The Forbidden Path to Immortality - Chapter 142

Chapter 1 Decision

Li Xun tried to understand what Netherfire Yanluo meant, but he wouldn’t give him a chance. As he bent over to listen, a faint snore echoed from the other side…

Yin Chen chuckled beside him, “Look at him… Alas, Netherfire was holding on, waiting for you to come. Once you come, his energy will drain and he’ll be unable to hold on. Forget it, forget it. He won’t wake up for a while, and he won’t die either.” Baigui, you’ve come all the way here too. Take this time to rest and wait for Netherfire to wake up. I’ll call you later, okay?”

A pause fell in the room. Li Xun straightened up, a calm smile on his face. He responded, then turned his gaze to Madam Yan.

Madam Yan happened to be looking his way. Their eyes met, and she spoke first, “In that case, Baigui, follow me and wait for the Sect Master to wake up. It’s better than never to come.”

Perhaps because the room was so small, Madam Yan’s tone and manner were difficult to grasp. Li Xun’s eyebrows twitched slightly, and he glanced at Bishuijun beside him. His cheeks twitched, and though he maintained that deadpan expression, he looked somewhat gloating.

But soon, a cloud fell over Li Xun’s face.

He stopped looking at him and replied, “Yes,” then smiled and extended his hand to invite Madam Yan to pass first.

After Madam Yan lifted the curtain and emerged, he nodded to Yin Chen, his eyes flicking to the man on the recliner before leaving.

Whether intentional or not, he had remembered the trick of holding him up in mid-air and then pulling the ladder away.

What a sickly wretch!

After they both left, Bishuijun followed closely behind, not even acknowledging a word, and strode away in a flash.

Madam Yan slightly stepped aside to let Bishuijun pass, appearing quite relaxed. But to Li Xun, her emotions were a hundred times more complex than she let on—including the recently departed Bishuijun.

Even centuries after his death, the shadow of Mr. Ghost still haunted them, weighing heavily on their hearts.

Only a true Grandmaster possessed this qualification. Li Xun himself was nothing in comparison.

Upon exiting the underground palace, the thick fog over Ghost Gate Lake blew in, mingling with the quacking of ducks.

Madam Yan didn’t turn back to her own residence, but instead slowly walked to the lake’s edge, gazing at the surface beneath the thick mist.

The shadows of a few water birds faintly flitted through the haze.

They were the winter crows specially raised in the lake, used by the sect’s disciples to practice techniques like soul control, soul seduction, and puppetry.

Madam Yan paused for a moment, leaning against the railing. Suddenly, she said quietly, “I really can’t understand…

how you’re related to Senior Brother Ghost?”

Li Xun stopped beside her, about to speak, but she waved him away. “Don’t tell me for now. Even if you tell me now, I can’t tell the truth.”

Even Li Xun, known for his thick skin, felt a sense of embarrassment. Madam Yan’s graceful face revealed an unconcealable weariness.

She ignored Li Xun’s intense gaze, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened them again, following the birds flying across the lake. Her expression gradually softened

. Just when Li Xun thought she was about to ask a formal question, she heard her words drift off into a long, lingering thought.

“When I was young, I practiced the Soul-Exorcising, Soul-Refining, and Heart-Opening Great Art here. Back then, Master praised my exceptional talent and said I had a promising future. By then, Senior Brother Ghost had already roamed the world and earned a great reputation, much of which my fellow disciples envied and envied…”

Her words tinged with childishness. Li Xun frowned slightly, then smiled, listening. Perhaps he could hear the Ghostly Shadow Sect version of a younger junior sister admiring… even secretly in love with the handsome senior brother

. Madam Yan stopped talking, staring blankly at the lake.

The silence seemed to stretch on forever.

Li Xun maintained the expression of a loyal disciple for a moment, then, seeing no clues, leaned against the fence, ready to persevere.

At that moment, Madam Yan glanced back, her expression radiant and captivating, a young woman’s charm captivating her.

“Could this be your true nature?”

