Descent

"Stop looking so pathetic," the Juntian Bird said, its sharp beak still uttering a hint of displeasure as it approached.

"How could my son-in-law, the legitimate son-in-law of the Fei Household, be so worthless? He's just an ordinary spiritual object, rare even for those who can only achieve Golden Core. What is he worth? It's only because you, Boyue, are as stingy as I am, that we've wasted so many years."

Fei Nanying, standing to the side, was a mid-grade Middle-Grade Golden Core and the almost handpicked successor of Fei Ye Shui, the current head of the Fei Household. Despite being mocked by this old bird, he did not show the slightest anger on his face.

Instead, Hao Sheng handed the Azure Firmament Spirit Root to Kang Dabao without giving any further instructions, simply saying in a low voice, "Just do it well."

Sect Leader Kang Da immediately pulled Jiang Qing to bow in gratitude. Only after standing up did he have time to examine the Azure Firmament Spirit Root he had just acquired.

The object was like ice marrow formed from moonlight, its main trunk winding like a dragon reaching out its claws, its surface covered with fine, scaly crystal patterns, each scale refracting varying shades of turquoise light.

Its tip bears seven translucent jade leaves, with liquid starlight flowing through the veins, which condenses into stardust-like dewdrops in the dark.

The most peculiar part is the root system, where thousands of silvery roots intertwine to form a cloud-like mist, ceaselessly absorbing and releasing wispy Spiritual Qi day and night. From afar, it resembles a bright glass lamp held up by the azure sea.

According to the rumors, some true and some false, that Kang Dabao had painstakingly gathered over the years, this spiritual creature grows on the cliffs atop the clouds, where the Heavenly Gang rage. Every new moon night, its roots pierce into the spiritual soil to absorb the essence of the moon, and at sunrise it draws upon the energy of the fire.

Without a skilled and dedicated master to cultivate it, it would take three hundred years to grow into a section the thickness of a thumb, making it extremely rare. When mature, the Azure Firmament Spirit Root displays nine ring-shaped golden patterns, each corresponding to a secret acupoint of the physical body recorded in the ancient enlightenment manual, the "Yellow Court Classic," which is the key to its ability to continue on the Dao Path of cultivation.

Ordinary Golden Core cultivators vie for this item because of its "Spiritual Pivot Regeneration" power. If a cultivator loses an arm or limb, placing the Azure Firmament Spirit Root on the wound will cause the root to transform into Spirit Vein and meridians to reconnect.

First, a jade-green periosteum appears on the wound, then the flesh and blood are reshaped like a glassy solution. After seven days and seven nights, the newly regenerated limbs are not only better than before, but also carry a trace of the evergreen energy of the Yi Wood.

Compared to using the essence of the Golden Core Elixir to reattach severed limbs, using this item is far more cost-effective.

In the past, Golden Core cultivator was ambushed by an enemy, and his natal Golden Core was pierced by the "Nine Nether Bone-Eroding Nail," causing his cultivation to diminish day and night.

His master risked obtaining the two-thousand-year-old Azure Firmament Spirit Root, and used it with Heavenly River Silver Sand to refine "Azure Firmament Vein-Mending Powder". This not only filled the gap in the Golden Core, but also caused the broken part to grow star veins. Ironically, this misfortune turned into a blessing, helping the cultivator break through to the Late-Stage Golden Core.

From then on, the cultivation world learned that this item could not only heal flesh and bones, but also transform a cultivator's fatal wounds into a fortuitous opportunity for rebirth, which made this spiritual object famous.

There are specific rules for harvesting these precious items. According to the "Seven Slips from the Cloudy Satchel" written by Gui Benrong, the first prime minister of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, the roots must be wrapped in Third Tier of silk to prevent the Spiritual Qi from leaking out.

As for the Azure Firmament Spirit Root that is tens of thousands of years old, it is even rarer. It is said that regardless of the waxing and waning of the Taiyin Star, it will project a phantom image of the Spirit Root. Cultivators can repair their hidden injuries by visualizing this image.

