If external elixirs or magical intervention were used, they would only accelerate the parasite's reproduction and corrosion.

Many physicians from the side peaks had previously attempted to find ways to counter the Soul-Devouring Parasite, but without exception, they all failed. There was even one case where a physician accidentally came into contact with the parasite and was reduced to an ordinary mortal.

Since then, ordinary physicians no longer dared to handle the Soul-Devouring Parasite. Fortunately, it could be repelled using spells and talismans. As long as it didn't invade the body through an open wound and enter the meridians, there wouldn't be any major issues.

Similarly, there were no records of the Soul-Devouring Parasite on Flying Immortal Peak or any of the other side peaks. In fact, before a few years ago, it had never been seen in the cultivation world of Dead Man's Peak. This made it highly likely that the parasite was introduced through an external method—likely an exotic technique of Gu cultivation.

The person controlling it was an evil rogue cultivator known as Daoist Gu, who was at the fourth level of Qi Refinement. Previously, his name was obscure, but ever since he gained control over the Soul-Devouring Parasite, he had become a notorious figure in the cultivation world of Dead Man's Peak.

However, upon learning this information, Wen Jiu's first thought wasn't about how fearsome or sinister the parasite was.

Instead, he immediately realized that Liu Xiao's return had to have been intentional.

"Kid, don't dwell on it too much. These past few days, I've seen that you are someone who values loyalty and relationships, but some things are simply destined by fate," the old physician said with a sigh. Having saved lives for so many years, he had long grown accustomed to such matters.

Wen Jiu nodded and said nothing more.

He was not the sentimental type. He might occasionally feel a fleeting sense of emotion, but it would pass quickly.

Now that he had learned more about the Soul-Devouring Parasite, he had no delusions about trying to save Liu Xiao. That would be foolish.

However, he did develop a strong interest in the parasite itself.

If he could cultivate these parasites himself, merely spreading his reputation as their master would be enough to make nine out of ten enemies hesitate. Those who were evenly matched with him wouldn't dare challenge him or provoke any conflict.

As for the label of a heretical cultivator?

As long as he remained within the sect and didn't harm his fellow disciples, it wouldn't matter.

After all, in the cultivation world of Dead Man's Peak, the ones in control were those of Dead Man's Peak—not the rogue cultivators or the evil sects.

"I should get my hands on some Soul-Devouring Parasites and experiment with them first," Wen Jiu decided, then sought out Liu Xiao once again.

Of course, he had to discuss this matter with Liu Xiao beforehand. Infusing Yin magic into Liu Xiao's body required Liu Xiao's full cooperation—otherwise, it could end up harming him while yielding nothing in return.

After explaining the situation in detail, Liu Xiao agreed readily, without hesitation.

To Liu Xiao, being able to help Wen Jiu at this moment was a good thing—it would deepen their bond and repay their past camaraderie.

That night, Wen Jiu quietly arrived at Liu Xiao's recovery site. Once he confirmed no one was around, he began channeling a wisp of Yin magic into Liu Xiao's body. The Yin energy cautiously flowed through his meridians, making its way toward his dantian.

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Then, something unexpected happened—something that delighted Wen Jiu.

The Soul-Devouring Parasite did not consume his Yin energy.

Not only that, but as soon as the parasites sensed the arrival of his Yin magic, they started dodging it, as if they were afraid of it.

This was a completely unforeseen stroke of luck.

Encouraged by this discovery, Wen Jiu attempted to forcibly merge his Yin magic with the Soul-Devouring Parasite. However, the result was not ideal—they did not fuse together.

Still, there was good news.

His Yin magic was capable of capturing the parasites without harming himself.

This meant he could continue experimenting until he discovered the perfect method to fuse Yin magic with the Soul-Devouring Parasite.

Next, Wen Jiu attempted to feed the parasites with his Yin energy, but they showed no interest in it.

So, he force-fed them instead.

He forcibly extracted the parasites from Liu Xiao's dantian and immersed them in his Yin energy.