“True nature? I’m afraid only Heaven knows,” Li Xun replied indifferently. Knowing

she was trying to evade the subject, he simply reached into his bosom, pulled out the purple jade box, and handed it to her. “This is what Madam wanted—returning the jade intact to Zhao…is that the right word?”

Madam Yan’s beautiful pupils dilated slightly, her attention completely riveted by the jade box. Li Xun almost thought she was about to snatch it away.

Fortunately, she maintained a basic posture befitting her status, extending her hand slowly and steadily.

The moment her fingertips touched the jade box, her body trembled slightly, as if electrified.

Li Xun watched with fascination, hoping to uncover more secrets from her body language.

But she held herself back.

Madam Yan took the purple jade box and opened it with impeccable composure, unfazed by the man before her.

A faint glow pierced the surrounding fog from the golden bead within. Li Xun, however, didn’t look at the bead. Instead, he carefully observed Madam Yan’s expression,

watching her eyelashes flutter slightly and the faint blush that graced her pale face.

Madam Yan’s lips parted slightly, and no sound escaped. However, Li Xun sensed a subtle vibration pulsing between the golden bead and her.

The light emanating from the bead grew brighter.

This lasted for a breath, and then Madam Yan closed the box and returned her gaze to Li Xun’s face.

Li Xun smiled, bowed, and asked with conviction, “Madam, is there anything wrong?”

“Very well, absolutely perfectly!”

Madam Yan’s voice was as ethereal and unfathomable as if it had emanated from the depths of the underworld, but her eyes were brighter than ever.

She suddenly smiled and praised softly, “There are always people in this world who can easily accomplish what others struggle their entire lives to achieve. Senior Brother Gui is like that, and so are you!”

Li Xun burst out laughing. Just as he was about to speak, the beautiful woman reached out, her jade-like hand lightly passing through the air between them and pressing against his chest.

Li Xun glanced down, not flinching.

The warmth of their bodies mingled through their skin.

Madam Yan paused, her gaze fixed on her hand pressed against her disciple’s chest for a long, speechless moment.

Li Xun raised an eyebrow in confusion, “Madam?”

“…When did things get to this point?” Her beautiful face seemed veiled, hazy and unreality blurred.

“I still remember when Senior Brother was so ambitious and gifted, needless to say. Senior Brother Gui was our leader, the more reserved and reserved one, yet his cultivation was the highest. Whenever he went against Youli and the others, Bishui and I would just hide behind them and take advantage.

“Ah, too much of that life has left me with so much effort. Now I think my lack of progress is inextricably linked to my two senior brothers!”

“Ghost Senior Brother” refers to Mr. Ghost, so “Big Brother” must be Hellfire Yama. Li Xun was enjoying these old stories, but then Madam Yan suddenly increased her pressure, pressing his chest muscles slightly inward.

Li Xun remained motionless, yet this “i*imate” gesture tickled his heart.

Madam Yan chuckled. “Think back to when we first met in Tenghua Valley, I was still able to subdue you. But sixty or seventy years later, if you wanted to kill me, it would be a snap! Even Senior Brother Ghost couldn’t match your progress back then. With such natural talent and immense strength… what exactly do you want?”

Li Xun deliberately omitted the word “kill” and the subsequent questioning, shrugging. “How can one lust without food and clothing? Madam, I was truly destitute back then!” Amused

by his subtle response, Madam Yan leaned back slightly, her hand naturally flexing, grasping his collar. “You hold Senior Brother Ghost’s inheritance, and yet you have the nerve to cry poor?”

Her gestures were a bit too i*imate. Li Xun had never seen Madam Yan like this before. She seemed like someone drunk, unbridled and unrestrained.

Why?

Li Xun’s gaze swept over the purple jade box in her other hand, as if a realization had struck him. His thoughts shifted, his hand moving slowly. With a smile, he reached out to shield his chest, then… grasped Madam Yan’s snow-white wrist.

With no clothing to block their skin-to-skin contact, Li Xun was fortunate. Madam Yan’s body trembled, the light in her bright eyes shone through.

