A Path of Cultivation Together

As if Real Person lashed Ling Bao was unable to straighten his back and could not move. Only then did he throw the golden whip into the medicinal oil to soak, squat down beside Ling Bao, remove the ropes binding him, and take the healing ointment, applying it little by little to Ling Bao's chapped and broken wounds, waking him up again from the pain.

"Ling Bao, do you realize your mistake?"

"... Disciple... knows his mistake..."

"Oh, where did you go wrong? Tell me."

"... Disciple... Disciple has disgraced the sect..."

Real Person sneered and ripped off the scab that had just healed under the effects of the ointment.

"Ah... Master... have mercy..."

"Who do you think you are? You're just an Inner Sect disciple of my Extreme Truth Sect! You're nothing but a servant registered under my name, what right do you have to talk about disgracing the sect?"

Bah! You've disgraced me! You're a piece of trash who can't even beat a rogue cultivator from the Southern Barbarians! What right do you have to become my disciple? What right do you have to become my partner?

Real Person was furious. He kicked Ling Bao away and then summoned his golden whip, lashing it out seven or eight times. Ling Bao clutched his head and screamed, "Master, spare me! Spare me!" He rolled around in agony, feeling like he was dying.

Ling Chan and Ling Juan shrank their necks, wishing they could curl up into a ball, not daring to breathe.

Real Person finally calmed down after beating him for a while. Looking at the boy at his feet, who was almost unrecognizable, he sighed again, then picked him up and held him in his arms.

"Bao'er, your injury is my pain. I only regret my neglect in disciplining you and failing to train you properly, which has led to this disgraceful incident. Now it seems you are ultimately unworthy to become a disciple of my Extreme Truth Sect. Alas, we are destined to be apart..."

Blood bubbles were bubbling from Ling Bao's mouth and nose as he stared wide-eyed at Real Person, "Master, Master..."

Real Person wiped the blood and foam from his mouth, then took out a bluish-gray pill.

"However, considering our years of friendship, although we are not master and disciple, I will give you another chance. After you take this Corpse Worm Pill, I will teach you a method of refining the soul of a corpse. Once you have become Immortal Zombie Ghost Child, you can become my protector and stay by my side day and night. Are you willing?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Bao was terrified, his face turning ashen; naturally, he was unwilling.

However, he was now beaten so badly that he couldn't utter a single word, and was being Real Person, so he couldn't escape at all. He could only keep stammering, "Master... Master... Master... Master..."

"I know you would agree."

Real Person smiled, raised his hand and pressed the Corpse Worm Pill directly into Ling Bao's mouth, even breaking off one of his front teeth, forcing him to swallow the pill along with the blood. He then bent down and blew on the pill mouth-to-mouth, blowing it into Ling Bao's stomach until his mouth and nose turned purple.

Then Real Person raised his head, made an eagle claw with his hand, and inserted his five fingers into Ling Bao's abdomen. He used his palm to activate his power and dissolve the medicinal power in Ling Bao's stomach.

Ling Bao immediately began to convulse, his pupils dilated, he coughed up blood and foam, his blood vessels bulged out like black snakes, and his skin cracked like lime. What was once a fair-skinned, lively, and adorable child was now ravaged beyond recognition.

Real Person watched with a smile as the child in her arms turned into a corpse, completely unconcerned that blood and saliva splattered all over her face and body. She was probably only pleased to have turned this useless disciple into a celestial zombie protector, a way of making use of waste, perhaps?

Heaven knows how long this evil immortal corpse will take to refine, and Li Fan didn't plan to watch any longer. Taking advantage of the fact that Real Person was fully focused on refining the corpse, the blood shadow rose from the ground and slapped Real Person on the back of the head.

This palm strike instantly shattered Real Person's brains, causing his meridians to burst and his blood to reverse course. Blood gushed from his mouth and nose, turning him into a blood-soaked figure. Before he could even scream, the blood shadow caught up with him and pounced on him, entering his body through his mouth and nose. Suddenly, his entire body inflated like a balloon, bursting open with a "pop," his skin exploding and his blood scattering throughout the room. In the next instant, the blood in the room condensed and gathered again with the raging wind, transforming into a blood shadow figure, leaving only pieces of blood-soaked clothes and skin scattered on the floor.

