Chapter 423: Who Else but Me

Chapter 423: Who Else But Me

In the end, Zhuque did not take the bag away.

Being mocked by Tang Wanzhuang for stealing things—she couldn't bear that disgrace.

Forget it, she'd just interrogate him thoroughly here in the dead of night. Once she got enough answers, she'd leave. Who had the patience to stay here forever? She couldn't even take off her mask and get intimate with her paramour—was she supposed to watch him get cozy with Tang Wanzhuang instead? ... Huh, actually, that might not be unwatchable. We'll see.

As for the gains from interrogating this ancient demonic soul... well, how to put it? No surprises, but not disappointing either.

No surprises because this fellow's status was far beneath that of the Night Emperor or the Four Symbols. He knew almost nothing about the ancient Four Symbols—less than they did. The information they most wanted was basically absent, and there were no unexpected discoveries.

But some ancient anecdotes and secrets, the relationships between figures and factions, the logic and rules of behavior—these were all valuable materials. Win Five and the Demon Suppression Division would surely compile and summarize them, and the Four Symbols Sect couldn't afford to fall behind.

Their own scriptures said little about others' affairs, lacking a holistic understanding. Once the gods and demons of the previous epoch returned, much of this knowledge would inevitably prove useful.

And this wretch's insights into ancient shamanic arts—blood puppets, voodoo, and the undying soul's experience of surviving across epochs—were treasures rare in this world. For Zhuque and Xuanwu's current cultivation, they were extremely valuable references.

Most crucially, for the first time, someone from the last epoch could tell them what lay beyond the Three Secret Treasures.

Though the texts recorded it, no one could find the way... The Three Secret Treasures were the pinnacle, and no one could trace how to unlock the subsequent cultivation paths described in the classics.

"What 'Three Secret Treasures'..." the remnant soul said listlessly. "Back in our day, there was no such rank division. The human body's potential is infinite. To truly comprehend all the mysteries of life—what level would that require? And you turtles and birds dare claim to know all the body's secrets? You're not worthy—ow~"

Zhuque's palm blazed with roaring flames as she held the bag over the fire, roasting it fiercely. "A prisoner beneath the steps, and still you act superior! The Mysterious Gate is fate; the Secret Treasure is nature. The Mysterious Gate and Secret Treasure are merely modern people's subdivisions of the cultivation of nature and fate. Do you really think we don't understand? On the contrary, you don't understand. Hearing about our Three Secret Treasures, you don't even know what level they correspond to in your era—we'll have to fight to find out..."

The remnant soul wilted.

These people had received ancient inheritances; they were clear on all the principles and threads. Unlike Maitreya, who could be fooled into believing whatever was said.

In truth, that young man on the Human Roll who had played a key role in this battle was the real novice in these matters...

San Niang said with a smile, "Just answer properly, why suffer physical pain? I only ask you this: since we cultivated the Secret Treasure to refine our nature and opened the Bridge of Heaven and Earth, we can touch the power of heaven and earth. But we've never been able to find the gate to the ancient 'Control'—why is that?"

The remnant soul said listlessly, "You've only just stepped into the so-called Third Secret Treasure. What's strange about not finding the next door yet..."

"Still trying to evade? This isn't about us not finding the gate. For countless years in this world, all our predecessors have failed to find it. The Three Secret Treasures as the pinnacle—how could it be a mere exception?" Zhuque's flames blazed brighter. "If you won't speak, what use are you? Annihilate!"

"You ask me, but I don't know either..." The remnant soul's breath was faint. "Maybe because the Heavenly Dao is dead? With the Heavenly Dao dead, humans naturally lack the method to control heaven and earth. Being able to touch it is already good enough..."

Zhuque and Xuanwu exchanged a glance. This was indeed their usual judgment, but the existence of this remnant soul made them realize it might not be so.

Because this remnant soul's level, at its peak, was definitely higher than their cultivation.

Since your level didn't disappear or degrade after the death of the Heavenly Dao, then even if we can't reach the realm of 'Control,' we should at least be able to reach your level without issue.

What was missing?

Then they heard the remnant soul say listlessly, "Based on what Maitreya has seen of this world... I don't know if it's because his experience is too limited... but from what he's witnessed, I think your problem is that you've seen too little... You haven't even seen it, you just imagine it—what can you control..."

Zhuque narrowed her eyes, feeling this might hit the mark.

Seen too little... at least it had some effect.

For instance, this time's White Lotus Fire, the secret of life and death, and the power of voodoo.

For ordinary people, she was already well-traveled and knowledgeable. But regarding more profound mysteries, she hadn't seen enough. If you haven't seen it, how can you speak of controlling it?

The collapse of the epoch had scattered various spaces—treasures, techniques, all kinds of species... People of this world hadn't seen them. That might indeed be a significant factor.