The surrounding mist paused for a moment, then swirled around her radiant smile. “Brother Gui passed on his inheritance to you, but why didn’t he also pass on his taciturn and quick-witted nature?”

Her fingers softened as she spoke, gently pulling the hand away from Li Xun’s grasp. Li Xun allowed her to pull it away, merely smiling.

Madam Yan said no more, turning away.

Li Xun followed. No need for formalities now. He walked side by side with Madam Yan. The disciples on the road bowed and stepped aside as they approached. Those who had previously seen the situation from a distance couldn’t hide the unease on their faces, but the two of them didn’t care.

After leaving the island in the middle of the lake, the status of the surrounding disciples suddenly dropped several levels, and they even avoided the two of them.

Madam Yan was silent for a moment before finally getting down to business. “Senior Brother Ghost’s inheritance… when did that happen?”

“A few years before I became a disciple.”

“After you gained the true understanding of the Netherworld?”

Li Xun hummed nonchalantly.

Madam Yan sensed his insincerity, but she had no idea of the complexities involved. After a moment’s thought, she continued, “How did the Sect Master know?”

“…Who knows?” Li Xun replied unhappily. He was still fuming over Netherfire Yama’s secrets, not to mention his other identity.

However, this attitude also indicated that he and Netherfire Yama were not particularly connected. Madam Yan smiled and let it go.

Their rare heart-to-heart exchange ended there. Madam Yan was extremely cautious, not even asking for details, not even mentioning the Blood Godson. She would never easily explore another “forbidden zone,” though Li Xun acted unconcerned.

The journey was short, and when they reached the abode, Yan Ru was already there to meet them.

Seeing her disciple, Madam Yan glanced back and said, “You must be tired after your journey, so go and rest first. The sect has arranged new residences for you. If Ru’er knows about this, she’ll take you there.”

Li Xun knew she would definitely take action after receiving the purple jade box, so he said goodbye to her readily. However, she hesitated for a moment before adding, “I might need your help in the next few days…”

“Of course I will,” Li Xun said, his mind still undecided, but his face was crisp and clear.

Madam Yan smiled slightly and looked at Yan Ru. This disciple and master truly had a rapport. Smiling, she came up and led Li Xun away.

There was something interesting about this “new residence” Madam Yan mentioned.

In the spiritually rich area around Ghost Gate Lake, the sect had prepared a small courtyard for each elder, and some vacant ones for occasional distinguished guests.

This time, upon Li Xun’s return, someone had somehow arranged to have one of the original guest courtyards vacated and invited him to live there.

It’s unclear whether this treatment is that of an “elder” or a “distinguished guest.”

Under Yan Ru’s guidance, Li Xun found his own residence. It was a quiet courtyard about twenty miles from a small island in the middle of a lake, nestled in a forested area, surrounded by lush, ancient trees.

Even before he opened the gate, he felt a sense of urgency and turned to meet Yan Ru’s gaze. Yan Ru frowned slightly, nodded to Li Xun, and then stepped forward to address the situation. But Li Xun smiled and held her shoulder.

“Senior Sister Ru, you’re tired too. Go back and rest.”

Yan Ru, held by his shoulder, didn’t feel like she’d been hit by anything, but she felt completely powerless, unable to even muster the energy to struggle.

Even though she had tried to look up to Li Xun, the reality of it all was different for her.

Fortunately, she was a thoughtful person, like her teacher, and her body stiffened slightly, but quickly softened. She just turned around and smiled, “She’s stubborn and won’t give in easily. You’ll have to bear with her, Junior Brother.”

Li Xun smiled and nodded, saying nothing more as he walked forward and pushed the door open.

From Yan Ru’s angle, he could only see the silhouette of the slender figure standing still in the courtyard, and the ghosts passing by without stopping.

The courtyard door closed automatically with a creak. Yan Ru thought for a moment outside the door, shook his head slightly, and turned to leave.

