After Escaping From Death, He Went Even Crazier By Criticizing Black Lotus Chapter 41
bySpeaking of Chongjiang True Lord, he is quite the legendary figure.
The Xuanji Sect originally did not have Zihuan Peak; it only had an unnamed small mountain used for refining spiritual medicine.
It wasn’t until five hundred years ago that Chongjiang True Lord burst onto the scene. Her skill in refining elixirs was superb, and she even cured several difficult illnesses that the Medicine King Valley couldn’t handle. Only then did this nameless small mountain gain a name, eventually developing into one of the current Seven Great Spiritual Mountains.
Xiao Jianming brought Su Huan to the foot of Zihuan Peak and dismounted his sword.
Chongjiang True Lord is highly skilled in medicine, but she has one strange quirk: anyone who comes seeking medicine must walk up the mountain.
She says that if they don’t even possess that much sincerity, they are not worthy of her treatment.
Zihuan Peak is the only spiritual mountain that does not require a disciple token to ascend.
Chongjiang True Lord loves flowers and plants. Looking up, the mountain is covered in all kinds of flora. Butterflies flutter among the blossoms, the path is filled with the fragrance of herbs, and the spiritual energy emanating from the medicinal plants washes over them.
Although priceless spiritual medicines grow right by the roadside, none of the ascending disciples dare to pick them. That is because faster than any disciple’s hand is Chongjiang True Lord’s poison.
Most disciples on Zihuan Peak wear simple white robes, which supposedly makes them appear ethereal and skilled in healing. They often walk in twos and threes across the green fields, carrying baskets for gathering herbs, and can be encountered all the way up the mountain.
Upon seeing Su Huan, they stopped, scrutinized him for a moment, and then began whispering. Occasionally, a few snippets of conversation could be heard:
“He’s Senior Brother Su from Lichen Peak!”
“Is the person next to him his beloved? Wow, he’s really good-looking…”
“No wonder Senior Brother Su was willing to stay with him even after he shattered his Golden Core…”
“Hmph, I think Senior Brother Su is pitiful, to have encountered such a thing!”
“What’s surprising about it? Destroying someone’s cultivation should be punished by being thrown into the Cold Pond Sin Prison…”
The discussions only ceased when they reached the vicinity of Chongjiang True Lord’s residence.
Su Huan smiled, slowly forming a question mark in his mind.
What was going on? Had some new rumor spread throughout the sect again?
Chongjiang True Lord’s voice came from the flower dwelling woven from bamboo strips: “You’re back? I’m busy right now, just come straight in.”
Su Huan pushed open the wicker gate, which was overgrown with unknown small purple flowers. A ripple appeared in the air, and the quiet, pleasant small courtyard changed its scenery, now featuring many spiritual beast cubs tumbling and playing happily in the yard, making it quite lively.
Chongjiang True Lord stood in the courtyard, holding a box of colorful spiritual pills. Countless small cubs scrambled to get close to her, opening their mouths and whimpering, eager to eat the pills in her hand.
There was a small white-furred monkey climbing a tree, a small spiritual tortoise slowly crawling ashore from the water, and a spiritual rabbit wearing a small flower on its head. Chongjiang True Lord was also holding a small nine-tailed fox, a blissful smile on her face as she gently coaxed them: “Don’t fight, don’t fight, there’s enough for everyone. You only get to eat after I stroke you…”
This was completely different from her usual refined and alluring appearance outside.
“Please sit wherever you like.”
Su Huan and Xiao Jianming bowed and sat down by the stone table in the courtyard to wait.
Only after she had finished distributing the various colored spiritual pills and stroked every small beast in the courtyard did she approach the stone table.
Chongjiang True Lord was still holding the small nine-tailed fox. She used a spell to pour tea for them, letting out a soft sigh that sounded quite troubled: “They are all abandoned spiritual beasts. I took them in because I felt sorry for them, but who knew they would be so annoying…”
Su Huan felt embarrassed. He thought, setting aside the others, was the nine-tailed spiritual fox in your arms, which is comparable to a Golden Core cultivator, also “picked up”?
He needed to redefine the word “pick up.”
Noticing his gaze, Chongjiang True Lord cleared her throat. Her graceful waist and neck line became languid, and unintentionally, a hint of allure returned.
She propped one hand on the stone table and gently stroked the little fox, chuckling, “This one doesn’t count. It shamelessly insisted on staying.”