Ling Bao fell to the ground with a thud, lying in a pool of blood, convulsing and writhing as if he were about to choke to death from his own blood and saliva.

Seeing that he was in such a pitiful state, Li Fan grabbed the boy, reached in, and dug out his stomach. The stomach was bulging, filled with corpse worms that had sprung from the dissolved energy of the pill, and milky-white thread-like worms were crawling out of the opening.

This method of refining corpses with insect pills was indeed something I had never seen before, and this Ling Bao was definitely already infected. I could take it back to the Moon to study it. So Li Fan directly transformed into a blood cocoon and wrapped the stomach sac and corpse worms in it for safekeeping. He also wrapped the Ling Bao in blood scabs and put it into his robe.

Turning her head to look at the two sword attendants, Ling Chan and Ling Juan, she saw that they were so terrified by the scene before them that they were covered in cold sweat, paralyzed, and almost fainting.

Li Fan didn't have time to retrieve his sword, so he casually tapped the two girls, knocking them unconscious. Then, with a flick of his blood-red robe, he swallowed them both into the sea of blood and took them with him.

Having thoroughly emptied the Huang family's possessions, Li Fan soared into the sky and saw two beams of light, one blue and one red, shining brightly on the horizon. It was Qin Jiu and an old Xuanmen Divine Transformation locked in a fierce battle in the heavens. The old Xuanmen cultivator was no weakling, but all his secret manuals and magical treasures had been badly damaged by the Blood Radiance Flying Star Secret Sword. He was basically being relentlessly chased and killed. Seeing that he wasn't in too much trouble, Li Fan ignored him and flew directly to find Zheng Zetian.

"Has the Grandmaster eliminated the future troubles? Is my master alright?"

"You can rest assured about my work. As you wished, the Huang family has been wiped out by me."

Zheng Zetian, "???"

"Alright, alright, all the damned ones are dead. Is there nothing else to do now? Come and receive the glorious evolution!"

Li Fan pounced on him, wrapped him up, and skinned and ripped Zheng Zetian apart, removing his bones and flesh, and then used his flesh system to parasitize Zheng Zetian's spine.

Zheng Zetian screamed in pain, "Why does it hurt so much! Give me some anesthetic!"

"Ugh, oh well, go to sleep, a good night's sleep will make you feel better..."

Li Fan broke out in a cold sweat and quickly patted his head to make him faint.

Brother Luo, thank you so much for saving us this time.

Haha, brother, no need to be so polite. I've had my eye on those two bastards for a long time. They're lucky they got away quickly, otherwise I would have roasted them alive. But don't worry, they won't dare leave Mount Song for the next hundred years, and they won't bother you for now.

In any case, Yan Xingyun's life was saved by his elder brother, and he will repay this kindness. If there is any instruction, he will obey.

Hey, Brother Yan, you're being too polite. It was just beating up two old dogs. If you insist on making a fuss, then treat me to a drink once you've recovered.

Haha! Great! Brother, you're just like me! No need to wait until later, let's drink until we drop today!

Hey, hey, hey, you're practically gushing your guts out and you're still drinking! You're really risking your life! Ugh, I'm scared of you... Oh, there's a fox hiding over there, I'll go catch it, roast it, and give you half.

Brother, wait a minute! That, that's my wife...

What?! My wife?! Hiss... Brother Yan, it's not that I'm criticizing you, but it's fine for young people to have fun a little. Just playing around is fine, but don't take it seriously. A human and a demon falling in love will be punished by heaven...

Brother, you don't need to persuade me anymore. I understand, and I'm ready to accept it.

You dare to go for it even if you know it? Hahaha! You're just my type, bro! Wait, I'll go get you a good meal to satisfy your craving!

Xingyun! Xingyun, how are you? Hang in there! I'll heal you!

Hehe, Xiaoyu, don't worry, thanks to Big Brother's help, I'm fine now.

What, brother! Xingyun, don't be silly! That old demon deliberately plotted against you! He used you to lure out the two elders of Songshan and set them up in an ambush! You almost died!

Haha, it's okay, I know.

Do you know?

I know my elder brother has his own plans, but I am also a disciple of the Sword Sect. How could I be afraid of difficulties and dangers, and be hindered by mere karmic obstacles? Besides, I understand that he genuinely wants to be my friend. Sincerity is the most valuable quality in a person, and he treats me sincerely, I am willing to acknowledge him as my elder brother.