Was this one of the reasons Win Five was obsessed with secret realms?

But life was limited. In this fragmented state, how could one see enough? Spend a lifetime like Win Five, burrowing into holes?

The two women exchanged a glance, looked down at the bag, and both showed fierce glints in their eyes.

We haven't seen enough, but you have. Share it with us via soul-search.

The remnant soul let out a miserable scream.

Who was the demon here?

...

The night grew deeper.

Tang Wanzhuang carefully avoided touching Zhao Changhe's wounds, gently pushing his shoulder to move him slightly away.

She was still sitting on his lap, but unlike usual, she didn't hastily leave.

She lowered her head slightly, breathing a little heavily, and softly rested her head on his shoulder, murmuring, "Alright... your mouth is full of medicine—it's disgusting."

"Because the medicine is bitter, I need a little Tang." Zhao Changhe tried to kiss her again.

Tang Wanzhuang was almost amused. She covered his mouth with her hand. "Is this really all that's left to do now?"

Zhao Changhe said, "With my injuries, what else can I do? Even if I wanted to go deeper, I couldn't..."

Tang Wanzhuang's eyes widened.

Was that what I meant?

Zhao Changhe knew what she was actually referring to, but seeing her bewildered expression, he found it so adorable that he couldn't help pecking her again.

Tang Wanzhuang pressed his face aside firmly. "I have serious matters to discuss with you!"

Zhao Changhe held her and said, "So do I."

"Then you go first."

"Earlier, I asked Win Five. He said that the Transformation Lotus and Bodhi Fruit were likely in Maitreya's secret realm. But it turns out this is just a small realm. Did you find what you needed?"

Tang Wanzhuang's eyes softened. Though this rogue was getting more frivolous, his genuine care for her was sincere.

She sighed softly. "Yes, there were some. This was originally the back mountain treasure ground of the ancient Buddhist sect. Some collections remained. Maitreya had taken advantage of them before—otherwise, how could he have reached the Second Secret Treasure? Fortunately, quite a few good things were left behind. Both the Transformation Lotus and Bodhi Fruit are here."

Zhao Changhe felt a weight lift. "Then why are you sighing?"

"Win Five said there's also news about Yunyang Leaf. His people have scoured the texts and found that the ancient Spirit Clan once had a sacred mountain called Yunyang Mountain. Not sure if it's the same thing." Tang Wanzhuang paused, then suddenly said, "Do you know? Some of the deals we made with Sisi back then played a significant role in this battle."

Zhao Changhe was startled. "What?"

"The bag used to catch that remnant soul was a Spirit Clan bag for raising gu. When Sisi was undercover in Maitreya's sect, she sensed that Maitreya's teachings involved gu arts. A few months ago, when she came to get the secret-level sword manual, she gave me this bag, saying it would surely prove useful. And it did. I suspect this remnant soul has some connection to the ancient Spirit Clan..."

"Then we can ask Sisi when she comes next time?"

"The problem is, Sisi hasn't come for a long time..." Tang Wanzhuang said. "She's been very cautious, always coming to us one-way, refusing to let us know how to enter the Spirit Clan's realm. Once she stops coming, we lose contact."

"Hasn't come for a long time... Could something have happened?" Zhao Changhe's expression grew serious. "Or maybe she thinks the sword manuals we're giving are too slow and the deal is no longer worthwhile?"

"Probably not. She's very interested in these sword manuals." Tang Wanzhuang said, "Given the current situation, I think we can't just passively wait for her. We need to actively seek her out. I've already sent people to the southwest..."

Zhao Changhe was puzzled. "That's a secret realm, not the regular southwestern tribes. How can sending people find it?"

"I once secretly placed a tracking method on her. Based on her last visit, neither she nor her clan noticed. As long as our people can get near the entrance of the secret realm, they should be able to sense something." Tang Wanzhuang rubbed her temples in frustration. "The problem now is, I don't know who to send. Wuping Hou can't be spared, and ordinary people lack the skill to sense and track. Even if they get in, it's extremely dangerous—they're xenophobic and cautious. Intruders are very likely to die inside."

Zhao Changhe blinked. "Tell me about this tracking method."

Tang Wanzhuang was startled. "You can't go! No, I'm telling you this to discuss and vent, not to manipulate you into going. Don't misunderstand!"

"What are you so nervous about?" Zhao Changhe smiled. "Someone has to go. I'm a jade token agent of the Demon Suppression Division. Who else but me?"

"Don't be ridiculous. There might be several people at the Earth Roll level inside."

"Actually, I mainly want to go myself. That's what I was going to talk to you about. It just happens to coincide."

Tang Wanzhuang was puzzled. "Why are you going? To find Sisi?"

"...The evolution of my Blood Rakshasa Body should happen there. I originally thought leaving the Central Plains for too long might be bad, but since the opportunity presents itself, I'll go."