There have been instances where Nascent Soul True Person have dissected the thousand-year-old Azure Firmament Spirit Root Spirit Root for research purposes, dispersing all its essence, only to discover that it contained 365 white flower seeds arranged according to the stars in the heavens, subtly corresponding to the acupoints in the human body. This may be the reason why it can repair cracks in the Golden Core.

The Azure Firmament Spirit Root that Kang Dabao acquired was only six hundred years old and about an inch long. Although it wasn't very old, it was still regarded as a family treasure by Fei Household's She Mountain Hall, which shows how rare it was.

Logically, a six-hundred-year-old Azure Firmament Spirit Root should grow to about three inches, but this time it was only half of what it was. I don't know if She Mountain Hall left half of it, or if this family treasure was originally only half-finished.

Regardless of the circumstances, this favor alone was enough to make Kang and Chiang feel extremely grateful.

"I, your ancestor, have always been generous," Juntian Bird coughed lightly, finally bringing Sect Leader Kang Da back to his senses. After carefully placing the Azure Firmament Spirit Root close to his body, the latter, along with Jiang Qing, bowed deeply. "This humble one thanks the ancestor and Boyue for their cultivation."

Unexpectedly, the old bird didn't appreciate the gesture. After glancing at it sideways, he said, "I haven't finished speaking yet, kid, don't be in such a hurry to thank me!"

The two were stunned and could only straighten up. Then they heard Juntian Bird explain, "You ordinary Foundation Establishment don't have a method to refine this Azure Firmament Spirit Root. Young Master Jiang needs to go to Ying Prefecture and ask Nanxi for help in refining it."

"Elder Nanxi? Isn't Boyue currently...?" Kang Dabao's mind was somewhat dazed by this Spirit Root, but he realized he had misspoke after only asking half of the question, so he immediately shut his mouth and dared not utter another word.

Sure enough, as soon as Juntian Bird heard what Kang Dabao said, he scoffed:

"Refining the Azure Firmament Spirit Root will take at least two years. Do you think your Boyue is really that leisurely? It's rare to see someone as hardworking as him after just reaching the Golden Core. After this matter is settled, I, your ancestor, will have him go into seclusion to cultivate. If he doesn't quickly solidify his foundation, this Middle-Grade Golden Core will eventually fade into obscurity."

There aren't many Golden Core willing to sacrifice these two years of their lives. Even among the seventeen Golden Core cultivators of my Fei Household, only Nanxi has managed to find some free time."

Hearing that Juntian Bird had already spoken to such an extent, what else could Sect Leader Kang Da say? At this point, it would be inappropriate to use any more sycophantic words, so he could only bow deeply again and say, "Thank you for your guidance and cultivation, Ancestor."

"I already told you not to thank me yet," Juntian Bird said, his tone even more displeased. As the number one contributor to this battle, how come Kang Dabao has no heroic spirit at all, and is just as spineless as those sycophantic juniors in the Fei Lineage's territory?

Fei Nanying was well aware of his ancestor's eccentric nature, after all, since he Core Formation, he had received many lessons from Juntian Bird.

Over time, Fei Nanying gained a lot of experience and learned that being respectful and humble in front of this old bird was not much different; in the end, it would only displease him. He was truly difficult to please.

Therefore, Fei Nanying would not blame his son-in-law for making such a great contribution. So, upon seeing the situation, he immediately stepped forward to explain, "Young man, don't be anxious. The ancestor's meaning is that this Azure Firmament Spirit Root is only for young friend Jiang. Your reward is yet to come."

As soon as Fei Nanying finished speaking, the words Juntian Bird had just uttered, "I, the ancestor, have always been generous," echoed in the mind of Sect Leader Kang Da.

"This old ancestor is truly generous. Compared to him, I, Boyue, who has always been extravagant, am nothing. I am undoubtedly a miser."

Kang Dabao sighed inwardly. He couldn't blame him for being short-sighted. Logically speaking, even if he and Jiang Qing's achievements were combined, obtaining a section of the Azure Firmament Spirit Root would already be considered extremely generous. He really hadn't expected that this old bird, ptooey, this ancestor would actually give out rewards.