You! You're so stupid!

Haha, okay, I know you genuinely care about me, don't be angry...

Hmph, what an idiot...

Zheng Zetian opened his eyes and saw the familiar alchemy furnace, realizing that he had probably slept for another three to five days and was currently brewing the pills in the pharmacy in Lou Guan City.

But why did I suddenly dream about the Brother Xing Yun...?

'Host, you're awake. You're currently in Lou Guan City. The Grand Master has instructed you to offer prayers to the moon when you have time.'

"Okay, I understand. How is Master?"

Your master has been arrested by the Discipline Institute.

Um!?

Fortunately, the prison of the Discipline Institute was located at the foot of Louguan Pagoda. All disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain who violated the precepts and were punished would be confined at the foot of the pagoda to reflect on their mistakes.

Of course, those imprisoned here are usually not guilty of any major offenses, not serious enough to warrant beheading. Naturally, they are not imprisoned as criminals. At most, they are punished with a few years of confinement for reflection, not allowed to leave the house. It's just a bit austere, with little entertainment. However, it doesn't hinder cultivation, and Dao Companion can visit them in prison, which is quite humane.

Following the system's guidance, Zheng Zetian applied to visit Song Dayou. He was in relatively good spirits, but there was a large scar on his face, his left cheek was completely bruised and rotten, and his left eyeball was completely deformed, as if a stone was stuck in it.

The master's skill is so rough... but at least he didn't leave a scar. It seems Song Dayou's skills are lacking, and the recovery wasn't good...

"Master! You're injured!"

"Ze Tian, it's good that you're awake. Oh, don't worry about me. I fought desperately against the experts of the Divine Cult this time, and only lost an eye. I've already saved my life. I'll just wear a mask from now on."

"Alas, this time it was truly a disaster. They only sent one old demon, yet Crane Head Peak was wiped out in one fell swoop, and the Huang family was nearly exterminated. Fortunately, our eldest brother arrived in time and, while that old demon was digesting Real Person, drove away the demon and rescued us. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable..."

"But why would the Discipline Institute...?"

"Oh, I'm at risk of being transformed into a malevolent being due to my injury this time. My senior brother has instructed me to be temporarily isolated for observation."

Furthermore, the immortal from Tianfu Mountain who went to study in the mountains this time was unexpectedly harmed by the Demonic Sect and his soul was annihilated. Naturally, an explanation must be given to the Xuanmen (Daoist sect) regarding this matter.

I accepted this task, so I definitely have to take responsibility. They'll probably interrogate me about whether I've been secretly colluding with the demonic cult, and whether I was negligent in my precautions.

"It's alright, at most I'll get a major demerit and be confined in the tower for half a year, which will be perfect for stabilizing my body and suppressing my inner demons. Don't worry about me."

"That's good... I meant I'm glad you're alright, Master."

Being locked up in Louguanta for half a year? There really isn't a safer place. The company wouldn't force Lou Guan Tower out of their resources just to assassinate Song Dayou, would they?

"Alas, it's a pity I can't guide you for a while, but you're a smart kid, you'll definitely be fine. Your senior brother will take you to Tianyu Mountain, so just focus on your cultivation during this time."

"Yes, Master, take care."

After listening to Song Dayou give him a long, rambling instruction, Zheng Zetian bid him farewell. When he left, Qin Jiu was already waiting for him.

"Thank you so much, Senior Brother, for saving me."

Qin Jiu nodded and pointed to the left, where Tu Lou were nibbling on the grass.

"Your sheep."

Pointing to the right, Ling Chan and Ling Juan had each changed into Daoist robes, tied their hair into Daoist buns, and dressed up as two little Daoist novices, queuing up for food at the entrance of the canteen.

"Your Dao Companion."

Zheng Zetian broke out in a cold sweat, "Wait... the sheep are my sheep... what's going on with them?"

Qin Jiu was baffled. "Your Dao Companion came to ask me what's going on? You don't want to? Then we won't bring her. If there's nothing else, let's go."

Zheng Zetian was speechless for a moment. "It's not that we don't want them, but aren't they here to study abroad?"

Qin Jiu shrugged.

