A Visitor in the Mountains

Shen Hui put away the Crimson Luan, glanced once more at the blocked cave entrance, then turned and walked out.

After what had just happened, the cave was already a complete mess.

The ghostly blue moss had curled at the edges in the heat waves, drooping limply against the walls, unable to give off any more light.

He followed the path back up the steps to the upper gu-pool chamber, slowing his pace as his gaze swept across the pools.

The gu insects had just been disturbed by the alternating cold and heat underground, and most of them were now huddled at the bottoms of their pools.

The centipedes folded their wings, the toads shut their eyes, and the two-headed snakes pressed both heads together, all playing dead.

Shen Hui stood by the pools and pondered for a while.

He felt that simply leaving these insects here, or killing them outright, would both be rather wasteful.

The Plague Emperor Sect had operated here for many years, and every Gu King they had selected was of exceptional quality.

In terms of killing power, they might not compare to a flying sword, but in other uses, that was hard to say.

With that thought, he untied the Nine-Orifice Yin Gourd from his waist, held it in his palm, and lowered his voice.

"Patriarch, this junior has a matter to trouble you with."

After a moment, Patriarch Baoxue's cool voice came from within the gourd.

"What is it?"

"This disciple wishes to borrow the gourd. I fear it may delay your cultivation for a moment."

The gourd fell silent for a breath before replying.

"Wait a moment."

After another moment, the mouth of the gourd suddenly opened, and a tiny figure barely an inch tall climbed out. It was Patriarch Baoxue.

She stood