The Gloom Gradually Lifts

"Did the physician say anything else?" Kang Dabao asked nervously, his brows furrowed and his hand gripping Yuan Jin's wrist.

"Junior brother, how could I be wrong? Not a single word is wrong," Yuan Jin sighed.

Pei Yi then chimed in, "That's exactly what the court physician sent by the Earl of Nan'an said. If we find the Azure Firmament Spirit Root, we might be able to get Junior Brother Jiang an arm."

That thing is rare even for Golden Core cultivator. The physician had also heard that it's extremely rare even within the Immortal Dynasty's interior, unless one searches for it in the outer seas. "We..."

Kang Dabao remained silent for a while, not thinking of rushing back, but still missed the physician sent by Kuang Liuting.

It's easy to guess that the Azure Firmament Spirit Root mentioned by the physician must be extremely precious, perhaps even the state court doesn't possess it. And even if they did, they certainly wouldn't be willing to give it to Jiang Qing.

The Marquis of Earl of Nan'an said in court that the physician should not be stingy, but he should also know when to stop and not take advantage of others.

"Phew, there's no need to worry too much. At least we know a way now, which is better than not knowing where to pray to Buddha before." Kang Dabao forced a smile, released Yuan Jin's hand, and then tried to comfort his fellow disciples in a relaxed manner:

"During my time in the state capital, I've heard people talking about how Myriad Treasures Trading Company is about to open a branch in Xuanwei City. We can go there and inquire about it; who knows, we might just find out where the Azure Firmament Spirit Root is."

Upon hearing his words, everyone put on a smiling face.

Myriad Treasures Trading Company was renowned in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, and it was rumored that there were Nascent Soul Ancestors and even Spirit Transformation Ancestors behind it.

His family's business is very large, and Great Wei Immortal Dynasty is just a relatively minor market for them. They focus more on cultivating other forces under the Bitter Spirit Mountain banner.

In the past, only some relatively wealthy state capitals were selected by Myriad Treasures Trading Company to open branches.

Cloud Horn Prefecture is considered poor even in Shannan Circuit, which ranks very low. The fact that Myriad Treasures Trading Company came this time is mostly because of Kuang Liuting.

Even if this branch is built, those who can trade there will likely be either very wealthy or very powerful.

Even if Sect Leader Kang Da barely managed to get in, according to the physician, even Azure Firmament Spirit Root is a rare treasure in the eyes of Golden Core. Even if the Myriad Treasures Trading Company truly had one for sale, what could the Chongming Sect possibly offer to buy it?

As for going to find Kuang Liuting again, that would be rather naive. He'd probably be chased out by the underlings before he could even speak, having just stated his purpose.

"Old Ye has already woken up. Did the doctor say that Little Sanzi would wake up in the next few days?" Kang Dabao asked again, still not entirely at ease.

"That's what we're saying. Senior Brother Sect Leader, your injuries haven't healed yet, so I'll stay here and keep watch." Pei Yi took on the task of guarding Jiang Qing. Sect Leader Kang Da glanced at Jiang Qing, who still had his eyes closed, before leading Yuan Jin and the others out.

"These days, let's tighten our defenses and guard our gates, and not meddle in anything outside." Kang Dabao walked out of Jiang Qing's courtyard and led his fellow disciples to the council hall.

His chest injury had not fully healed, and he spoke weakly, which made all his disciples feel very depressed.

Sect Leader Kang Da was too weak to climb the steps any further, so he chose a seat below the main seat in the council hall, with his fellow disciples standing respectfully around him.

"Second, how many disciples from Shandu Ridge are still here?"

"Five people were brought back by Senior Brother Pei, and seven more have returned sporadically over the past few days. It's unclear whether they ran away or got separated from each other before."

"These five people will be registered and their initiation ceremony will be held next month. As for the other seven, Junior Brother Chu has known them for many years and knows their character. By questioning them carefully and verifying with others, we can always find out their battlefield performance."

If it is confirmed that they were indeed separated from their group on the way, they will enter the gate together with the other five.

