72: Chapter 72 Zhou Tong of Dan Ding Peak

"Method of detoxification... records are missing, or it may require neutralization with an extremely Yang and rigid object, or finding a heaven and earth spiritual item that counters extreme Yin and cold..."

The description was very brief, and the detoxification method was even more vague.

But at least it confirmed the viciousness and difficulty of this pill.

As for the Profound Yin Body, it was mentioned in a few ancient texts that discussed special Physiques.

It was hailed as a top-tier Cauldron or a peerless Genius for Cultivating Yin-cold Cultivation Techniques.

However, it also mentioned that without proper Cultivation Technique guidance or special opportunities,

it was very easy to suffer a backlash from the excessive Profound Yin Qi within the body, leading to an early death.

There was no specific solution either.

Ye Chen quietly noted it down.

Detoxifying and resolving the Profound Yin Body was by no means an easy task.

It might require higher-grade Medicinal Pills, Cultivation Techniques, or some kind of rare heaven and earth item.

This would require more contribution points and higher authority to access the higher floors of the Scripture Pavilion.

Or to seek it within the Sect's more core Legacy.

Next, Ye Chen consulted ancient texts regarding the history of the Tianyun Sword Sect and its surrounding regions.

Including overviews of Qingyun Prefecture, Flowing Cloud Prefecture, and records of major events over the past century.

There was no direct mention of his parents, Ye Lingyun and his wife.

As for "Shadow Fiend," it was occasionally mentioned in miscellaneous records about dark forces in the Cultivation world.

It was described as a mysterious and ancient assassin organization, with traces spanning several prefectures.

They accepted orders regardless of good or evil, as long as the price was right. However, specific information was extremely scarce.

Time flew by as he read. Unknowingly, the sun had already set in the west.

Ye Chen felt a significant drain on his Mental Energy, and his head felt a bit swollen.

He knew that biting off more than one could chew was unwise, and his gains today were already considerable.

He took the three borrowed Jade Slips and the book "Strange Records of Poisons" to the counter for registration.

The borrowing fee for miscellaneous books was lower, 5 contribution points per day.

Another 55 contribution points were deducted.

By now, a total of 145 contribution points had been spent today.

Carrying the borrowed ancient texts, Ye Chen left the Scripture Pavilion and returned to Flowing Cloud Peak.

Back in his Immortal Cave, he activated the Restriction.

He first sat cross-legged to meditate for a moment, recovering his spirit.

Then, he eagerly took out the gray Jade Slip of the "ice fire same origin speculation record" and immersed his Divine Sense into it.

The information from the Jade Slip poured into his mind. It wasn't a systematic Cultivation Technique.

Instead, it was more like a Senior Cultivator's research notes and wild, imaginative conjectures.

It was filled with many uncertain words like "perhaps," "possibly," and "if."

Some of the views indeed seemed absurd.

For example, the belief that ice and fire originate from the same source.

Both are forms of energy manifestation; extreme ice can generate fire, and extreme fire can condense ice.

Another example was the conjecture that a Chaos state exists, capable of simultaneously encompassing both ice and fire, evolving all things.

It also proposed some crude models and ideas for the mutual transformation and balanced coexistence of ice and fire spiritual energy.

Although full of flaws and difficult to put into practice, it opened a new door for Ye Chen!

"Ice and fire from the same origin, Chaos encompassing... transformation and balance..."

Ye Chen read with fascination, inspiration bursting forth in his mind.

Many of the "speculations" of this unknown Senior,

and his own experiences of obtaining the Ice Lotus Imprint, absorbing the earth core fire crystal, and initially fusing the Ice Fire True Essence,

subtly corroborated each other!

Especially the conjecture about "Chaos."

It made him think of the Aura of the jade booklet in his Sea of Consciousness and the point of chaotic-colored light at the center of the Ice Lotus Imprint.

"So that's it. My previous Fusion was more about brute force suppression and instinctive guidance, lacking theoretical direction. Some of the ideas in this 'Speculation Record,' though crude, point the way!

"I can try to construct a more stable and efficient Ice Fire True Essence circulation model, and even attempt to actively guide the transformation of ice and fire!"

Ye Chen suppressed his excitement and picked up the "Two Extremes Separating Light Sword" Incomplete Manual.