Juntian Bird's displeasure dissipated considerably Fei Nanying's interruption, and he spoke again in a deep voice to explain:

"I rarely break my word. There is already a beast core in the Cold Crow Mountain Range that belongs to you, boy. However, we need to investigate the roots of those Demon Officer more thoroughly to find out the truth. Otherwise, if we find one with too deep a background, it will incur the wrath of the Demon Lieutenant or cause other troubles."

After all, I am not from the Li Mountain Lineage. Therefore, after killing that Yanhu last time, there are still many loose ends to clean up. Otherwise, I should have sent cultivators from all over the country to the mountain to sort things out.

Therefore, this matter requires careful consideration and is unlikely to be accomplished in the short term. However, I, your ancestor, can set a deadline for you: I will give you a Higher Vehicle beast core within ten years."

"This humble one will obey the ancestor's arrangements." Having learned his lesson, Kang Dabao straightened his back a bit, and his cheerful and refined demeanor was once again revealed, finally making Juntian Bird somewhat satisfied.

Perhaps feeling that simply throwing out a blank silver note didn't match his earlier boast of "generosity," the old bird pondered for a while, then looked Sect Leader Kang Da, up and down before finally asking:

"In theory, a beast core is enough to be rewarded, but you really won beautifully this time. I, your ancestor, would like to reward you with something else, otherwise I would be too unhappy."

"Then tell me what you want. Think it over carefully. I never boast, but in this Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, if I cannot accomplish what you have asked for, there are very few below the Nascent Soul Nascent Soul who can."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dabao's mind raced with a multitude of thoughts. Seeing him deep in thought, the two cultivators didn't urge him but waited patiently.

After a long while, Sect Leader Kang Da finally gritted his teeth and said, "Ancestor, I still have a junior brother."

Upon hearing this, Juntian Bird remained silent for a moment, then Fei Nanying before saying, "You are indeed a very loyal and righteous young man. I, your old ancestor, am somewhat unsure whether I will regret nurturing you in the future."

---- Xuanwei City, Cloud Horn Prefecture Prison

Although Fei Nanying was only away for a short time, Funeng, the defeated abbot, still needed to be guarded. Fei Granny Liu and two other False Core from the She Mountain Hall came together and took over the prison's defenses.

However, although Fei Granny Liu was the most respected person in the prison at this time, there were still two people who treated this noble lady of the Fei Household with special regard.

Yue Lin and Yuan Buwen, old acquaintances who had known each other for over sixty years, were also transferred to the prison to guard it. Instead of sitting idly, the two found a place to sit and drink tea, finding contentment in this dark and gloomy place.

"My Daoist brother's eldest daughter has become the Holy Maiden of the Holy Mountain. Surely she wouldn't be treated like I am, being ordered around. I never expected that you, Daoist brother, would be treated the same way as someone like me, who came here in desperation."

Yuan Buwen's first words were sarcastic and mocking.

It's true that Yue Hongguo became the Holy Maiden of Five Old Mothers Mountain, but since the Yue Household lost power last time, their situation has been very awkward. Since Kuang Liuting couldn't vent his anger on the Chongming Sect after being reprimanded by the Prince of the South, the Yue Household was naturally going to suffer.

The favor of powerful figures comes and goes quickly. In addition, Kuang Liuting has already completed his Golden Core, and Yue Hongguo, this secret treasure for dual cultivation, has lost its effectiveness. This has only made matters worse for the Han City Yue Household.

In a world where everyone prospers, Yue Hongguo, despite being the Holy Maiden of Five Old Mothers Mountain, couldn't even find a True-Grade Golden Core master. She was merely tossed around like a football by a few seasoned cultivators from Five Old Mothers Mountain, with no future to speak of.

In previous years, the Han City Yue Household was a local tyrant, raised by the Five Old Mothers Mountain and Ye Prefecture Yang Household, to resist the Capital Region Faction. But now they have fallen to the same situation as the Yuan family of Jingnan Yuan Household. As the person in charge of the Yue Household, Yue Lin is naturally not happy.

