Wutong Peak... Feng Ruoli healing... essence absorption... Wen Zhixing...
Qiu Yinger’s delicate brows knitted together. As she connected these dots, images formed in her mind.
Feng Ruoli was injured and entered closed-door cultivation. But given her realm, an ordinary furnace would naturally not suffice. And Ning Shan had seen Wen Zhixing. So naturally, they might set their sights on Wen Zhixing. Thus, this act of kidnapping in the dead of night was played out. If anyone within the Wonderous Palace dared to mess with Si Nanyan’s people, it was probably only those from Wutong Peak. However, there is no evidence.
All of this was her speculation. Qiu Yinger was extraordinarily intelligent and quickly guessed most of the situation.
"Senior Sister Qiu, I have something to report!"
Just then, another figure approached quietly and spoke softly not far from Qiu Yinger.
Qiu Yinger turned her head to look at the newcomer, her eyes flashing with surprise. The person was Zhang Tiancheng. Zhang Tiancheng was not from Soul Devouring Peak, and his previous surveillance of Wen Zhixing was merely part of his duties.
"Senior Sister Qiu, last night when I got up to relieve myself, I inadvertently saw a dark figure flit by, seemingly carrying someone on their shoulder." Zhang Tiancheng’s eyes darted about, and he leaned in again to say, "The direction that the dark figure went seemed to be toward Wutong Peak..."
Coincidentally, Zhang Tiancheng had actually seen it last night. It wasn’t by accident, but rather because he wanted to find Wen Zhixing to discuss some matters, which led to him witnessing that scene. He hadn’t wanted to get involved in this matter, but it ultimately concerned Wen Zhixing. After much consideration, he decided to inform Qiu Yinger of this news.
Upon hearing this, Qiu Yinger’s expression immediately darkened. So it was Wutong Peak after all. Zhang Tiancheng’s words served as corroboration for her thoughts, and now there was a witness.
"Junior Brother Zhang, I am aware of this matter now; you may step back." Qiu Yinger’s voice remained calm, betraying no emotions, leaving others unable to deduce her thoughts.
"Yes..." Zhang Tiancheng bowed his head and silently retreated. After all, he was not from Wutong Peak, and speaking up had already risked quite a bit.
"Senior Sister Qiu, what... what do we do next?" As Zhang Tiancheng left, someone else tentatively inquired.
Qiu Yinger glanced sideways, her voice cold as she said, "Issue my orders. There’s no need to search any further. I will handle the following matters."
Since they had found the person, there was naturally no need to continue the search.
With the others gone, Qiu Yinger let out a sigh of relief. At least it’s better than him running away. If he had fled, she would have had a hard time absolving herself from blame. Now that Wen Zhixing’s whereabouts were known, there was no need to be so anxious. It was just a bit troublesome, that was all. It’s about time to have a good talk with Ning Shan.
Qiu Yinger prepared to make a trip herself. Si Nanyan was still in closed-door cultivation. She didn’t want to make a big fuss over this. If matters blew up, it wouldn’t look good for either side. Clearly, the other party thought the same, or they wouldn’t have acted at night.
「Unaware of how time passed, another three days went by.」
In the end, Wen Zhixing couldn’t hold on any longer. His vitality was like a lamp running out of oil. Revival of the Withered Tree was triggered, and his body began its fourth nirvana.
[Your body falls into a withered state, Revival of the Withered Tree triggered.]
[Your body undergoes a new transformation.]
[Your body begins its fourth nirvana.]
[Your Body Recovery Speed is doubled once again.]
[Beginning the tempering of your entire skin. After the tempering is completed, a protective membrane will grow inside the skin, making your flesh and skin incredibly tough.]
Perhaps it will take only two days to recover this time.
Wen Zhixing opened his eyes, feeling no significant discomfort in his body. He had been resting in his sleep for most of the day, and in just that short time, his body had recovered quite a bit. Now he was feeling only slightly weak.
Lucky I cultivated the Concealing Spirit Skill... otherwise, it would’ve been troublesome. Wen Zhixing reflected on his own foresight.
At this moment, only he remained inside the secret chamber. Feng Ruoli had long since vanished without a trace. During this time, the two of them barely communicated. Feng Ruoli was busy healing, while Wen Zhixing was busy cultivating secret skills.
[Through your dedicated cultivation, you have been formally initiated into the Unfounded Curse.]
Heh, I’ve finally mastered the Unfounded Curse as well. Wen Zhixing’s lips curled into a smile, his mood exceedingly uplifted. He even wanted to try out the Unfounded Curse right away, but he was still rational. His body was still weak, and he didn’t want to end up killing himself with his own antics.
As he was initiated into the Unfounded Curse, he also gained five Fortune Points. One had to admit, every time he was essence-drained, Wen Zhixing reaped a full harvest.
Is this what they mean by equivalent exchange? Wen Zhixing scoffed at himself, then closed his eyes once more to meditate.
There was nothing else for him to do now. He couldn’t leave even if he wanted to, so he might as well continue his cultivation.
In a few days, I should be able to get out of here, Wen Zhixing thought, unbothered. Since he was unharmed, it meant Feng Ruoli must have exercised restraint. With Si Nanyan around, his life was not in danger.
「Another two days passed.」
He was still trapped in the secret chamber. This suited him just fine, as it gave him time to fully recover his strength. During this period, Ning Shan had come to check on his physical condition. Wen Zhixing pretended not to notice. He discreetly collected several Fortune Fragments on a few occasions, earning him 4 Fortune Points.
Suddenly, Wen Zhixing didn’t want to leave anymore. He found staying here rather pleasant. Before he knew it, he had accumulated 9 Fortune Points.
[Your fourth nirvana has ended.]
[Your Body Recovery Speed has doubled.]
[A film has formed within the skin of your body, making it extremely tough, impervious to blades and swords.]
[Your physical body has been transformed, and your realm has broken through. Current cultivation: Shedding Mortal Realm fourth level.]
The speed of recovery was astonishing. Even Wen Zhixing himself found it somewhat unbelievable. It was too fast. In about two days, Wen Zhixing had recovered from being a ’drained husk’ of a man. He had even made a breakthrough in his realm. Who could he even complain to about such a thing?
[Physique: Revival of the Withered Tree (Blazing Gold).]
[Talent: Extraordinarily Intelligent (White).]
[Cultivation skill: Tai Chi health-preserving skill (Gray).]
[Secret skill: Blood Escape Skill (White), Clear Heart Incantation (White), Concealing Spirit Skill (White), Unfounded Curse (Purple).]
[Realm: Shedding Mortal Realm fourth level.]
[Fortune Fragment: None.]
After glancing at his attribute panel, Wen Zhixing nodded contentedly. All his secret skills had been upgraded to White Quality or higher. Only the Tai Chi health-preserving skill remained Gray, but Wen Zhixing had no immediate plans to upgrade it. His life-span was sufficient for now. It’ll be enough to sustain me for a few more years of this. He decided to save up some Fortune Points for unforeseen emergencies.
Let’s try out the Unfounded Curse first.
After organizing his thoughts, a cold light appeared in Wen Zhixing’s eyes. He had been holding back a grievance for a long time. Qiu Yinger, that wench, had made him suffer for so long. Naturally, he wouldn’t let her off easily.
Wen Zhixing formed hand seals, simultaneously picturing Qiu Yinger’s image in his mind. His vital blood was stirred, beginning to be rapidly drained.
You like to mess with me, huh? I won’t let you have it any easier.