The first three Sword Moves were not complicated, but the Sword Intent of Yin and Yang division and the interplay of reality and illusion contained within them made his eyes light up.

This Sword Intent, and some of the views in the "ice fire same origin speculation record," surprisingly had a similar profound effect!

If he could transform the Ice Fire True Essence into Yin and Yang Qi, integrate it into his Sword Art, divide the Sword Light, creating illusions and reality, its power would undoubtedly greatly increase!

Finally, he flipped through the "Surging Waves Sword Art."

The Sword Moves were grand and focused on accumulating Sword Aura.

Ye Chen pondered, if he could integrate the "endless" characteristic of Ice Fire True Essence,

into this Surging Waves Sword Aura, making each sword strike a prelude and amplification for the next.

Perhaps he could create a continuous, increasingly powerful and terrifying sword wave!

The three ancient texts seemed to have opened a door to a new world for him.

His previously somewhat vague Cultivation direction instantly became much clearer.

For the next few days, Ye Chen stayed indoors, immersed in studying the ancient texts, his own insights, and deductions.

He referred to the ideas in the "Speculation Record."

Combining them with his own situation, he began to try and construct a more refined Ice Fire True Essence circulation model within his Dantian.

Making the transformation and balance of ice and fire smoother and more natural.

At the same time, he pondered the Sword Intent of the "Two Extremes Separating Light Sword" and the "Surging Waves Sword Art."

And fused them with his original Ice Fire Sword Intent to create the prototype of new Sword Moves.

Cultivation knows no time.

It wasn't until the fifth day, when the borrowing period for Ye Chen's ancient texts was about to expire, that he had to temporarily stop.

After returning the ancient texts to the Scripture Pavilion, Ye Chen did not immediately take on new tasks.

He felt he was at a critical Bottleneck.

His understanding of the Dao of ice and fire had deepened, and his Sword Art had a new direction.

His cultivation had reached the Peak limit of Meridian Opening Sixth Level.

Perhaps, it was time to try and Breakthrough that barrier.

However, just as Ye Chen was about to return to his Immortal Cave to make a concerted effort to Breakthrough,

a sound transmission talisman arrived outside his Immortal Cave Restriction.

Ye Chen opened the Restriction and took the sound transmission talisman.

A strange, somewhat polite voice came from the talisman:

"Junior Brother Ye Chen, I am Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong. I heard that Junior Brother recently completed the Shadow Gorge mission and obtained a shadow leopard demon core."

"This item is of great use for refining a Medicinal Pill at my Danding Peak. I wonder if Junior Brother would be willing to part with it? The price is negotiable. If Junior Brother is interested, you can come to 'Hundred Herbs Pavilion' on Danding Peak for a discussion."

Danding Peak?

Seeking to buy a shadow leopard demon core?

Ye Chen's heart stirred.

He was just worrying that his contribution points were almost used up, and this demon core was temporarily useless to him.

If he could exchange it for some contribution points or needed resources, that would be good.

Moreover, Danding Peak was the place for Alchemy in the Tianyun Sword Sect.

Perhaps he could get in touch with some high-grade Medicinal Pills or Alchemists.

This would be beneficial for finding ways to resolve the "bone-eroding pill" and the Profound Yin Body in the future.

After a brief thought, Ye Chen decided to go and investigate.

He tidied up, brought his ice scar sword and necessary items, then left his Immortal Cave and followed the map's guidance.

He headed towards Danding Peak on the other side of the Inner Sect.

He just didn't expect.

This trip would not be a simple transaction, but another unexpected trouble.

Danding Peak was located in an area of the Tianyun Mountain Range with the most abundant and peaceful Spiritual Qi.

Unlike the tense Aura of other spiritual Peaks.

This Peak was shrouded in clouds and mist, revealing pavilions and towers, and the air was perpetually filled with a faint medicinal fragrance.

Neat Spirit Medicine fields were cultivated all over the mountain, with Disciples busily tending to them.

Following the address in the sound transmission talisman, Ye Chen arrived at an elegant courtyard named "Hundred Herbs Pavilion" halfway up the mountain.

The courtyard gate was open, revealing many exotic flowers and plants growing inside, and the curtain of a quiet room was drawn.