If it is discovered that some deserted in the face of battle, do not be too harsh on them. After all, a great calamity was imminent at the time, and my family had not been particularly kind to them. It is human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm.

He then asked Junior Brother Chu to give each of them ten Spirit Stones to take away, thus severing the ties between the two families while also saving face for both sides.

Chu Huer stepped forward, head bowed, looking dejected.

Sect Leader Kang Da then turned his gaze to Pei Yi: "Although the injuries of our disciples have been treated by the physicians sent by the Marquis of Earl of Nan'an, we will still need Junior Brother Pei to put in extra effort to help them recover."

"Junior brother understands." Even though Pei Yi himself was seriously injured, he still obeyed the order meticulously.

"Junior Brother Zhou, the matter we discussed before—the reorganization of the Spirit Vein of Zither Leaf Forest, Fangshi Mountain, Heng Mountain, and our Chongming Sect, and the reorganization of spiritual fields and Spirit Plant —should be started in a few days. Please come up with a plan first, and bring it to me for review once it's ready. Don't delay."

"Junior brother will certainly not let senior brother down!" Zhou Yixiu's eyes reddened as he looked at the weak and listless appearance of Sect Leader Kang Da.

"I'm a little tired and want to take a nap. Second, Third, if you wake up, come and wake me up quickly." Kang Dabao gave Yuan Jin one last instruction, then got up and left.

Back in the still simple and unadorned Yunfang, the sect leader, Kang Dabao didn't even take off his robes before lying down on the bed and taking a nap.

He slept for three whole days. If Little Qi, who was starving, hadn't bitten his ear and woken him up, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't know how long he would have slept.

During these three days, he had many dreams, in which he dreamed that he Core Formation, and that Kuang Liuting and Fei Nanying had to kneel obediently before him;

I dreamt of my master again. His sportsmanship in chess is still terrible; he likes to smash the chessboard over people's heads whenever he loses a game.

I also dreamt of Second Sister Song, Jiang Wanjun, and Turtle Son; they were all alive and well. Second Sister Song and Jiang Wanjun picked a whole bag of wild fruit and kept feeding Turtle Son, whose little eyes were squinted into slits as he ate with great relish.

Then I dreamt of Song Hui and Dong Liu'er, and I dreamt that they couldn't recite the Daoist scriptures, and Zhou Yixiu, in a fit of anger, chased them all over the yard with vines;

Finally, I dreamt of Fei Shuhe. In the dream, she was a passionate and fiery woman, and I had already had several children with her.

Sect Leader Kang Da was reluctant to wake up, because in every dream, Little Sanzi's arm was perfectly fine.

Even after lying down for three days, Kang Dabao didn't feel hungry, but Little Qi was making a fuss, so the Sect Leader Kang Da had no choice but to take Little Qi with him to the kitchen.

It was late at night, but the crystal lamp in the kitchen was still lit.

This is a unique feature of the Chongming Sect's inner court. Places like the council hall and the ancestral hall, which symbolize the sect's prestige, still use large candles made of animal oil, while places as insignificant as the kitchen have glass lamps with ten Spirit Stones each, which burn day and night.

Jin Shilun and Mo'er were not in the kitchen; only a voluptuous female cultivator with a graceful figure was resting her chin on her hand, staring blankly at the glass lamp.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Sect Leader Kang Da was slightly surprised. When did Huo Ying come to the Chongming Sect? Why had no one mentioned her before?

"Your disciples have been keeping watch here for three days, preparing a fresh meal for you after you wake up. Seeing that this might delay their cultivation, I thought I'd come and relieve them for a while."

Upon seeing Kang Dabao enter, Huo Ying's bright eyes were filled with surprise, which seemed to touch something within Sect Leader Kang Da's heart.

"Oh," Kang Dabao felt a little uncomfortable under that gaze, lowered his head to stroke Little Qi's head, and said softly, "Can you cook?"

