After leaving the Minor World, Xiangliu and Junior Daoist Mingzhang led the remaining people on the journey back to Baiyun Temple. They walked in silence, each harboring their own heavy thoughts.
Xiangliu was burning with anxiety; his only desire was to refine the medicinal pill as quickly as possible to save Leng Qingqiu's life. He knew time was of the essence and could not afford the slightest delay. Every step felt as though he were walking on the blade of a knife, and he was desperate to return to the alchemy room at Baiyun Temple to begin preparing for the refinement.
Meanwhile, Junior Daoist Mingzhang carried his own worries and expectations. He longed to fulfill his mission soon and deliver the herbs his master needed. This heavy responsibility pressed upon his heart, preventing him from relaxing. He silently prayed that everything would go smoothly and that he could achieve his goal as soon as possible.
The others had their own preoccupations as well—some worried about their future fate, some yearned for distant loved ones, and others reflected on what they had gained and how they had grown during this adventure.
The entire group was immersed in a heavy and tense atmosphere, with only the sounds of footsteps and breathing intertwining. They pressed forward in silence, carrying different wishes and expectations in their hearts. This return journey seemed exceptionally long, and deep down, everyone silently cheered themselves on, hoping to overcome the difficulties and fulfill their inner ideals.
As the mountain gates slowly lowered, Baiyun Temple seemed to descend from the clouds into the mortal world. This ancient Daoist temple was surrounded by an endless sea of clouds, looking as mysterious and solemn as a celestial paradise. The morning sunlight spilled through the layers of clouds, illuminating every corner of the temple.
At this time, the temple was sparsely populated, appearing exceptionally tranquil. Junior daoists in the various halls were intently sweeping the ground, their movements skillful, tacitly coordinated, and clearly divided in their duties. Some held brooms and carefully swept the bluestone steps, while others gently wiped the statues and incense tables within the halls. Through their hard work, the temple gradually radiated an air of neatness, solemnity, and reverence.
In this serene atmosphere, the junior daoists worked quietly. There was no superfluous verbal communication, yet an unspoken tacit understanding flowed between them. They knew they bore the responsibility of maintaining the purity and sanctity of the temple, and every sweep was an expression of reverence for the deities. With the tools in their hands, they carefully nurtured this sanctuary of the soul, allowing those who came here to feel that sense of tranquility and peace.
Mingzhang led Xiangliu into the inner courtyard. Chunyangzi was sitting in meditation with his eyes closed; upon opening them, he said, "Since you are back, come in! Xiangliu, you stay. The others, go outside and stand by. Mingzhang, hand the items over to the senior brother in charge of alchemy."
"Understood, Master," Mingzhang replied as he stepped back.
"Old Daoist Chunyang, I have fulfilled your request and helped you get what you wanted. Now, I wish to borrow your alchemy furnace."
"Very well. But remember, you owe me a favor, which you must repay when the opportunity arises."
"It's a deal."
Chunyangzi lent his personal alchemy furnace from the back mountain to Xiangliu for refining the Ghost Grass. The furnace was concealed inside a massive cave at the summit, protected by spells invisible to mortal eyes. Xiangliu followed Chunyangzi to the furnace, placed the Carefree Pill ingredients inside, and initiated the refinement process.
"Once Benefactor Leng consumes this pill, she will forget everything—including you. Since you are using your own blood as a catalyst, I'm afraid this is a case of the falling blossoms having intentional passion while the flowing water is heartless. Do you think it's worth it?"
"My affairs are none of your concern. What does a loudmouthed daoist like you understand? Say one more word, and I'll have you killed and your temple destroyed!"
"Don't forget, you are the one asking a favor of me. Stop acting so unbridled here; I was merely issuing a warning. To think I was repaying kindness with good intentions!"
"Spare me your hypocritical sympathy. I despise the hypocritical facades of you orthodox sects the most. I will leave the moment I finish refining the pill."
"Judging by your complexion, you have a parasitic gu insect inside your body, and the most potent kind at that. If you help me with a task, I will help you cure it."
"No need. Don't dream of manipulating me. I am an Ancient Demon King accustomed to absolute freedom, and I want nothing to do with the likes of you. Don't think I'm unaware of your intentions—you are searching for the reincarnation of Fairy Mudan, and I cannot help you with that."