At first, they still refused to consume it.

But after a short while, they began to take small bites.

As soon as they started consuming his Yin magic, the parasites changed. They no longer darted around aimlessly like headless flies but instead began to follow Wen Jiu's spiritual command. Although they had not yet fully fused with his Yin energy, it felt as though that moment wasn't far off.

Seeing this, Wen Jiu was overjoyed.

"This way, I can not only help Brother Liu completely rid himself of the parasites but also gain the favor of Corpse Eye."

However, Wen Jiu did not intend to act immediately. While he could slowly extract the parasites using his Yin magic, doing so would inevitably draw the attention of Daoist Gu, making himself an obvious target.

More importantly, there was still Gong Chi and that unknown traitor lurking in the shadows.

They would undoubtedly try to eliminate him at the first opportunity.

And he couldn't stay hidden within the sect forever.

So, the best course of action was to keep this discovery a secret.

Although Wen Jiu remembered Liu Xiao's kindness, he knew that people's hearts were unpredictable. He didn't want to take any risks. If he was going to go through with this, he had to cast a silencing spell on Liu Xiao first to eliminate any possibility of this matter being leaked. Once he had completed his cultivation, he could lift the spell.

If Liu Xiao wasn't willing, then so be it. He would have to find another way to repay the favor of the Corpse Eye.

...

He wasted no time.

The next morning, Wen Jiu went straight to the Law Transmission Hall to cultivate the silencing spell.

The spell itself wasn't difficult to learn.

In essence, it was more of a contract than a spell. Both parties had to activate it simultaneously—Wen Jiu would dictate the restricted content, and Liu Xiao only needed to nod in agreement. Once cast, if Liu Xiao ever spoke about this matter to anyone else, his body would explode on the spot.

Not even a soul-searching technique could override it.

Whoever invented this spell was undoubtedly a genius—though likely forced into it by the endless deceit and scheming between people.

After arriving at Liu Xiao's recovery quarters and explaining the situation, Liu Xiao agreed without hesitation. However, Wen Jiu didn't tell him what he intended to do with the Devouring Spell Parasite. He simply said that he would help remove it, but he didn't want anyone to know it was him.

"Wen, my brother, you've given me a chance to keep living! What's a little silencing spell? Go ahead, do whatever you need to, as long as it doesn't take my life!" Liu Xiao's eyes gleamed as he readily agreed.

In these past days, he had come to terms with his fate.

But it was a resignation born from despair.

He still had family.

He still had children.

What choice did he have but to accept reality?

And deep down, he still longed to cultivate—even if he spent his whole life stuck at the third level of Qi Refinement, it didn't matter.

He just wanted to try.

"Liu, I'll begin now," Wen Jiu said.

He immediately activated the silencing spell.

Moments later, the spell was complete.

From this point on, Liu Xiao could never reveal that it was Wen Jiu who removed the Devouring Spell Parasite.

Nor could he tell anyone that Wen Jiu had any connection to the parasite.

Now truly at ease, Wen Jiu began using his Yin techniques to extract and separate the Soul-Devouring Parasites from Liu Xiao's dantian. But the parasites moved too quickly, so he decided to deal with them all in one go.

Since he was going to help, he might as well do it thoroughly.

No need to make Liu Xiao suffer for months while recovering from his dantian's injuries.

However, Wen Jiu couldn't store all the parasites in his own body for now—most of them weren't under his spiritual control, making them unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

So he decided to temporarily house them inside his Black Ghoul, allowing them to be nurtured there. Once they fully merged with his Yin techniques, he would absorb them into himself.

But Wen Jiu hadn't expected that when he summoned the Black Ghoul, Liu Xiao, sensing its aura up close, would suddenly ask a question that caught him completely off guard.

"Wen, be honest… Is this Black Ghoul stronger than me?"

At such a close distance, Liu Xiao could feel an overwhelming pressure radiating from the ghoul.

The same kind of oppressive feeling he had when facing Mu Canglong or that Gu Daoist.