"Oh, the rules of the Xuanmen are different. They are just servants of that so-called True Person, not considered disciples, and they don't have Daoist certificates or talismans. Besides, outsiders have to pay tuition to study at Ink Bamboo Mountain. That True Person's soul has been scattered, who will pay for it? If they are your Dao Companion, it's fine for them to stay in the mountain to cultivate, isn't it? Just let them go back to Tianfu Mountain on their own."

With the Central Plains in chaos and war, sending these two girls back to Tianfu Mountain would be suicide, wouldn't it? Besides, they have two flying swords delivered right to our doorstep; why not take them?

Zheng Zetian nodded. "Oh, I remember now, they are my Dao Companion. Senior brother, please wait a moment. I've been hungry for days; I'll go grab a bite to eat and then we'll set off."

Qin Jiu squinted as he watched Zheng Zetian run to the cafeteria to chat with the two girls, but he was too busy to take care of the children, so he crossed his arms and waited by the door.

"Chan'er, Juan'er, are you alright?"

"Senior brother!" "I'm so glad to see you!"

"It's alright, your senior brother will take care of you."

Upon seeing that Zheng Zetian was unharmed, the two girls' eyes reddened, and they rushed over to nestle in his arms, sobbing.

The two women had been living in fear for days, witnessing their master being devoured by the Blood Demon and thinking they too would perish. They had miraculously survived, but because they were undocumented, they were to be deported. They dared not return to the Central Plains, much less betray the Extreme Truth Sect and join another. Real Person hadn't taught them any true teachings, and cultivating independently in the south was an incredibly difficult task. Finally, with no other option, they pretended to be Senior Brother Zheng's Dao Companion to cover their tracks for a while.

Now that their senior brother has woken up and is willing to hold them in his arms, the anxiety they've been feeling these past few days has finally subsided. A wave of grievances welled up in their hearts, and the two of them immediately started sobbing and crying in Zheng Zetian's arms for quite a while before finally stopping.

The surrounding disciples cast envious, jealous, and resentful glances, feeling that the food on the plate was already unpalatable, but now it reeked of being a display of affection, making it even harder to swallow.

Zheng Zetian gently patted their backs, and after they had vented their emotions and calmed down a bit, he inquired...

"I've heard about what happened to Real Person my condolences..."

Ling Chan wiped away her tears and said, "Actually, there's nothing to grieve about. She's never been kind to us..."

Ling Juan quickly said, "Let's not talk about the past. We have no one to rely on, and we only hope to stay by our senior brother's side. It would be our blessing to serve you day and night."

Zheng Zetian helped Ling Juan wipe away the tear stains from the corners of her eyes.

"With me, Zheng Zetian, here, I will naturally protect you and you need not worry. However, does Real Person still have any Dao Companion and family members at Tianfu Mountain? I would like to write a letter to ask her to take care of you sisters, so that no one will separate us."

Ling Chan quickly replied, "No, no, Chan'er is already Senior Brother's person. Even if someone comes looking for us, just say that we have been given to Senior Brother by the True Person."

Ling Juan thought for a moment and said, "I have heard that Master has a Dao Companion with whom he is destined for three Tianfu Mountain, but he has always been in seclusion at the mountain gate and I have never met him. As for the laymen, I don't know..."

Zheng Zetian nodded, then asked,

"From now on, you two can cultivate with me. However, I don't know what kind of cultivation method you two junior sisters are teaching. I'm not asking about the secrets of your mountain, but I just want to know if there are any taboos. If it doesn't bother you, you can practice the Yuling Great Law with me, so that you can reach the Golden Core realm as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Ling Chan chuckled sweetly, "What, you can't wait any longer? We're already yours, it's only a matter of time."

Ling Juan blushed as well, "No, it's alright. It's just an internal cultivation technique. We're not very talented and are still learning to memorize meridian diagrams. The Yuling Great Law that my senior brother taught us can be practiced."

Just as expected, they were simply used as scabbards, and the incantations for nurturing and controlling swords were never taught to them. These two silly girls probably don't even know that they have flying swords hidden inside their bodies.

However, he had only heard of the Sword Boy's secret technique and didn't really know its intricacies. He couldn't take out his sword to use it for the time being, so he could only study it when he had the chance in the future.

Zheng Zetian laughed and said, "That's great! Let's go to Tianyu Mountain to cultivate together."