The little fox narrowed its eyes contentedly, letting out two tender cries upon hearing this, seemingly expressing dissatisfaction.
Su Huan looked curious, but Xiao Jianming had no intention of prying. He took out the herbs stored in his storage pouch, handed them to her, and said, “Aunt-Master Zihuan, this is the Spirit Nurturing Grass.”
Chongjiang True Lord watched the entire process and looked somewhat incredulous: “You just put the spiritual grass in a crude storage pouch like that?!”
Xiao Jianming was stunned: “Is something wrong with that?”
Chongjiang True Lord covered her forehead, looking quite distressed: “You are far too casual!”
“Look, the leaves are damaged, and this root is broken off by a whole half!”
Xiao Jianming’s heart tightened: “Will the medicinal properties be affected?”
Su Huan also looked at her eagerly.
Chongjiang True Lord stuttered: “Of course not.”
Then she continued indignantly: “But one should cherish spiritual herbs! You should find a jade box, carefully dig out the spiritual herb completely, and gently place it inside to seal it. If possible, it’s best to wear gloves as thin as cicada wings when picking it…”
Su Huan smiled awkwardly on the side. He hadn’t realized that besides being a fluff-lover, Chongjiang True Lord was also so strict about herbs.
Chongjiang True Lord spoke volubly for a while before stopping to sip her tea, sighing lightly: “Forget it this time, but remember to prepare a jade box next time.”
Su Huan dared not argue and meekly agreed.
Chongjiang True Lord tossed the herb into her sleeve. Her wide sleeve seemed to contain a universe, and she immediately pulled out a box of chopped spiritual beast meat—she didn’t know what kind—and placed it on the stone table to feed the little spiritual fox.
The little fox happily let out a cry, jumped up, kissed Chongjiang True Lord on the face, and placed its two front paws on the stone table to feast.
“Little hooligan,” Chongjiang True Lord chuckled.
Afterward, she slowly asked them, “There is still the Ethereal Spirit Flower and the Red Heart Root. Which medicine do you plan to look for first?”
One was in Tingmeng Continent, and the other was in Liujin Continent.
The Ji family was also in Liujin Continent.
Xiao Jianming did not want Su Huan to set foot in Liujin Continent and couldn’t help but frown: “Can this Red Heart Root be replaced by another medicinal material?”
Hearing this, Chongjiang True Lord glanced at him: “If you were asking the people of Medicine King Valley, absolutely not. If you are asking me, then yes, it can.”
Su Huan: “…” That was a very practiced slight.
Chongjiang True Lord pointed the small spoon she was using to stir the minced meat at Su Huan and said, “Although the Red Heart Root is the main medicine, its purpose is to stabilize the core. If you find a stabilizing medicine with the same attribute as him, the effect will be the same.”
“However, I don’t recommend you go there, because this medicine is in the legendary Penglai Immortal Continent. Not only is it elusive, but it is much farther away than Liujin Continent,” Chongjiang True Lord said with a light smile, a hint of deeper meaning in her eyes.
Xiao Jianming ignored the probing look in her eyes and insisted, “We will go to Penglai Continent.”
Chongjiang True Lord raised an eyebrow and turned to Su Huan: “You don’t want to go to Liujin Continent either?”
Su Huan blinked and nodded.
Chongjiang True Lord pondered, saying, “Very well. Although Liujin Continent is close, it is also home to many aristocratic families, and power struggles are severe. It is indeed not a good place to go.”
With that, she flipped her palm upward, revealing a piece of paper with a drawing of a medicinal herb, which she handed to the two of them.
Xiao Jianming lowered his head to examine it closely. The moment he clearly saw the appearance of the herb, a flash of surprise crossed his eyes. He immediately remembered the lie he had told, and his Adam’s apple involuntarily bobbed.
The next second, he heard Chongjiang True Lord utter a very familiar name. She said, “This medicine is called the Glazed Immortal Grass. It is a spiritual herb unique to the Penglai Immortal Continent. This is a genuine immortal herb, not one of those low-grade ones.”
Sure enough, Su Huan’s eyes lit up after hearing this: “Glazed Immortal Grass? What a coincidence, isn’t that the reward for the champion of the Immortal Sect Assembly this time?”
“Hmm? Who told you that?” Chongjiang True Lord sounded confused. “The reward for first place in this Immortal Sect Assembly is a Heaven-tier spiritual sword with no attributes. There is no Glazed Immortal Grass.”
Su Huan was dumbfounded.