Li Xun didn’t even look at the beauty standing in the middle of the road, but only looked at the quiet courtyard.

He was quite satisfied with the appearance alone. The layout of the front yard was standard, with exquisite details. The doors, windows, and eaves were exquisitely crafted. It was conceivable that the layout of the house was even better.

He slowly walked to the main hall door, and was about to push it open when the female cultivator behind him finally couldn’t help but exclaim, “Is someone blind or something? Can’t they see there’s a living being here?”

Li Xun paused and looked back. “Finally… there’s still someone in Ghost Gate Lake who hasn’t changed. Senior Sister Cai’er, how are you?”

He greeted her with a smile, and happened to see the indescribable tangle of emotions on Yan Cai’er’s face—a truly fascinating sight.

Meeting his gaze, the usually arrogant female cultivator immediately cast aside all her reservations and proudly raised her head. Of course, it would have been even more perfect if her eyes weren’t so distracted.

Li Xun placed his hand on the door and smiled, “Although you’re not shy, Senior Sister Cai’er, putting on airs when asking for help isn’t exactly a skill you’d expect.”

Yan Cai’er’s delicate face lit up with surprise. “Do you know why I’m looking for you?”

Li Xun laughed heartily, and with a wave of his hand, the door swung open, revealing Ye Ru’s pale face.

When she met Li Xun’s gaze, she couldn’t help but lower her head and kneel straight, her body bending and trembling even more.

“Ye Ru!”

Yan Cai’er’s voice suddenly rose. She knew Ye Ru was in the room, but she hadn’t expected her to express her feelings in such a way.

Li Xun showed no surprise. He walked straight into the room and sat down at the main seat in the main hall. Ye Ru’s teeth chattered. As Li Xun passed by, she seemed to hear the wails of a thousand vengeful spirits.

This demonic sound wiped out any remaining scheming in her. Now, she felt as if her spine had been torn out, and she lay limp on the ground.

Yan Cai’er was stunned. She was still some distance from the hall door, but seeing Ye Ru’s gesture, a chill ran through her heart.

Li Xun’s voice echoed in her ears, “Senior Sister Cai’er, please come in.”

She responded, her feet moving across the threshold, as if possessed. As she passed Ye Ru, she couldn’t help but glance over, her gaze trembling as her heart trembled with her own.

The light inside was dim, and the ghosts’ forms seemed shrouded in a veil of black mist, barely discernible.

Once she reached the center of the hall, she dared not take another step forward, her expression completely altered.

Li Xun noticed the change in her expression and smiled in his heart, “Have I really become a demon who eats people without leaving any bones after not seeing them for a few months? Poor me, I just praised my senior sister’s behavior…”

“Someone’s behavior is also eye-opening!”

Yan Caier glanced at Ye Ru again, and her heart finally calmed down a little, but she continued to nag, “If you want to show off, just buy two maids and act domineeringly. Why bother to scare your own fellow disciples?”

“Fellow disciples? If she is still considered a fellow disciple, why would she do this?” Li Xun glanced over and his tone was flat but went straight to the point.

“It’s all well and good that you’ve been trying to persuade her to break up with me for years. But she was so foolish as to ally with Yin Tuo at this critical moment and let him catch her. Your efforts were misplaced.”

Yan Cai’er’s face flushed, and before she could speak, Li Xun had already shaken his head. “There are many profit-seeking people in the sect, but it’s rare to find someone like Senior Sister Cai’er willing to work for a friend, and to do so consistently for decades… For this alone, I’ll give you a favor. The courtyard is still short of a servant to sweep and serve tea. She can leave Madam’s service and come here.”

Yan Cai’er was furious at first, then stamped her foot and turned away. Ye Ru said nothing, crawling up and down, bowing her head.

Li Xun’s expression was cold, his mind reflecting his expression, and he didn’t have many thoughts. Ye Ru’s fate depended on his words. If he agreed, she’d live; if he didn’t, Madam Yan would be happy to save herself the trouble.

