Chapter 111: Turning Over a New Leaf

“I told you, didn’t I? My cultivation technique just happens to counter this poison,” Ge Qian said ambiguously.

Ying Xue deliberately turned her face aside and retorted, “If you don’t want to say, fine, but to lie? Do you think I’m a three-year-old child?”

Bai Ruyu and Ye Feng exchanged glances, thinking about how formidable Ge Qian’s strength truly was. The seven-colored demonic poison that had tormented Ye Yu to the brink of death, causing unbearable agony, was effortlessly dispelled by him.

It seemed the gap between Ge Qian and me was widening; I must work harder, Bai Ruyu thought silently.

Seeing their astonished expressions, Ge Qian cleared his throat lightly. “The poison in Ye Yu was forged using the seven human emotions. When one is poisoned, their emotions become chaotic, damaging their soul and severing their vitality. There is no cure. Fortunately, Ye Yu’s constitution is very special and suppresses the spread of the poison gas. If it were any other cultivator, they would have already perished. If the poison hadn’t penetrated her soul so deeply, I could have forced the toxins out of her body. But now, I’m powerless.”

Ye Feng rose anxiously. “Senior Brother Ge, since you can counter this poison, please think of a way. I know you must have a solution.”

“There’s only one way: to go to the Red Fiend Desert to collect Warm-Heart Grass and refine the Tranquil Heart Pill to detoxify her. Because when the heart is calm, the body naturally cools; once the heart steadies, the emotions stabilize,” Ge Qian explained seriously.

“Then what are we waiting for? I’ll go right away!” Ye Feng was eager, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to the Red Fiend Desert instantly.

“Don’t rush. I’ll first control the poison to prevent its spread, then we’ll make plans,” Ge Qian said.

He pointed at Ye Yu, and seven sword auras—Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Grief, Fear, and Fright—pierced her body. Instantly, a radiant seven-colored light shone forth, suppressing the seven-colored poison and gradually consuming the seven emotions.

Ye Yu’s complexion gained a faint flush. She moved her fingers slightly and slowly opened her eyes. Her breathing was weak as she barely looked around and said faintly, “Why am I here? Am I not dead yet?”

Ye Feng collapsed beside the bed, holding her hand tightly. “Sister, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, I won’t let you die. You’re the only family I have left in this world.”

Ying Xue, quick-witted, said, “Senior Sister Ye, your brother is truly devoted to you. To cure your illness, he asked us to go to the Red Fiend Desert to collect Warm-Heart Grass and make the Tranquil Heart Pill to detoxify you.”

Hearing Ying Xue’s words, Ye Yu suddenly wept like rain, shaking her head. “Brother, I don’t deserve you doing this. All this time, I’ve been scheming against you, trying to break your Dao heart so I could take the position of head of the Ye family. I’m such a selfish woman; I don’t deserve your kindness. Through this, I realize you’re right. No matter how much I contribute to the family, it’s just expected and owed. After I was poisoned, they ruthlessly abandoned me for the family’s benefit. This is my own doing. Brother, don’t go. It’s not worth it. Focus on your cultivation—you have a bright future ahead. When I die, bury me by Mother’s grave. Let me accompany her.”

She closed her eyes slowly, tears still flowing, and said again, “In the next life, let me be your sister again to atone for my mistakes.”

“Sister, don’t lie. I know you’re doing this for my sake, to keep me from danger. You actually said all this? Whether you’re right or wrong, you will always be my sister, Ye Feng. I will save you,” Ye Feng said resolutely.

Ye Yu said, “It’s true. How can I face life with a clear conscience?”

Ge Qian said, “Ye Yu, you’re not afraid of death. Are you afraid of living? Such hardship means nothing to us cultivators. Death is a release, but it’s also an escape. You’re avoiding your responsibilities. Don’t you have the courage to live and care for your brother?”

Ye Yu looked at Ge Qian. “I’m not avoiding it. I’m afraid of burdening him.”

“That confidence shows he’s growing. Besides, we friends are willing to risk our lives alongside him. He’s not fighting alone. If I can suppress your poison, I can save you,” Ge Qian said confidently.

Ye Yu nodded solemnly. “Ge Qian, I’m sorry for how I treated you before. Why don’t you hate me? Why do you help me?”

“Because you have a loyal, righteous brother. Because we are all disciples of the Tianxing Sect. Because we have passionate hearts and won’t stand by idly while our companions fall. As long as there’s a sliver of hope, we won’t give up on you,” Ge Qian said with clear, powerful words that stirred the soul and inspired courage.

Ye Yu said, “Thank you for treating me as a comrade. Alright, I will live well. Even without the Tranquil Heart Pill, I will fight this poison to the very end. A mere demonic poison is no match for me, Ye Yu. Ge Qian, I truly admire you this time. Just with these seven sword auras, I’m no match for you.”

Everyone smiled knowingly.

Bai Ruyu smiled and took out a map. “I’ve marked the route to the Red Fiend Desert. Do you have anything to add?”

Ge Qian took the map and studied it carefully. After a moment, he said, “According to the markings, to save time and avoid unnecessary danger, we should use the teleportation array. First, teleport to Wuyue City, then from Wuyue to Tianding City, then from Tianding to the Scattered Cultivators Alliance, and finally fly a thousand miles to the Red Fiend Desert.”

“But the teleportation arrays to Tianding City are controlled by the Five Sects. Our sect’s leader has declared a lockdown. The Tianxing Sect’s teleportation array won’t be opened,” Ying Xue reminded them.

Bai Ruyu nodded. “What Ying Xue said is reasonable.”

Ge Qian said, “If you cooperate with me, we will definitely be able to use the teleportation arrays.”

“Of course, we’ll follow your lead,” Ye Feng said.

Ge Qian said, “We’ll disguise ourselves first. Bai Ruyu and Ying Xue will dress as men, Ye Feng will grow a beard, and then we’ll proceed like this…”

The next day, the four of them sneaked out of the Tianxing Sect and flew swiftly on swords toward Wuyue City.

Upon arrival, Bai Ruyu appeared as a scholarly gentleman, Ying Xue as a dashing young nobleman holding a folding fan, Ye Feng was burly with a thick beard, looking a bit foolish and carrying a large sack. Ge Qian appeared as a go-between and guide, leading the group.

Soon, they reached the location of the teleportation portal of the Beast Taming Sect. Ge Qian produced a sound-transmitting talisman.

After a moment, the door to a pavilion opened, and a late Nascent Qi stage cultivator with shifty eyes, wearing the Beast Taming Sect’s uniform, came out and scrutinized the group curiously.

Ge Qian lowered his cultivation to appear as a fifth-layer Nascent Qi cultivator, hurriedly approached the man, and shoved a bottle of marrow-washing pills into his hand. “Please, fellow Daoist, lead us inside. We have urgent business with your steward.”

The shifty-eyed cultivator quickly pocketed the pills and smiled broadly. “Please follow me, fellow Daoist.”

Ge Qian waved his hand, signaling the others to follow.

Outside the teleportation array hall, the cultivator stopped and said, “You go in alone. I have business and must leave now.”