He turned to Xiao Jianming, looking at him accusingly.
Xiao Jianming avoided his gaze.
Instantly feeling annoyed, Su Huan couldn’t help but stomp on a certain person’s foot.
Xiao Jianming winced in pain but dared not show it.
Chongjiang True Lord seemed to notice their small actions and covered her mouth, chuckling: “But speaking of the Immortal Sect Assembly, it seems it will begin soon.”
She took a spiritual fruit from her sleeve and fed it to the little spiritual fox, smiling: “I suggest you participate.”
Xiao Jianming frowned: “We don’t have time…”
Before he could finish, he met Chongjiang True Lord’s clear, naturally alluring, smiling eyes.
She said, “I heard that people from the Penglai Immortal Continent will also be attending this Immortal Sect Assembly.”
“If you can befriend them, you might be able to take a trip to the Penglai Immortal Continent.”
Su Huan’s eyes brightened, and he nodded repeatedly: “Thank you for the information, Aunt-Master! We’ll go sign up right away!”
Watching the young men leave, Chongjiang True Lord picked up the little fox. As if remembering something, a hint of nostalgia appeared in her eyes, and she murmured, “Immortal Continent, Immortal Continent… that is a good place indeed.”
*
On Yuxiao Peak.
Clouds and mist swirled. A young attendant led the guests to the front of the main hall, knocked on the door, and respectfully said, “Sect Master, Young Master Nangong has arrived.”
The guests were Nangong Yi and Yue Jiusi.
The hall door silently opened, and a voice invited, “Young Master Nangong is here, please come in quickly.”
Accompanying the invitation was a deep yet non-oppressive spiritual aura.
Yue Jiusi, following behind Nangong Yi, forcibly suppressed his astonishment, trying his best not to let his thoughts show on his face.
Nangong Yi also secretly sighed. The pressure was outwardly revealed yet inwardly restrained. It seemed the Xuanji Sect Master’s cultivation had advanced again.
“Greetings, Sect Master.”
Upon entering the hall, they saw the old Sect Master stroking his beard while reading a letter. Spiritual tea had already been prepared on the table to welcome the guests.
The old Sect Master smiled heartily and said, “Young Master, please try the spiritual tea here. The taste is quite good.”
Nangong Yi cupped his hands, sat down as instructed, and tasted the tea, praising it: “This tea is smooth and clear, leaving a lingering fragrance. A single sip can replenish half of one’s spiritual power. It is indeed excellent tea.”
Yue Jiusi also gulped down a cup. Aside from feeling a great increase in his spiritual power, he didn’t taste any difference and couldn’t help but smack his lips.
The old Sect Master stroked his beard and smiled: “Since Young Master Nangong likes it, I will send you a few jars after the Immortal Sect Assembly concludes.”
Nangong Yi nodded his thanks: “Thank you, Sect Master.”
The old Sect Master asked, “How is your father’s health these days?”
Nangong Yi replied with a smile: “Thanks to Chongjiang True Lord traveling to Zhaoyue Continent for diagnosis, my father’s headaches have lessened.”
After some small talk, they finally got to the main topic.
The old Sect Master presented a spiritual contract to Nangong Yi and said, “This is the contract for the development and management of the northern barren mountains, the border area between Huayao Continent and Zhaoyue Continent. Since Sect Master Jianqing sent you here to negotiate, please take a look. Are there any points of dissatisfaction?”
Nangong Yi took it and examined it carefully.
Recently, demons had appeared in the northern barren mountains, and beast tides were frequent. To prevent the demons from polluting the spiritual energy of the northern lands, the two continents had to jointly clear and sweep the area.
After reading it, Nangong Yi stamped the spiritual seal his father had given him onto the contract. The contract’s spiritual light emerged, and he sensed the binding force of the Heavenly Dao descending.
He smiled gently and bowed to the old Sect Master: “The division of the areas in the contract is fair and there are no issues.”
The northern barren mountains originally belonged to a no-man’s-land. Now that the area had been cleared, the territory was officially demarcated.
The old Sect Master stroked his beard and chuckled: “As long as Young Master Nangong is satisfied…”
Before he could finish, a cheerful and excited voice suddenly burst into the hall—
“Aunt-Master Sect Master, we want to sign up for the Immortal Sect Assembly!”
Nangong Yi looked up and saw the young man he had met once before running into the hall. He ran all the way to the old Sect Master, smiling brightly: “Aunt-Master, Senior Sister Feng said that the deadline for registration is only half a day away. Please quickly add our names!”
