As the group departed, they left the carcass of the Gu Sculpture untouched. Shadow Ghost remarked, "Since the Inner Elixir has been dealt with in such a manner, there's no need to concern ourselves with the rest. The liver and such would normally have detoxifying properties, but now that the Essence of Vitality has either been extracted or dissipated, there's little else worth our attention..."

Even if there were something worth examining, Yu Ci couldn't be bothered with such matters. After all, as a formidable Great Demon blessed with exceptional Spiritual Intelligence, securing the Inner Elixir was more than sufficient. To actually skin and eviscerate the creature, to clean it up thoroughly—would that be amusing in any way?

The makeshift lodging that Lu Qing had arranged was, in fact, the very natural lava cave where the battle had initially erupted. Although it had collapsed, Lu Qing had swiftly cleared an area of about twenty square feet. Inside, there were even some stone beds and benches for resting.

What was more significant was the presence of a spring within the cave, emitting lukewarm water with a faint trace of jade-like essence. With a bit of treatment, it could be made potable.

Yu Ci was already half-reclining on a bed, leaning against a bundle provided by Lu Qing, which proved to be quite comfortable. Seeing that there was nothing else to attend to, Yu Ci instructed Tie Lan to "return" and recuperate. Tie Lan complied and vanished like smoke. Yu Ci was accustomed to this, but noticing Lu Qing's surprised expression, he offered an explanation:

"Tie Lan is my Ghost Servant."

This description, of course, contained many inaccuracies, but it was the most palatable explanation for others. At least Lu Qing seemed to accept it, while Shadow Ghost snickered in the shadows. Yu Ci paid no mind to that and promptly changed the subject: "Does Market Master Lu intend to reside here for an extended period?"

The beds and benches, simple in design yet not unrefined, clearly predated their arrival, and a spring like this was not something one simply stumbled upon. Yu Ci's inquiry stemmed from this observation. He also held a deep admiration for Lu Qing's ability to clear such a space from the ruins in such a short time.

With a faint smile gracing her face, Lu Qing remarked, "When I first arrived in the North Wilderness, I lived here for a while. The bed and stools were made during that time. I never imagined that after all these years, this place would remain unchanged. Unfortunately, the recent battle has laid waste to much of it."

"So, it's a nostalgic return," Yu Ci mused, finding it curious. The underground city of the North Wilderness was bustling with life; why would Lu Qing choose to live in seclusion here? Yet to press further would be impolite, so he simply echoed her sentiment with a sympathetic "What a pity."

The current situation somewhat resembled their time at the Red Tooth Store—Lu Qing was not one to initiate conversation, and speaking with her could be quite dull. Back then, Yu Ci could have ended the conversation and left, but now, sharing the same room, it would be awkward to suddenly fall silent. After a moment's thought, he decided to steer the conversation back to the topic of the Gu Sculpture's Inner Elixir.

"That item is indeed valuable. How could one obtain it without effort? If Market Master Lu doesn't mind, I'll keep it in my possession for now. When we reach a major city, I'll have it appraised and buy it from the shopkeeper at the going rate. How does that sound?"

Lu Qing remained noncommittal, her doubts lying elsewhere: "Generally speaking, the Inner Elixir of a Great Demon is used to neutralize one's own poison, and it's quite effective in terms of spirit. Why doesn't this one work..."

She paused, then seemed to have an epiphany, "Is it because of the Blood Transformation Blade?"

Seeing that she had come to the same conclusion, Yu Ci nodded in agreement, "That Blood Transformation Blade... ah!"

Yu Ci suddenly froze, and the Shadow Ghost within the Inner Void of the Heart fell silent as well.

He had let something slip, and what's more, he had done so quite some time ago. When he had previously inquired about the recovery time of the Qiongqi, the name had inadvertently slipped out. The process had been too natural, or perhaps it was Lu Qing's serene demeanor that had caused Yu Ci to lose that vigilant edge in his mind. The thing he had earlier deliberately ignored had, in fact, been inadvertently revealed, and both he and the Shadow Ghost had only just now realized it, resulting in a most awkward moment.

Lu Qing seemed utterly oblivious to the peculiarity of the situation, casually remarking, "Those struck by the Blood Transmutation Blade often undergo abnormal changes within their bodies, which complicates matters..."

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Her nonchalant reaction piqued the curiosity of Shadow Ghost, who mused in astonishment, "How strange, she doesn't seem to care much, does she? Could it be that she's not an undercover spy for the Demonic Sect? Or is it possible that the Red Tooth Store is actually a branch of the Demonic Sect, and they're not concerned with secrecy?"

Yu Ci remained silent, as was his nature. He believed in reciprocating respect with even greater respect. If Lu Qing didn't care, why should he make a fuss? He inquired, "Had it not been for that strike from the Blood Transmutation Blade, I wouldn't be alive to speak of troubles... By the way, Market Master Lu, do you hail from the Demonic Sect?"

