"What a meaningless cycle, truly the epitome of tedium."

Yu Ci chuckled at this thought. However, his smile quickly faded as he noticed Monk, who was swaying slightly in the distance, staring blankly at the star-studded sky, a sight that struck him as peculiar.

"Master Zheng Yan?"

Yu Ci tentatively called out, but received no response. Perhaps due to exhaustion or weakness, Monk remained silent. Deciding to approach, Yu Ci picked up the Suppressing Energy Rod on his way. The power of the rod cleared a narrow path through the woods between them, making the journey easier.

In the distance, a muffled explosion echoed, a rare relentless act from Gan Shi Zhen. But after this strike, the battle ceased. Whether the tall, thin figure was dead or had fled was no longer Yu Ci's concern.

Soon, he reached Monk. Up close, Yu Ci felt even more strongly that Monk's demeanor was off. It was as if something in the sky had seized his soul, leaving him oblivious to Yu Ci's presence.

Yu Ci used his Divine Consciousness Starlight to examine Monk's Divine Soul state. It was indeed greatly damaged, affecting his Primordial Qi. Could it be some sort of memory impairment? Frowning, he called out again, "Master Zheng Yan?"

"He once said, the Bodhisattva is this boundless night sky."

This unexpected comment, particularly the mention of "Bodhisattva", took Yu Ci by surprise. At last, Zheng Yan turned his head, but he did not continue the previous topic. He just looked at Yu Ci.

At first, his eyes were somewhat clouded, but the longer he stared at Yu Ci, the clearer they became. As Yu Ci observed both his expression and Divine Soul state, before he could draw any conclusions, Monk stepped back. Under the starlight, he brought his hands together above his head, bowed, and knelt in the dirt, offering a deep bow in Yu Ci's direction.

Caught off guard, Yu Ci did nothing to avoid it. Monk solemnly bowed three times before standing up, his face calm. He softly said, "Elder Yu Xian gave me a new life, which I will repay in the future."

Inside Monk's Brain Palace, his Divine Soul was like a weak, unextinguishable flame, burning stubbornly. However, it was so feeble that it was desperately seeking "fuel", gradually integrating the Divine Consciousness Starlight it was attached to. Now, Yu Ci didn't need to think about taking it back. Otherwise, Monk's life might be in danger.

"But is it really alright this way?" Yu Ci was unsure, but Monk evidently didn't care. He bowed once more to Yu Ci, then turned and walked away, decisively.

"Wait!" Yu Ci called out.

Monk paused and looked back, only to find his cheek brushing against something - the Suppressing Energy Rod.

"Take this for self-defense."

Yu Ci didn't utter any words like "I'll help you," which Monk Zheng Yan probably wouldn't want to hear anyway. He simply pressed the Ten-Heavens Refined Artifact onto Monk's shoulder as if he were handing over a wooden stick.

Monk pondered for a moment, then accepted it. A smile suddenly spread across his lean face, revealing his white teeth. "I cannot refuse the Immortal Elder's kind intentions."

At that moment, it seemed as if the slippery and casual Monk Zheng Yan had returned.

Yu Ci laughed heartily and waved him off. Monk Zheng Yan didn't look back as he strode into the darkness, heading towards his new world.

Watching Monk disappear into the darkness, Yu Ci shook his head and turned around, only to be startled by the figure behind him.

"Ah, Master Gan?"

The female cultivator, probably having returned when Zheng Yan was kneeling, was now staring at him wide-eyed. "What did you do?"

Monk Zheng Yan's behavior was too bizarre, especially for those who didn't know the full story. Yu Ci wanted to explain, but felt it was too complicated to summarize briefly. So he vaguely replied, "I guess I saved his life. By the way, Master Gan, who was that man just now? Is he dead?"

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Gan Shi Zhen, always amiable, just smiled at Yu Ci's confused words and went along with his question.

"Judging by his appearance, it must be Zuo Yan."

"Who?" Yu Ci didn't understand.

"It's Zuo Yan."

The female cultivator's expression turned serious, and she solemnly said, "This Zuo Yan originates from the Unrighteous Sect in the Arctic Cold Region, which is a branch of the Demonic Sect. Their cultivation principle is cruelty and unrighteousness, making them universally despised and rare in this world. Zuo Yan, even among the Unrighteous Sect, is known for his perversity. He often makes enemies and fights to the death. He's ruthless, and it's not impossible for him, even as a Golden Elixir cultivator, to ambush you. I wanted to keep him here earlier, but I failed. Considering his strength, you should be careful in the near future."