"Pill Cauldron Peak Deacon Disciple Zhou Tong requests an audience with Junior Brother Ye Chen."

Ye Chen announced loudly from outside the courtyard gate.

The curtain of the quiet room was lifted.

A man of about twenty-five or twenty-six, with a kind face and wearing the light green robes unique to Danding Peak, walked out quickly.

This person's cultivation was at the Lun Hai Jing Fourth Level. He had a professional smile on his face and cupped his hands, saying,

"Junior Brother Ye has indeed come, please come in quickly."

Ye Chen returned the greeting and followed Zhou Tong into the quiet room.

The interior was simply furnished, with a tea table and a few futons.

Several herbal diagrams hung on the wall, and a wisp of green smoke rose from an incense burner in the corner.

The two sat down, host and guest, Zhou Tong brewed Spirit Tea, and after a few pleasantries, he cut to the chase.

"Junior Brother Ye, to be frank, I am currently refining a batch of 'profound yin meridian-tempering pills' for Elder Li. All the main Materials are ready, but I lack a high-quality shadow leopard demon core to serve as a medicinal primer."

"This pill is crucial for the injuries of a Sect Senior, and it's quite urgent. I heard that Junior Brother completed the Shadow Gorge mission the other day and obtained a shadow leopard demon core. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it?"

Ye Chen took a sip of tea and said calmly,

"I do have the demon core. What does Senior Brother Zhou intend to exchange for it?"

Zhou Tong smiled.

"Junior Brother is straightforward. If this demon core were to be exchanged for Sect contribution points, it would be worth about 300 points. But I urgently need this item, so I am willing to offer 350 contribution points, or equivalent Medicinal Pills or Spirit Stones. Junior Brother can choose."

350 contribution points, which was slightly higher than the estimated value of the demon core portion of the mission reward, was considered a sincere price.

But Ye Chen had other plans in mind.

He put down his teacup and slowly said,

"Contribution points are certainly needed, but I'm more interested in knowing what the 'profound yin meridian-tempering pill' Senior Brother Zhou mentioned is for? And which Elder Li is refining this pill?"

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Hearing this, a subtle glint flashed through Zhou Tong's eyes, though his smile remained unchanged.

“The ‘profound yin meridian-tempering pill’ is a Medium Grade Profound Rank Spirit Pill. It functions to nourish the Yin Meridians and dissolve the stagnant cold malevolent Qi within the body. It is effective for those who suffer from Qi Deviation while practicing Yin-attribute Cultivation Techniques.”

“Or for Cultivators injured by cold-attribute techniques or poisons, it has miraculous effects. As for Elder Li...”

He paused and lowered his voice.

“He is Elder Li Yushan, one of the three Great Deacon Elders of Danding Peak. He is at the Wheel Sea Realm Peak and possesses profound attainments in the Dao of Alchemy, especially excelling at refining cold-attribute Medicinal Pills.”

Dissolving cold malevolent Qi?

Miraculous effects on injuries from cold-attribute techniques?

Ye Chen's heart stirred.

The ‘bone-eroding pill’ poison that Lin Qingxue suffered from was precisely an extremely Yin and Cold Poison.

While this ‘profound yin meridian-tempering pill’ might not necessarily cure it, it could perhaps alleviate the symptoms and buy some time.

Moreover, if he could get to know an Elder skilled in cold-attribute pills, it would be of great benefit for finding a detoxification method in the future.

“I see.”

Ye Chen nodded, took out that shadow leopard demon core from his Storage Pouch, and placed it on the tea table.

“The demon core can be given to Senior Brother. I do not want contribution points; I only ask for one thing.”

Seeing that demon core, which was as black as ink and contained pure Yin Qi, a flash of joy appeared in Zhou Tong's eyes as he hurriedly said,

“Please speak, Junior Brother.”

“I wish to request an audience with Elder Li to ask a few questions regarding cold-attribute pills and the neutralization of toxicity.”

Ye Chen looked directly at Zhou Tong.

“If Elder Li can spare the time to give me some guidance, I will offer this demon core with both hands, free of charge. If the Elder is unavailable, we can discuss contribution points then.”

Zhou Tong was stunned.

He hadn't expected Ye Chen to make such a request.

Foregoing contribution points just to see an Elder?

This kid's request was likely no small matter.

