As night fell, Ji Bingyan sat by the campfire on the plains outside the city, recounting her experiences after being reborn to Shen Zhao, leaving him deeply moved.
"Lord Prefect," she began, "after your demise in the previous life, Meng Hong and the others were eager to raise an army to avenge you. However, General Bai Qi restrained them.
"He strictly followed your dying instructions, refusing to let the soldiers of the Broken Army Prefecture bear the stigma of rebellion. Thus, he forcibly suppressed the generals' impulsive urge to act.
"But after you left, the Broken Army Prefecture could no longer serve such a foolish ruler as Yu Xiyan.
"After careful consideration, we settled the soldiers, disbanded the Broken Army Prefecture, and resolved to eliminate Lin Feng to avenge you.
"During this time, we jointly investigated the clues you left behind at the Nine Heavens Peak, clinging to the hope of finding you alive and well.
"But the Nine Heavens Peak had already collapsed, and a strange force blocked our entry, preventing us from investigating further.
"Subsequently, we began plotting to eliminate Lin Feng, but ultimately failed.
"Without your restraining influence, no one could stop the Empress from supporting him."
Lin Feng's forces expanded rapidly, systematically eliminating us one by one.
It was at that moment I found myself back, just after burying my adoptive parents.
I wanted to seek out the Lord Prefect again, but my low cultivation made me fear I couldn't even leave the Central Region.
Then I remembered the Lord Prefect had once mentioned transforming into a man named Di Feijing and visiting the Central Continent in a past life.
So I disguised myself as a foreign woman and stayed in Flamebright City, waiting for the Lord Prefect's arrival. I never expected someone to impersonate the Lord Prefect's title in advance—how audacious!
Ji Bingyan finished her impassioned account, and Shen Zhao suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, you said your cultivation was low. How do you now possess the power of the Selfless Realm? What secret method did you use?"
"Naturally, it's the God-Shattering Pill secret method developed by the Lord Prefect," Ji Bingyan replied. "In my previous life, I remembered every step of the pill's creation process. It took tremendous effort to refine just a few pills."
"You fool! While the God-Shattering Pill can allow you to display power beyond your realm, it also causes irreparable damage to your body."
"I know, but seeing you now makes it all worthwhile," Shen Zhao sighed helplessly.
The God-Shattering Pill was his own creation, essentially a vessel storing a massive amount of spiritual energy. Each use depleted it, until it was completely exhausted.
When consumed, it allowed the user to unleash power far beyond their cultivation level. However, every use of spiritual energy left imperceptible damage to the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. After the pill's effects faded, these hidden injuries would become nearly impossible to heal, potentially jeopardizing the user's future prospects.
"Extend your hand."
"Yes, sir."
As Shen Zhao's fingers brushed against Ji Bingyan's pulse, her cheeks flushed crimson. She recalled how he had carried her out of the Warm Fragrance Pavilion earlier, her heart fluttering like a startled deer.
After taking her pulse, Shen Zhao frowned. "This is reckless! You're only at the first rank of the Soul Sea Realm and you forced down three God-Shattering Pills? Are you trying to kill yourself?"
Ji Bingyan lowered her head in shame. "I'm sorry, Lord Prefect. I just couldn't bear to live in that state of constant anxiety again, the way I did before I met you in my past life."
"Moreover, the Central Region is no ordinary place. I merely wish to protect myself until I can meet the Lord Prefect."
"Enough. Let's drop this subject."
Shen Zhao retrieved a pill from his storage pouch and offered it to Ji Bingyan. "Take this to disperse the God-Shattering Pill's effects first."
Without hesitation, Ji Bingyan swallowed the pill.
Soon, two streams of spiritual energy—one azure, the other violet—swirled around her, and wisps of white smoke rose from her back.
After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, Ji Bingyan slowly exhaled, feeling an indescribable sense of relief and comfort wash over her.
"Thank you, Lord Prefect."
"Take this one now."
"The Bodhi Pill?"
"Take it."
"Yes, my lord."
After consuming the Bodhi Pill, Ji Bingyan felt a surge of potent spiritual energy erupt from her Qi Sea, instantly shattering the bottleneck and propelling her to the third stage of the Soul Sea Realm.
Regaining her senses, Ji Bingyan's eyes lit up, and she was about to express her gratitude when Shen Zhao stopped her. "Hold your thanks for now. Tell me what you've seen and heard in Flamebright City during this time."
"As you command, my lord."
***
Meanwhile, in the Wind and Rain Pavilion, Hu Yushu was tidying her room.
Suddenly, a chaotic clatter made her draw the soft sword at her waist and spin around to stab.
"Pavilion Master."
When she saw it was Ying Zhaoyun, she quickly sheathed her sword and knelt.
"This subordinate deserves death for offending you, Pavilion Master. Please forgive me."
Ying Zhaoyun was clutching her chest, her face deathly pale below the nose, her body trembling uncontrollably. She lacked the strength to respond.