Yu Ci etched the name "Zuo Yan" into his heart, but it would be an overstatement to say he was particularly concerned about it. However, he soon solemnly bowed in gratitude to the female cultivator:

"Many thanks to Master Gan for rushing to my aid from a great distance. Otherwise, I would have had a difficult time tonight."

Facing an adversary of Blood Monk Tu Ling's caliber, Yu Ci, despite his intricate schemes, dared not claim an assured victory. He was no fool; if he had resources at his disposal, why wouldn't he use them?

Gan Shi Zhen, along with He Qing, had indeed returned to the Mountain Gate of the Lichen Sect and journeyed to the Outer Realm of the Nine Heavens for cultivation. But before her departure, Yu Ci had made arrangements with her. As soon as Monk Zheng Yan left the city, Yu Ci sent a message via the Sect Communication Flying Sword. Gan Shi Zhen followed the marks he left behind and rushed over. Although she was unable to help him defeat the Blood Monk, she did save his life.

As for why he only told Gan Shi Zhen and not He Qing...

Gan Shi Zhen lowered her eyes and smiled, softly saying, "Aunt Qing is also quite concerned about you. She even said that someone was sneakily seeking help, probably aiming to achieve great merit but not wanting to reject her face. But there's nothing wrong with that. It's fine to credit you for filling in the gaps for now. After you report back, we can consider additional rewards."

Indeed, this was He Qing's tone. Yu Ci also laughed. He hadn't planned on hiding anything from He Qing. The reason he only told Gan Shi Zhen was to create a buffer. He knew it was He Qing who declared the matter of the sheer cliff city closed. As a junior, even if he was filling in the gaps, he needed to leave some face for his elders. Hearing Gan Shi Zhen relay this, he could tell that He Qing, despite her haughty tone, clearly understood his intentions. His goal had been achieved. This wasn't a matter of understanding, but one of courtesy.

After the Treasure Exchange Banquet, Yu Ci had indeed made some adjustments in this regard, showing his adaptation to the broader environment of the Lichen Sect.

At this very moment, a sense of relief washed over him, marking the end of a chapter in his life.

What was he to do next?

************

It was already June. The heat was sweltering at the foot of the mountain, but as one ascended into the mountain's embrace, the hot wind suddenly turned refreshingly cool. The wind whistled through the peaks and valleys, revealing a lush, verdant landscape. Wildflowers bloomed in abundance, streams babbled cheerfully, and the heat seemed to dissipate with every rustling sound. Following the winding mountain path upwards, reaching a height of several thousand feet, there stood a massive stone at the summit. It towered seven or eight feet high on the cliff, its surface pitch black. Inscribed on it were the words "Flying Cloud Crossing," painted in bright vermilion, impossible to miss.

As the sun rose directly above the stone, beneath the vast sky, a pure white sword light aimed at the stone, pouring downward. As it approached, its force slowed, revealing a figure. This man was clad in a moon-white Taoist robe, slightly plump in stature, but the large robe, billowing in the wind, gave him an ethereal air. His round, smiling face was friendly and approachable, endearing him to others.

He rested one hand on the stone, surveying the distance. His thin, faint eyebrows twitched at the sight of a figure approaching along the mountain path. His eyes, usually squinted to a slit, blinked, and he grinned. He had planned to get up and greet the newcomer, but on second thought, he sat cross-legged and pretended to meditate.

Not long after he sat down, the person from the mountain path reached the summit. The plump Taoist did not open his eyes, but a smile played at his lips. Soon, a voice rang out, "Esteemed Taoist, I greet you."

The plump Taoist opened his eyes, glanced down, and saw a young man in Taoist attire looking up at him. The young man was also dressed in a moon-white robe like his, his hair black and tied into a Taoist topknot. His face was as handsome as jade, and his gaze held a touch of curiosity.

The plump Taoist responded with a grin, "No need for formalities. Meeting on a mountain path is fate. What can I do for you?"

The young man bowed slightly, his manners impeccable, "May I ask where the Heavenly Passage River is?"

"The Heavenly Passage River? This is the Heavenly Passage River!"

The plump Taoist's eyes disappeared into his smile, his sleeve swept up, and he jumped down from the stone, "Could it be that you are Junior Brother Yu from the Still Heart Temple?"

The young man was indeed Yu Ci. He replied in surprise, "Indeed, I am. And you are?"

"Ah, so you are Junior Brother Yu. My surname is Li, known as Taoist Li. You can call me Brother Li or Fat Li. Today, I am here to escort you to the Sect's Mountain Gate!"

************