Lu Qing glanced at him, shaking her head slightly, "It was merely a twist of fate that led me to learn certain methods and acquire this Evil Weapon."

Observing the female cultivator's demeanor, Yu Ci understood—she was indifferent to others knowing about her possession of the Evil Weapon and her knowledge of demonic techniques, yet she was reluctant to disclose the origins of these dark arts. In truth, Yu Ci felt the same way. The recent battle had exposed more of his own secrets than he would have liked, and while Lu Qing might know of them, he certainly would not be inclined to elaborate on where he learned them.

Nevertheless, through this exchange, Yu Ci had managed to gauge Lu Qing's boundaries, and he suspected she had done the same with him. Their understanding of each other had evolved. Initially, Yu Ci had come to her aid on the pretext of familiarity, but after weathering a fierce battle together, they had become comrades-in-arms. Now, with both their secrets partially unveiled and no malice between them, their camaraderie could deepen further.

At least, that's what Yu Ci believed. He felt more at ease, chuckling, "Lacking an Inner Elixir is of little concern. Since the poison didn't claim my life immediately, it's likely not too formidable. Sooner or later, I'll find a way to counteract it."

Though he claimed as much, he held no certainty in his heart. True, the "Shangqing Star Secret Talisman Book" contained numerous talismans for exorcising evil and warding off poison, but to eradicate the venom infused by the Lifebound Divine Ability of a Great Demon, one with ancient bloodlines and a practitioner of the Vacuum Walking Tiers, warranted further scrutiny.

"Hmm, there should be something..." he muttered as he pulled out the Talisman scripture, intent on consulting it. This was the gesture of someone who treats others as friends; why else would he reveal his own unease so openly?

Lu Qing, observing his actions, refrained from speaking further and retreated to a corner to sit in meditation and regulate her breathing. No sooner had she closed her eyes than a sudden premonition struck her. Opening her eyes, she saw Yu Ci's body jolt violently, his face instantly slick with cold sweat.

Startled, she stood up. "Has the poison taken effect?"

"No, it's not that!" Yu Ci's consciousness seemed to drift, and after a long pause, he added, "I just remembered something..."

He fell into a reverie once again, lost in thought. Lu Qing's confusion deepened, and she stepped forward to check his pulse. Yu Ci paid her no mind, his brows furrowing ever tighter. His pulse, aside from the irregularities caused by the poison, betrayed no other issues.

After a moment's consideration, Lu Qing decided to drag a stone stool over and sit by the bed to keep a close watch.

Yu Ci was oblivious to everything around him, but it was no wonder; in that instant, a sensation had blossomed within him, originating from thousands of miles away!

Divine consciousness starlight... and the Ethereal Rhinoceros Hermit had awakened!

Yu Ci, on his own, would not have been able to sense the divine consciousness starlight from such a distance. Yet, at the moment of the Ethereal Rhinoceros Hermit's awakening, the divine consciousness starlight that had been implanted in its Original Soul suddenly surged with a mysterious power. It actively sent a message in his direction, traversing the vast distance in a miraculous way, and was received by Yu Ci.

At that moment, Shadow Ghost's mind suddenly tensed, "Did he speak?"

"No, he was in a state between sleep and wakefulness."

Regardless of how wondrous the method of transmission was, after traversing the vast distance and weakening along the way, by the time it was received, it was faint to the extreme. Yu Ci had to devote all his concentration to deciphering the message, responding once before refraining from further distraction.

Indeed, the Ethereal Rhinoceros Hermit had awakened, yet not fully roused. It seemed that some external stimulus had forcibly dragged him from the deepest layers of tranquility, the abrupt contrast throwing his consciousness into disarray, and complicating communication with the outside world.

It was the Black Robe who had made a move!

Yu Ci could deduce as much without even thinking. However, it was clear that the Black Robe was not a patient character; his methods were violent and crude, lacking finesse, and thus leading to adverse consequences. Of course, with the foundation of the Golden Elixir Upper Level, the full recovery of the Ethereal Rhinoceros Hermit was not a difficult feat. Once under the Black Robe's manipulation, would he still remain tight-lipped?

Before long, the Ethereal Rhinoceros Hermit fell back into a deep slumber, but Yu Ci was acutely aware that there was not much time left before the man would awaken again.

Yu Ci finally regained his composure, appearing within the Inner Void of the Heart, where the Life Death Talisman ceaselessly flipped and the various Divine Powers and External Appearances converged upon the Aura of the Celestial Dragon, perpetually in motion. However, after being invaded by toxins, the changes in the Physical Image still impacted the heart's vision, casting a layer of dark mist around it, reminding Yu Ci that he was still not well enough to act.

To dispel the toxins, deal with the Spirit Rhinoceros, confront the Qiongqi, and of course, address his own lifespan issues. The feeling of being distracted, splitting his attention two, three, or even four ways, was far from pleasant. At this moment, only one phrase came to Yu Ci's mind:

Time waits for no one!

*******

I have also posted the following more chapters [All free]: https://www.readgates.com/article/74a39e