In the impending conflict, a mere, unremarkable female disciple probably wasn’t even qualified to be a variable. It was that simple!

As for the other one…

Li Xun’s earlier comments were sincere.

Yan Cai’er’s cultivation and scheming weren’t particularly outstanding, yet she was Madam Yan’s favorite. Perhaps the biggest reason for this was her good nature, so precious within the Evil Sect.

Who wouldn’t want to befriend someone like her, whether it was loyalty or loyalty?

By comparison, he, the “Hundred Ghosts,” seemed to be something both gods and demons loathed.

Thinking of this, Li Xun suddenly realized something.

It seemed that he had never intentionally cultivated close relationships within the sect, and thus had no way of cultivating closeness or personal power. As a result, he was currently like a lone pillar stuck in the sect’s turbulent currents. At best, a stabilizing force. At worst… a major variable causing headaches for both sides!

What might seem like nothing to others, but for a “prince” like him, whose life was filled with the scheming of power and intrigue, couldn’t be explained away by excuses like “forgetfulness.”

Why?

Countless figures flashed through

Li Xun’s mind as he pondered. Slowly, the figures who impressed him most deeply, whose figures were most vivid, were often those of Zhong Yin, Yao Feng, Qing Luan, Shui Dielan, and Liang San Ren.

He delighted in analyzing their every move, studying their immense power and the means by which they achieved it. Sect leaders like Qing Ming and Ming Huo Yan Luo, with their vast resources at their disposal, paled in comparison.

A truly curious contrast. He couldn’t understand his inexplicable tendencies, but one thing was certain: the path he had unwittingly chosen…

freedom and solitude.

Deep in thought, he forgot he was still staring at someone.

Yan Cai’er’s face was utterly grim. The ghosts’ scattered, unfocused gazes seemed fixed on her, yet also scattered all around her. It was as if countless invisible apparitions were constantly swarming around. Even the wind blowing through the halls morphed into ghostly whispers, echoing in her ears.

Yan Cai’er wished she could scream and shatter the haunted atmosphere. She took three deep breaths before mustering the courage to speak: “If everything’s alright… well, I’ll be leaving. See you later!”

Without waiting for Li Xun’s reply, she hurriedly turned and rushed out the door. She was still three or five steps from the door when a sigh suddenly echoed from behind: “Close the door.”

Yan Cai’er, assuming it was a word addressed to her, responded casually, her steps quickening.

But then a figure flashed before the door, and the two doors closed inward, blocking out the already dim light, and shadows fell upon her.

“Ye Ru!”

Only her own shrill, trembling voice echoed in the empty hall.

Ye Ru huddled in a dark corner beneath the door, her breaths tinged with sobs. Yan Cai’er’s mind went blank for a moment, but she quickly woke up and reached for the door.

Her fingers barely touched the bolt when someone suddenly grabbed her waist. Bai Gui’s voice echoed in her ears, his warmth gently brushing against her earlobe, and the thick darkness resonated with his voice.

“She’s finished! She has no future, either with Madam or with Lord Bishui; she no longer has the ability to rise on her own. She relied on you before, and now it’s the ‘Bai Gui Taoist’…

“So she’s severing ties with those clever people she once was—first Lord Bishui, then Madam, and finally you!”

The last word was so soft and gentle it felt like a tongue licking her heart.

Yan Cai’er knew it was bad, but she couldn’t help but go limp.

The man behind her exerted a little force, and she felt dizzy and was lifted up. She opened her eyes, dazed, only to see a pair of eyes flickering with fire.

“It’s not pleasant to be alone, and yet you still need Sister Cai’er’s help.”

Bai Gui’s words seemed to be cryptic. But the power radiating from his eyes instantly crushed Yan Cai’er’s resistance.

The darkness of the room swirled, and Bai Gui turned and strode towards the inner hall. Yan Cai’er’s arms drooped, swaying gently with Bai Gui’s steps.

Before closing her eyes, she heard a low chuckle—

“As the saying goes, helping someone is as good as helping them… By the way, where is the bedroom?”