Unexpectedly, Yue Lin did not change his expression after hearing this, but said in a deep voice, "It is indeed not as good as your son-in-law's reputation this time. With him by your side, the Yuan Jingnan Yuan Household will probably be able to enjoy a peaceful life in Shannan Circuit."

Yuan Buwen's face twitched upon hearing this. Everyone knew that his Yuan Xiyue was just a lowly concubine in Kang Dabao's household, without even a rank, a piece of merchandise.

Therefore, no matter how you look at it, Kang Dabao is not worthy of the title "son-in-law of the Yuan Household." Thus, even if the latter suddenly becomes a new elite after this battle, the Yuan Household will hardly benefit from it.

For a legitimate daughter to become a concubine is even less respectable, so Yue Lin's words were undoubtedly sarcastic. Yuan Buwen was furious. "That old man!"

But this anger was fleeting; Yuan Buwen didn't linger in resentment for long. Instead, after drinking a cup of sake, he sighed wistfully, "After fighting with you, old man, for so many years, we've ended up in the same boat again. How utterly pointless."

Yue Lin remained expressionless, showing no inclination to confide in Yuan Buwen. He didn't drink, but instead gazed at the wine foam in his glass cup and said in a low voice:

"You old man, you're really out of your mind. Why waste your energy getting angry with me when you have such a good opportunity? I haven't said anything wrong. Your son-in-law has won that old bird's favor this time, and his future is truly limitless."

He accomplished much in Ping and Jin counties, and after Kuang Liuting returns to Mountain South, he might very well be put to use. His foundation is still weak; if you can win him over, the Jingnan Yuan Household can truly rely on him for future prosperity."

Yuan Buwen shook his head and smiled, "Brother Dao, we have taken different paths. You dared to place your bets in Kuang Liuting before you had even established yourself in Cloud Horn Prefecture. I advised you against it then, saying that the Kuang Household is the most mean and ungrateful and should not be trusted. But looking back now, I think I was right."

Yue Lin's face darkened, but he remained silent. Yuan Buwen then spoke up, "Kuang Liuting cannot be entrusted with anything, nor can Kang Dabao. My Yuan Household only wants our own children to succeed; we are unwilling to entrust our hopes to others."

"Naive! You, Yuan Buwen, should be considered an unparalleled genius of the Jingnan Yuan Household, so why can't you form your core?" Yue Lin's cold laughter pierced Yuan Buwen's heart, but unexpectedly, another heavy blow followed:

"Do you really think that by surrendering to the Immortal Dynasty, the chains around our necks will loosen? If that's the case, why are you so slow to act, and why have you paid for so many lives for the Two Instruments Sect?"

"Then what should we do?"

"My family sold our daughter to the Kuang Household. Even though we've fallen out of favor now, if any of my family's disciples can achieve the Golden Core in the future, no one in the Kuang Household will stand in our way. I'm just foolishly hoping that if I say one more word, I might still be able to wait for the Earl of Nan'an to change his mind and I can rise to the top in one step."

But what about you? Your Yuan Household only switched sides after achieving Upper-Grade Golden Core at Kuang Liuting. Zhu Tong might be a little more amiable because he wants political achievements, but what kind of person is he now in Cloud Horn Prefecture? Aren't you going to seek a patron within the prefecture court? Do you really want to see your family members wither away?"

Yuan Buwen shook his head and sneered, "Is Chongming Sect a better backer, or is Kang Dabao a better backer?"

Yue Lin, however, said in a deep voice, "It's not Chongming Sect, nor Kang Dabao, but the future Kang Dabao, who might be able to serve as a backer."

Yuan Buwen remained silent for a moment, but Yue Lin spoke up again, "You can't possibly be worthy of the Fei Household; Five Old Mothers Mountain is not lacking in henchmen; the Ye Prefecture Yang Household is a separate faction, only colluding with Five Old Mothers Mountain; although Zhu Tong is a disciple of the Chancellor Gui, he is ultimately just a minor True Cultivator. He might not even be able to overcome the hurdle of forming a dantian. Are you really willing to submit?"