He pondered for a moment and said,

“Junior Brother Ye, Elder Li is busy with many affairs and rarely sees guests, especially unfamiliar Inner Sect Disciples. However...”

He looked at the demon core, then at Ye Chen's calm yet determined eyes.

Thinking of the importance Elder Li placed on this pill, he gritted his teeth.

“Since Junior Brother is sincere, I can pass word on your behalf. But whether Elder Li will see you or not, I cannot guarantee. If the Elder refuses, I will still purchase this demon core for 350 contribution points. How does that sound?”

“Agreed.” Ye Chen nodded.

“Then Junior Brother, please wait here. I will be back shortly.”

Zhou Tong stood up, took the demon core, and hurriedly left the quiet room.

Ye Chen remained alone in the quiet room, closing his eyes to rest while planning how to question Elder Li once they met.

After about the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, Zhou Tong returned with a smile of relief on his face.

“Junior Brother Ye, your Luck is good. Elder Li is currently refining pills in the ‘Cold Mist Pavilion’. Upon hearing that someone offered the urgently needed shadow leopard demon core and wished to consult on the Dao of Alchemy, he agreed to give you the time of one incense stick. Follow me quickly.”

Ye Chen's spirits rose, and he stood up to follow.

The two left Hundred Herbs Pavilion and headed toward the Peak along the mountain path.

The higher they went, the purer the Spiritual Qi became, and the richer the medicinal fragrance grew.

Along the way, they encountered many Danding Peak Disciples, all walking hurriedly, either holding jade boxes or carrying medicine baskets.

Seeing Zhou Tong leading an unfamiliar white-robed Disciple up the mountain, they all cast curious glances.

They arrived near the Peak, in front of a green pavilion shrouded in a faint cold mist.

A plaque hung above the pavilion door, with the three seal characters ‘Cold Mist Pavilion’ written in a vigorous style that exuded a sense of coldness.

The temperature here was significantly lower than at the foot of the mountain.

“Elder Li, your Disciple Zhou Tong has brought Junior Brother Ye Chen to see you.”

Zhou Tong bowed respectfully outside the pavilion.

“Come in.”

The somewhat cold and weary voice of a middle-aged man drifted out from inside the pavilion.

Zhou Tong pushed open the door and gestured for Ye Chen to enter, while he himself stayed to guard the door.

Ye Chen stepped inside.

The first floor of the pavilion was a spacious Alchemy room.

In the center stood a half-man-tall red copper Pill Furnace. Beneath it, the earth fire blazed, and runes flowed across the furnace body, emitting a scorching heat.

But strangely, the entire Alchemy room was very cold, forming a sharp contrast with the heat of the earth fire.

Beside the Pill Furnace stood a middle-aged man wearing dark green Elder robes, with graying hair, a lean face, and eyes as sharp as an eagle's.

He was staring intently at the Pill Furnace, his hands constantly changing hand seals to control the furnace fire.

This was Elder Li Yushan.

Ye Chen could feel that this Elder Li's Aura was as deep as the sea, far surpassing Zhou Tong's.

He was even significantly stronger than Chen Ao from the Mission Hall; he was indeed at the Wheel Sea Realm Peak.

What caught his attention even more was that Elder Li's body faintly emitted a pure Yin cold Qi.

Clearly, the Cultivation Technique he practiced leaned toward the Yin cold attribute.

“Disciple Ye Chen greets Elder Li.”

Ye Chen bowed respectfully.

“Mm.” Li Yushan didn't even turn his head, his voice cold.

“You offered a shadow leopard demon core and resolved my urgent need; you are thoughtful. Speak, what is your question? You only have the time of one incense stick, do not waste it.”

Ye Chen straightened up and said neither humbly nor arrogantly,

“I wish to ask the Elder, have you ever heard of the ‘bone-eroding pill’?”

Li Yushan's hand seals paused slightly, and he finally turned his head, his sharp gaze sweeping over Ye Chen.

“bone-eroding pill? The ancient exotic poison ‘bone-eroding pill’? How did you learn of this thing?”

“A close friend of mine was unfortunately afflicted by this poison.”

Ye Chen said in a low voice.

“I wonder if Elder Li knows a way to neutralize it? Or if there is any Medicinal Pill that can alleviate the toxicity and delay its onset?”