"I can do it, I can do it." Huo Ying was so happy that she stood up hurriedly. After a series of clanging and banging noises in the kitchen, a bowl of strangely colored porridge was placed on the table.

Little Qi has very discerning tastes; after just one glance, he shut down all six senses.

"Ha," Sect Leader Kang Da took a bite and laughed.

"I..." Huo Ying blushed deeply.

"Actually, you can eat it too," Kang Dabao took another big gulp, but his gaze towards Huo Ying was different now. "Thank you."

The latter's face immediately showed a flattered expression, "I'm sorry to have troubled you, my lord."

"It's not very tasty," Sect Leader Kang Da, tilting his head back to finish his drink before sighing, "But sincerity is what matters most. Thank you."

As Huo Ying watched Kang Dabao turn and leave, a strange feeling arose in her heart.

The two had known each other for some time, but this was the first time the latter had spent so much time with her while she was still dressed, and had said so much. The beautiful woman felt a mix of emotions, and stared blankly as Sect Leader Kang Da walked alone towards Jiang Qing's courtyard.

Pei Yi was applying medicine to Jiang Qing at this moment; the Alchemist had left some medicine for his injuries before leaving.

However, every day, Alchemist are advancing to the next level still need to use golden needles to puncture twelve original acupoints and fifteen additional acupoints, as well as perform moxibustion on the fourteen meridian acupoints and apply fire to extra meridian acupoints. Not only is it complicated, but the techniques, order, and timing also require a great deal of attention.

Within the Chongming Sect, only Pei Yi is capable of fulfilling this role, and no one else can replace him. Therefore Pei Yi, who is still injured, inevitably shows a hint of haggardness on his face.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader is here? Junior Brother Jiang's injuries have improved considerably these past few days; he should wake up in a day or two."

When Pei Yi saw Kang Dabao, the weariness on his face vanished.

Kang Dabao was quite pleased to hear this. He secretly glanced at Jiang Qing's right arm and, seeing that it was still empty, suppressed his disappointment and said to Pei Yi, "Thank you for your hard work."

"Senior Brother Ye's injuries have improved a lot; new skin has grown back. These days, he can eat five pork knuckles in one sitting."

"Ha, that blockhead of his has a huge appetite, he's got a worthless life, he's hard to kill." Sect Leader Kang Da felt much more relaxed after hearing this, and a few more witty remarks came out of his mouth.

"Well,"

Why are you sighing?

"If Junior Brother had returned earlier, Senior Brother Sect Leader might have had an easier time." Pei Yi's tone carried a hint of guilt.

"Everything is just right, why blame yourself? Don't always strive for perfection. Heaven is blind, it can't see it." Kang Dabao casually comforted him, patted Pei Yi's shoulder and was about to leave when he saw that Jiang Qing had already opened her eyes.

"Senior Brother, Grandmaster." Jiang Qing's chapped lips parted slightly as he managed to utter a few words with difficulty.

"Good heavens, Little Sanzi is awake! It's good that he's awake." After watching Sect Leader Kang Da Pei Yi feed Jiang Qing the elixir and then some medicinal soup to help him digest and absorb it, the heavy weight in his heart finally lifted.

Forcing back the tears welling in his eyes, Kang Dabao continued, "Are you feeling unwell? Tell me and your Senior Brother Pei quickly."

"Everything is fine, even my arm feels much lighter now." After taking the pills and medicine, Jiang Qing's complexion improved significantly.

He forced himself to sit up, leaned against the cushion, and glanced at his empty right arm. There was no unusual expression on his face; instead, he even grinned.

"What nonsense! We've already consulted a highly Alchemist, and your injuries will heal completely in no time. Don't slack off. I even went to great lengths to beg the state court for the Foundation Establishment item. I'm still waiting for you to Foundation Establishment soon and bring glory to our family."

Sect Leader Kang Da feigned annoyance and reprimanded him in a harsh voice.

"Alright, Junior Brother will definitely be able to Foundation Establishment." Jiang Qing's smile widened even more. "Senior Brother, if it weren't for that red-faced girl cheating, I really would have been able to slay Foundation Establishment that day."