"Pavilion Master, what's wrong?"
Sensing something was amiss, Hu Yushu rushed forward to support her. The icy coldness of her hand made her face drain of color.
"Quick... help me to the bed."
"Yes."
Hu Yushu, her heart pounding, hurried to help Ying Zhaoyun to the bed.
Once Ying Zhaoyun was seated, Hu Yushu asked urgently, "Pavilion Master, who injured you so severely?"
"Darba."
"What? Someone from the Vajra Sect? They dare to enter the Central Region?"
"Damn it. If I hadn't been poisoned, and my cultivation hadn't dissipated at that critical moment, he wouldn't have gained the upper hand by half a move."
Hu Yushu's pupils contracted, her face a mask of disbelief. "Poisoned? Pavilion Master, you've been poisoned? When did this happen?"
Ying Zhaoyun didn't notice the subtle shift in Hu Yushu's expression. She simply nodded. "You're right. I just don't know when I was poisoned."
Hu Yushu pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Pavilion Master, could it have been him who poisoned you?"
"Who?"
"The only person who has been visiting the Wind and Rain Pavilion frequently and interacting closely with you lately is that man named Chu Liuxiang."
"He? Unlikely. I've had no physical contact with him, nor have I eaten anything he provided. How could he have poisoned me?"
"This subordinate is merely suspicious, but when I first met him, he already knew that Heaven and Earth was a front for the Wind and Rain Pavilion. He was also perfectly aware of the Heaven-Burning Divine Stone. How could an outsider know our rules and possessions so intimately? He acted like an old acquaintance, completely at ease and without a trace of nervousness."
"So you suspect he approached the Wind and Rain Pavilion with ulterior motives?"
"Exactly. It's wise to be wary. Every move Chu Liuxiang makes is too strange, especially how easily he obtained the Seven-Colored Insect Gu."
"It's hard not to suspect this was all planned in advance," Hu Yushu continued. "Though we don't know the exact method of poisoning, it's undoubtedly connected to Poison King Valley."
Ying Zhaoyun remained silent.
Hu Yushu pressed on, "As for the motive, the Pavilion Master's current injuries are the best proof. He must have lured the Vajra Sect here, colluded with the Xiongnu, and planned to disrupt the Empress's wedding ceremony. Otherwise, why would he offer such an absurd condition in exchange for intelligence?"
Ying Zhaoyun clenched her fists. "Without concrete evidence, we shouldn't jump to conclusions."
"For now, Pavilion Master, you should focus on recovering. I'll manage the Wind and Rain Pavilion in your stead. Please don't overexert yourself."
With that, Hu Yushu moved behind Ying Zhaoyun and gently brushed her disheveled hair, her touch as delicate as if she were stroking a piece of precious jade.
"Thank you for your efforts."
"It's my duty, Pavilion Master. Please rest well. I'll immediately instruct the Wind and Rain Pavilion's guardians to remain vigilant for any sign of the Vajra Sect."
After Hu Yushu departed, Ying Zhaoyun watched her retreating figure, lost in thought.
***
Meanwhile, in a secret cave outside the city where Darba was recovering from his injuries, the Golden Sage Venerable suddenly arrived with urgent news: "Master, this is terrible! All thirteen hundred of our disciples have been slaughtered!"
"What! Aaaah!"
Hearing this devastating news, Darba's body erupted with terrifying pressure and aura.
"Damn it! This must be Song Yanran's doing. She's gone too far!"
"Master, what should we do now?"
"Quickly inform the Xiongnu King, Xuan Hao Hongye! Have him lead his troops to assault the pass. I will reduce Song Yanran and her so-called Heavenly Dynasty to dust!"
"Yes, Master."
"Wait! Come back!"
The Golden Sage Venerable had just turned to leave when Darba stopped him.
"Does Master have further instructions?"
Darba gazed at his beloved disciple, a thoughtful expression in his eyes. Then he rose and walked to the Golden Sage Venerable's side.
"Disciple, I need your help with something."
"Please command me, Master."
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition:
" The Clueless Girl Gets Fu**ed Every Day (18+) "
" Threatening Heroine at Start—Now the Male Lead Is Wearing the Green Hat (18+) "
" The Succubus Who Just Wants to Slack Off NPH (18+) "
" A Goddess Celebrity Brings Kids My Door, Working Construction Carrying (18+) "
" Houtarou Oreki in the Classroom of the Elite 18+ "
" My Harem of Beauties "
" High School DxD: Endless Plunder "
" Demon King Priest (18+) "
" I Became a Village Chief in the Primitive Age "
" Fantasy: I Claimed a Million Saintesses "
" After Rebirth, I Became the Obsessive Tycoon's Addiction "
" Starting with Catching Ghosts in the Girls' Dorm "
" Smut: Haughty "Husband" (18+) "
" The Prosperous Dynasty (18+) "
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
many more are available 80+
patreon.com/RoyalStories
(End of Chapter)