Stepping Through the Nine Trials (Part Two)

Zheng Zetian sprang onto the high platform, scrambling up the altar on all fours to catch his breath.

"Daoist Master, these are mutated baleful energies. We can't control them, but we can deal with them the same way we purge baleful energy: first, scatter some Void Jade crystals to lower their concentration, then flush them with water. Finally, wrap them in wind and dump them into the lake to dilute them."

Daoist Tian nodded. "Good. We'll do as you say."

He began purging the baleful energy while Zheng Zetian took advantage of the high ground to clean himself. He stripped off his Daoist robe and threw it away, then used the Jade Pure Bottle to purge the baleful energy from his body as well. After washing himself with water and rinsing himself with wind, he was clean. He put on a plain set of clothes, popped a Nine-Flower Pill into his mouth, and sat on the ground to catch his breath and regulate his energy.

Daoist Tian glanced at him. He knew the kid wouldn't heed his advice and would keep fighting, so he pulled a jade bottle from his sleeve and handed it to him.

"Your Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method is Purple Haze Dao, right? I used to watch over a medicinal garden on Mount Guanxiang. This bottle contains the spirit essence of a ten-thousand-year-old tree spirit. I'd planned to save it for alchemy, but those bastards dared to ambush you right in front of me. You can have it. Just don't die on my turf."

Zheng Zetian's eyes lit up. He didn't stand on ceremony. "Thank you, Daoist! I'll repay this kindness!"

He took the bottle, sniffed it—potent stuff!—then downed it in one go and sat down to cultivate, absorbing the spirit essence.

Daoist Tian nodded and deliberately