The question stunned Yuan Buwen into silence for a long time. After pondering for a while, when he finally spoke, he didn't answer but instead asked, "Why are you telling me all this, fellow Daoist?"

Yue Lin closed his eyes, a hint of dejection in his voice. "Perhaps I made a mistake back then. Now the Yue Household is not in a good position, and I don't want to cause any more trouble. I only wish to resolve this peacefully. If you, my fellow Daoist, are willing to step in and mediate, that would be the best outcome."

After this, Yuan Buwen's sarcastic remarks resurfaced. "First you were deferential, then you became obsequious; doesn't that look rather awkward, fellow Daoist?"

Yue Lin felt no shame, but instead said seriously, "This is how Aristocratic Clan operate. A person should be paid what they deserve. If Kang Dabao does not win against Funeng, he will still not be favored by Juntian Bird and will still have to endure the Fei Household's disdain."

If Kuang Liuting hadn't achieved the Upper-Grade Golden Core, the True Person Moon Hidden of Five Old Mothers Mountain wouldn't have condescended to travel to the outer seas, and you, Yuan Buwen, wouldn't have surrendered with your entire family. It's not so bad to be defiant at first and then obsequious; what's truly ugly is when the person in charge is too stubborn and their entire family suffers a crushing defeat."

"Brother Dao is indeed insightful," Yuan Buwen stopped arguing and instead let out a long sigh.

Time is truly a shrewd sculptor, capable of smoothing away all the sharp edges of the once spirited Yue Household's Zhilan. Perhaps this is why the Yue Household was able to become the foremost Aristocratic Clan under the Two Instruments Sect, firmly surpassing the Jingnan Yuan Household?

With that, their conversation came to an end. Yue Lin made no further request, and Yuan Buwen offered no agreement; many things had already been settled.

As the wine foam in the glass cup dissipated, strange movements arose in the prison.

Erxiu immediately became serious. If anything went wrong while they were guarding the place, the powerful Fei Household would likely not be lenient with them.

The two transformed into streaks of light and entered Funeng's cell. There they saw Fei Granny Liu with two Fei Household Pill Master guarding Funeng's side as if facing a formidable enemy.

Inside the cramped cell, a dazzling Buddhist light shone, and pure lotus flowers seemed to rise out of thin air from the damp, cold stone slabs, shattering the tight restrictions set up by the master craftsmen.

Before long, the sacred chanting of Buddhist hymns resounded throughout the entire Xuanwei City. As long as they had not yet Foundation Establishment, all the millions of living beings in this great city, whether immortals or commoners, were cleansed by the chanting and became devout, kneeling down to worship and chanting Buddhist prayers aloud.

The source of this Buddha light was the Funeng that had bound his entire body with countless spiritual shackles. The handsome monk's robe moved without wind, and as the hem fluttered, two kinds of aura flowed out: half of his body was radiating pure Buddha light, and the other half was wrapped in black and purple karmic fire.

The cultivators trembled with fear, and before they could react, Funeng spoke first, his voice filled with the vicissitudes of life. "Summon Fei Tianqin to pay his respects to me."

Before Fei Granny Liu could finish speaking, a Buddhist chant filled the air:

"Summon Fei Tianqin to pay his respects to me!"

"Summon Fei Tianqin to pay his respects to me!!"

"Summon Fei Tianqin to pay his respects to me!!!"

Even though this old woman had been cultivating False Core for many years, she was still shaken to the point that her Qi and Blood surged. She made and dispersed hand seals, but she still could not suppress the evil blood in her heart.

"Puff"

As a spurt of blood shot out, Fei Granny Liu, disregarding the fact that her two younger relatives were already pale with fright, and not caring about the years of cultivation she had lost, simply turned to Yue and Yuan Er, whose faces were also filled with shock, and urged, "Quickly go and fetch Ancestor Tianqin!"

(I'll update another chapter around midnight if I can.)