"You demon, I saw that you were deeply emotional, which is why I spoke a few extra words to you. Since you are stubbornly obstinate, forget it." Chunyangzi flicked his sleeve and strode away.
Forty-nine days and nights passed, and the medicinal pill was finally successfully refined! Xiangliu stared wide-eyed, not daring to blink even once, terrified that after forty-nine day-and-night cycles, the pill still wouldn't form. Fortunately, it lived up to expectations, and the Carefree Pill was finally perfected. Xiangliu immediately mounted a white-feathered golden eagle and descended the mountain, desperately rushing to deliver the pill to Leng Qingqiu. He happened to run into Junior Daoist Mingzhang wiping Leng Qingqiu's face and hands. As he wiped, Mingzhang chattered:
"You girl, wake up and jump around! You're making me take care of you. The pill will be ready soon, and once you take the Carefree Pill, you'll get better."
"Get lost! Get out of here!" Xiangliu flew into a rage.
"You—I've been looking after Benefactor Leng for you all this time, how can you tell me to get lost the moment you show up? Out I go, then. Where are your manners?" Junior Daoist Mingzhang carried the basin of water toward the kitchen.
"Stubborn girl, I'm back. Quickly take the Carefree Pill." Xiangliu carefully guided the pill into Leng Qingqiu's mouth. Within moments, the color visibly returned to Leng Qingqiu's face, and her overall complexion improved significantly.
"Who are you? Where am I?" Leng Qingqiu opened her eyes to see an exhausted, handsome man sitting beside her bed, a pair of large hands tightly clasping her small hand.
"I am your..." At that moment, Xiangliu did not know what to call himself in relation to her.
"He is your savior! The congee is ready. Come have some; you've been asleep so long your body is weak." Mingzhang broke the silence.
"And who are you?" Leng Qingqiu looked at Mingzhang with a pair of bewildered, wide eyes.
"I am Junior Daoist Mingzhang, your old flame! Hahahaha."
"Do you have a death wish? Get out!" Xiangliu's eyes turned bloodred, and he directed murderous intent toward Mingzhang.
"Demon, he's a demon! Junior Daoist Mingzhang, save me! Make him go away." Terrified out of her wits, Leng Qingqiu hid under the quilt and shivered.
"Xiangliu, you've frightened Benefactor Leng. Calm down; she has only just recovered her health."
"Mingzhang, take good care of Leng Qingqiu. Say only what needs to be said; utter one extra word and I'll take your life."
Helpless, Xiangliu had no choice but to leave the room temporarily. The moment he stepped outside, a sharp pain pierced his heart, and a mouthful of blood spewed from his lips. It seemed this gu insect was growing even more potent! He silently clutched his chest and walked away.
"Benefactor Leng, come out and drink some congee. Xiangliu was injured in order to save you."
"Why am I here? And who am I?"
"Allow me to explain everything to you in detail." Junior Daoist Mingzhang meticulously recounted the entire sequence of events to Leng Qingqiu.
That night, a full moon hung in the sky, casting its bright, silvery light like frost across the courtyard. In this serene atmosphere, Xiangliu sat alone, raising his cup in a toast to the moonlight. His figure appeared lonely yet resolute beneath the moonlight, as if melting into the cold, clear luminescence.
"Would you like me to keep you company and drink with you?"
"Little daoist, aren't you afraid of me? I am an Ancient Demon King who could slaughter without blinking at any moment."
"I am afraid, yes. But I can see you are a person of principle who is fiercely loyal to friends. Saving Leng Qingqiu was truly touching."
"None of your damn business, little daoist. Let me advise you—do not meddle in affairs that aren't yours. Do you even know where you came from?"
"You could even tell that? I was originally just a wild fox Master picked up on Kunlun Mountain. With no father and no mother, Master took pity on me and took me in as a disciple."
"He didn't take pity on you; he saw you were useful."
"Don't you dare slander my master like that. He is a very good person."
"Stubbornly blind, I can't be bothered to argue with you. You and I belong to the same kind. Why is a Nine-tailed Fox trying to cultivate the orthodox Dao? Why not join me in ruling over the Demon Realm? Wouldn't that be better?"
"Fine. Then why is Benefactor Leng afraid of you?"
"If you want to die, I'll grant you a quick end right now." Xiangliu's eyes instantly turned red, revealing his fangs...
"I'm sleepy, I'm going to rest. You're injured too, get to sleep early!"