"Focus on healing your injuries first. Don't dwell on whether you win or lose." Kang Dabao's tone still carried a hint of reprimand.

"Haha, alright, let's not talk about it now. If there are any Foundation Establishment who are too blind next time, I'll chop them down for Senior Brother to see. What about Yundao and Yuanbing? I gained a lot of insights from using the sword this time. Quickly call them over, I want to have a good talk with them."

Despite suffering such severe injuries, Jiang Qing showed no sign of dejection on his face, still displaying his characteristic heroic spirit.

The words had barely left his mouth when the room fell silent. Jiang Qing realized something was wrong, and the smile on his face faded. "Who's in trouble?"

"Yundao... is gone." Pei Yi seemed to have lost all strength, sat down on Jiang Qing's couch, and sighed.

"Another one gone," Jiang Qing's eyes dimmed. "But he was a slow learner. He couldn't even get the basics of the Three Yang Scripture, and his swordplay was only so-so. He couldn't even save his own life."

"The Chang County Lin Household, I've remembered them. It seems they don't have many Foundation Establishment. We can slowly kill them all." Jiang Qing suddenly seemed a little disheartened, and his whole body felt much more tired.

Pei Yi also fell silent, and Kang Dabao no longer wanted to reprimand Jiang Qing. The three of them sat in silence until dawn.

Jiang Qing's awakening dispelled the dark clouds hanging over the Chongming Sect, and even the younger generation became much more energetic during their morning and evening prayers.

Back when they were in the prayer hall, what they feared most was Jiang Qing and Han Yundao on duty. Now that neither of them could come, these children were even more serious.

In just two or three months, Little Wu Mountain and his group have grown significantly.

The phrase "Man is the butcher, I am the fish" sounds simple, but only those who have truly experienced it can understand how painful it is.

As a result, the younger generation of the Chongming Sect members are now full of ambition without any need for encouragement.

Even Wei Gu, who had long since given up hope of pursuing the Dao Path and had longed to enjoy his grandchildren, began to seriously study the array manual that Kang Dabao had brought back.

Wei Gu understood this clearly. If it weren't for him being a burden, his two senior brothers, Han Yundao and Duan Anle, who were both quite capable, would most likely have been able to return to the sect alive.

Han Yundao's favorite saying before his death was that he was the senior brother and should set an example for all his junior brothers, and he certainly did just that.

However, Han Yundao still had many things he wanted to do but couldn't accomplish. Since Wei Gu had survived, he also wanted to carry on the former's will and do more for his senior brother.

"Ha, Kang, you've done a really good job as sect leader." Ye Zhengwen, whose injuries had improved considerably that day, sat with Kang Dabao and remarked with admiration as he looked at the sweating children on the training ground.

"It's difficult, but also easy." For once, Sect Leader Kang Da didn't feel like arguing with Ye Zhengwen. "Wanjun's revenge has been taken; you can finally relax."

"Yes, I dreamt about Wanjun a while ago." Ye Zhengwen paused, a slight smile playing on his lips. "She asked me to thank you."

"What a coincidence, I dreamt of Wanjun too," Kang Dabao laughed, then looked at Ye Zhengwen's concerned expression before saying leisurely, "Wanjun said she chose the wrong person back then; she should have chosen me to be the eldest son-in-law of the Jiang Household."

Ye Zhengwen's face flushed red with anger. He staggered for a while before regaining his balance, then pointed at Sect Leader Kang Da's nose and cursed, "You scoundrel, you're talking nonsense!"

"Haha, that's what Wanjun said anyway. If you don't believe me, then I'll go back to my room and dream about it again."

"You, surnamed Kang, you're not allowed to leave!"

Hearty laughter finally returned to the Chongming Sect, seemingly dispelling much of the gloom in the hearts of the disciples.

The Daoist Black Shoes, standing atop a cloud, saw this scene and then looked towards the golden statue of Sect Leader He in the Ancestral Hall: "Brother."

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