The old Sect Master’s face immediately stiffened, and he lightly scolded, “Nonsense, we have guests.”
Although it was a reprimand, it was all thunder and no rain, as light as a feather.
Having been scolded, Su Huan finally noticed that the Sect Master was entertaining guests. He rubbed his nose sheepishly, realizing that rushing over immediately after hearing the registration deadline was indeed too reckless.
He turned his head and saw that it was an acquaintance!
A smile immediately bloomed on his face, and he happily said, “Fellow Daoist Nangong, you’re here!”
Nangong Yi smiled and nodded at him. Yue Jiusi looked at him in surprise: “So you are a Xuanji Sect disciple! I thought you were some reckless kid from a remote corner!”
Seeing this, the old Sect Master stroked his beard and asked with a chuckle, “Oh? You know each other?”
Su Huan nodded and told the old Sect Master about his experience in the heart tribulation illusion and meeting the people from the illusion afterward.
After listening, the old Sect Master pondered: “I didn’t expect the heart tribulation illusion to have such an effect.”
The old Sect Master said, “I am aware of the demon army invasion you mentioned, but the Immortal Sect Assembly cannot be canceled.”
Yue Jiusi couldn’t understand: “Why? Wouldn’t that be sending the disciples of the immortal sects to their deaths?”
The old Sect Master sighed softly: “Because the people from the Penglai Immortal Continent are coming specifically for the Immortal Sect Assembly. There is an immortal among the entourage. If we cancel at the last minute, we might anger the immortal.”
Hearing this, Yue Jiusi was greatly shocked: “An immortal?! Are there really true immortals in this world?!”
Nangong Yi mused: “They might be extinct elsewhere, but true immortals might exist in the Penglai Immortal Continent.”
He then cupped his hands to the old Sect Master: “Sect Master, you don’t need to worry. I will inform my father and mother about this. The Nangong family, the Xuanji Sect, and the Jianqing Sect will join forces and surely be able to rally the immortal sects to assist.”
The old Sect Master stroked his white beard and nodded with a smile: “Young Master Nangong truly lives up to the world’s praise.”
After speaking, he fell into contemplation, about to dismiss the guests and summon the elders to discuss the matter. Just then, Xiao Jianming walked in, cupped his hands, and bowed to the old Sect Master: “Sect Master, I also want to sign up for the Immortal Sect Assembly.”
The old Sect Master frowned and waved his hand, saying, “I know. I already entrusted this matter to Yinzhu. Why is he not here today?”
The young attendant who led Xiao Jianming into the hall rubbed his head and replied, “Reporting to the Sect Master, Eldest Senior Brother was sent by you to investigate the situation in the northern barren mountains half a month ago.”
The old Sect Master was startled and sighed softly: “I’m getting old, and my memory is failing.”
He looked at Su Huan, his tone helpless: “You child, your Golden Core is gone, and you still want to participate in the Immortal Sect Assembly?”
Su Huan glanced at Xiao Jianming. Seeing him nod slightly, he said, “I want to go.”
The old Sect Master noticed the subtle interaction between them, chuckled as he stroked his beard, took the roster from the table, and personally added their names, smiling: “Alright, alright, I’ll put your names down. Is that better?”
Then he asked him, “Did you see your cousin when you came back from the mountain?”
Su Huan rubbed his nose and nodded.
The old Sect Master’s divine sense covered the entire Xuanji Sect, and nothing that happened escaped his notice.
The old Sect Master asked again, “Have you remembered everything from the past?”
Su Huan affirmed.
The old Sect Master then sighed: “Good child. It’s good that you’ve figured it out. Don’t let down his good intentions.”
Su Huan nodded heavily.
After bidding farewell to the old Sect Master, the group left the hall.
*
On the way down the mountain.
Yue Jiusi called out to Su Huan, rubbed his head, and said, “I’m sorry, I misunderstood you before. I apologize.”
Su Huan waved his hand, indicating he didn’t mind.
But just like in the illusion, he wanted to be friends with Nangong Yi.
In the original novel, a compliment used to describe Nangong Yi was that he was a “living Bodhisattva who, despite not having suffered many hardships, still pities the suffering of the common people.” During the demon invasion of the continents, he saved the world and its people. He was a true gentleman and Su Huan’s favorite character.
Now that he was right in front of him, Su Huan naturally wanted to befriend him!