Li Yushan stared at Ye Chen for a moment, seemingly trying to read something from his face, before slowly saying after a long while,

“The bone-eroding pill uses the Nine Serenities Bone-Corroding Flower as its main ingredient, combined with dozens of Yin Cold Poisons. Its toxicity is insidious, specifically corroding the bone marrow and Meridians.”

“The victim suffers unbearable pain, their cultivation finds it hard to progress, and eventually their blood and Qi wither away. This pill is vicious; the method of refining it has long been lost, and detoxifying it is even more difficult.”

He paused, continuing to manipulate the Pill Furnace, his tone flat.

“Ordinary detoxification pills are useless against this poison. One needs an extremely Yang and firm natural treasure, or a holy medicine containing boundless vitality, to forcibly neutralize and dispel the toxicity. But such treasures can be sought but not easily found. As for alleviation...”

He glanced at the Pill Furnace.

“The ‘profound yin meridian-tempering pill’ that I am currently refining can temporarily nourish the Yin Meridians eroded by the poison, alleviate some of the pain, and slow the speed at which the toxicity penetrates the marrow. However, it treats the symptoms rather than the root cause, and it is not easy to refine, requiring precious Materials.”

As expected!

The profound yin meridian-tempering pill is effective!

Ye Chen's heart settled, and he quickly asked,

“I wonder if the Elder could bestow one pill upon me after it is refined? I am willing to exchange it for a corresponding price.”

Li Yushan, however, shook his head.

“This pill was specifically requested by a Senior of the Sect and has already been reserved. Furthermore, even if there were extras, with your current status and contribution, you wouldn't be able to afford it.”

He changed the subject.

“However, if you truly wish to seek an alleviating medicine for your friend, there is another way.”

“Please enlighten me, Elder!” Ye Chen cupped his hands.

“The Sect's ‘Hundred Herbs Secret Realm’ opens once every three years. Inside the Secret Realm, there is a type of Spirit Medicine called the ‘crimson sun vermilion fruit’, which contains pure Yang fire power and has miraculous effects in suppressing Yin cold toxicity.”

“If you can obtain one, supplemented by several other medicinal ingredients, I can open the furnace to refine a batch of ‘red sun yin-resolving powder’ for you.”

“Although it cannot eradicate the bone-eroding pill poison, its alleviating effect is better than the profound yin meridian-tempering pill, and it can curb the poison's erosion of one's cultivation.”

Li Yushan said indifferently.

“However, the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm is fraught with danger, and the crimson sun vermilion fruit is guarded by powerful fire-type Yao Beasts. It cannot be obtained by anyone who is not of outstanding strength and blessed with Luck.”

“The next opening of the Hundred Herbs Secret Realm will be in half a year. At that time, the Sect will organize Inner Sect Disciples to enter for training and harvesting. If you are interested, you should prepare early.”

Hundred Herbs Secret Realm? crimson sun vermilion fruit?

A glint flashed in Ye Chen's eyes.

This was a clear direction!

In half a year's time, he must become stronger, strive for the qualification to enter the Secret Realm, and seize the crimson sun vermilion fruit!

“Thank you for your guidance, Elder!” Ye Chen bowed with heartfelt sincerity.

Li Yushan waved his hand.

“The time of one incense stick is up. The favor of the demon core has been repaid; you may leave. Do not mention today's conversation to anyone.”

After speaking, he no longer paid any attention to Ye Chen, focusing all his concentration on the Pill Furnace.

Ye Chen knew the temperament of such high-level individuals, so he said no more and silently withdrew from the Cold Mist Pavilion.

Outside the door, Zhou Tong was still waiting. Seeing Ye Chen come out, he stepped forward and whispered,

“Junior Brother Ye, how did it go?”

“Thank you for the introduction, Senior Brother Zhou. Elder Li has already resolved my doubts,” Ye Chen said.

“The demon core is gifted to you, Senior Brother. There is no need to mention the matter of contribution points again.”

Zhou Tong was overjoyed upon hearing this, and his impression of Ye Chen improved significantly.

“Then many thanks, Junior Brother Ye! If you ever need help with Medicinal Pills in the future, feel free to come find me at the Hundred Herbs Pavilion!”