and sisters."
Ji Yuewu glanced at him briefly, but the others ignored him entirely. Their disdain was evident, but Xiao Chen remained expressionless as he silently stood at the back of the room.
Yaodaozi seemed unbothered by the tension. "I'll soon enter seclusion to attempt the Golden Core breakthrough," he announced. "During this time, the sect's alchemy needs will be your responsibility."
The disciples reacted with excitement, showering him with genuine congratulations. For a cultivator, reaching the Golden Core stage was a monumental achievement, marking an ascension to high-level status and extending one's lifespan to five centuries.
"Master, rest assured," the eldest disciple, Duan Huaming, said. "We will ensure everything proceeds smoothly in your absence."
Yaodaozi nodded. "Good. One more thing—Yuewu has just joined the sect. While I focus on my breakthrough, one of you will need to teach her the basics of alchemy. Who volunteers?"
Duan Huaming stepped forward eagerly. "As the eldest disciple, it's my duty to assist. I will gladly teach Yuewu."
Before Yaodaozi could respond, the second disciple, Li Yuedu, interjected smoothly. "Eldest Brother, your cultivation has reached the peak of the sixth level of Qi Refinement. Shouldn't you focus on breaking through? I can handle teaching Junior Sister."
A faint tension crackled between the two as both eyed Yuewu with differing intentions.