So he proactively suggested, “Since we are fated to meet, why don’t I treat you and fulfill my duty as a host?”
Nangong Yi smiled gently, about to refuse, but Yue Jiusi had already accepted: “Great! I heard the wine at your Xuanji Sect is good in one place. Do you know where that is?”
Nangong Yi found it difficult to refuse then, so he nodded and said, “In that case, thank you for your hospitality, Fellow Daoist Su.”
Su Huan was delighted and waved his hand: “I’m happy to be friends with you again!”
Xiao Jianming was left out and smiled without warmth: “Huan’er?”
Su Huan didn’t stop walking. He and Yue Jiusi ran down the mountain together. Hearing Xiao Jianming’s voice, he turned back and asked, “Do you want to come and play too?”
The smile on Xiao Jianming’s face dropped. He didn’t want to answer, but his feet honestly followed.
Su Huan relied on the memories in his mind and had Yue Jiusi describe the place in detail. He finally found the place Yue Jiusi was talking about before sunset.
Incredibly, they had returned to Zihuan Peak.
Chongjiang True Lord was descending the mountain with her fox to enjoy the scenery. She was surprised to encounter them again: “Why are you back?”
Su Huan rubbed his head and bowed: “Aunt-Master Zihuan, do you sell wine here?”
Hearing this, Chongjiang True Lord raised an eyebrow and chuckled: “Of course. Spiritual wine is also medicine. The spiritual wine here is not only effective but also tastes divine.”
“My brewed wine is the best in the world. Even the wine brewed by that old man in Medicine King Valley can’t compare to mine. What, do you want to buy some wine?”
Su Huan nodded, but then heard Chongjiang True Lord say, “I won’t sell it to you. My wine has a strong kick. Your body is weak. If you get into trouble from drinking it, I can’t withstand a sword strike from Chongjiang True Lord.”
Yue Jiusi grew anxious upon hearing this and quickly stepped forward: “If you won’t sell it to him, you can sell it to me, right?”
“You?” Chongjiang True Lord glanced at him disdainfully. “You’re a brute. You can’t appreciate my wine. I won’t sell it.”
Then, noticing Nangong Yi beside him, she smiled and pointed: “He, on the other hand, looks like he can appreciate wine. I can sell him one pot, but also…”
The conversation took a turn, and Yue Jiusi’s eyes lit up. He couldn’t help but ask, “Also what?”
Chongjiang True Lord pointed at Su Huan: “You absolutely cannot let him drink it.”
Yue Jiusi looked hesitant. Su Huan quickly said, “I won’t drink it then.”
Chongjiang True Lord saw their spirits drop and covered her mouth, chuckling: “What’s the rush? You can’t drink wine, but I didn’t say you couldn’t drink anything else.”
Su Huan was stunned and looked up at her.
Chongjiang True Lord raised a hand, and a bottle of fine beverage, subtly emitting a milky fragrance, appeared in his arms.
Chongjiang True Lord chuckled: “This is a new milk tea I mixed. It should taste good. Consider it a gift.”
Yue Jiusi leaned in to smell it and burst into laughter: “How old are you, making you drink milk!”
Su Huan successfully landed a punch on him.
Unexpectedly, Yue Jiusi remained unrepentant and mocked him: “Such little strength. You really haven’t grown up.”
Su Huan glared at him: “Yue Jiusi! If you say that again, I won’t take you to eat anything good!”
Nangong Yi chuckled quietly on the side.
Xiao Jianming followed with a dark expression. Just as he was about to walk next to Su Huan, Nangong Yi stopped him: “Fellow Daoist Xiao, don’t worry. They are just children bickering. They won’t actually fight.”
Sure enough, Su Huan and Yue Jiusi bickered over the bottle of milk tea all the way, not stopping until they entered the restaurant.
As soon as they reached the entrance, Su Huan was busy arguing with Yue Jiusi and accidentally stepped on a drunk man who was sleeping soundly on the ground.
The drunk man cried out in pain, rubbed his eyes, and after seeing him clearly, mumbled, “Fourth Junior Brother, why are you committing insubordination and using your Senior Brother as a stepping stone? Be careful next time. You almost squashed your Senior Brother.”
Su Huan was surprised to hear this and quickly lifted the man’s messy hair to look closely. A corresponding identity appeared in his memory:
“Second Senior Brother?! What are you doing here?”
Wei Yinzui hugged his wine jar, took a gulp of wine, and smiled: “What, you missed your Senior Brother after a few years apart?”