Chapter 120: Encountering Gu Qiu at Nine Buddhas Temple

The situation was different from what they had initially surmised. They had expected a simple case of energy-draining, but it turned out to involve a demonic entity. This meant the matter could no longer be kept within their own circles; since this region was the heartland of the major sects, if a demonic entity were allowed to run rampant here, the Seven Great Sects would lose their credibility in the eyes of the public should any greater crises arise in the Micang World.

Ji Yao and her two companions wore varying expressions and remained silent, while He Xiuyuan, bound by the vines, grew anxious. "Could you two fairies and the Master please let me down first?"

Seeing that neither Ling Ru nor Ji Yao had any intention of helping, Jue Chen took the initiative to release him.

Ji Yao, struck by a thought, suddenly spoke up, "Fellow Daoist Jue Chen, are you able to heal this person?"

Jue Chen shook his head. "I am not well-versed in the medical arts. Furthermore, in cases like this, one generally needs to replenish vital essence and life force. While that sounds simple, neither is easy to come by."

Ling Ru nodded in agreement. Ji Yao understood as well; to replenish such things required true celestial treasures, and who would waste such precious resources on an insignificant person?

"If you can't heal him, you can take him back to your sect! Doesn't your Buddhist faith teach that saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-story pagoda? Since he has agreed to join the Nine Buddhas Temple, it wouldn't be a total loss for you to save him."

Ji Yao’s words did not stir much emotion in Jue Chen. "I cannot make the decision for this matter; it must be left to my elders. Moreover, the report regarding the demonic entity must be delivered to the sect as soon as possible. I wonder if you two would be willing to speed up our journey and bring this Benefactor He along to the Nine Buddhas Temple?"

In truth, none of them had a better option. Lacking long-distance communication talismans, they could not send word back to their sects using only high-grade communication jade slips.

After a brief discussion, the three set off at a faster pace, with He Xiuyuan trailing along, too intimidated to voice any objections. Neither Ji Yao nor Ling Ru intended to bring this matter back to their own sects. It was better to let the Nine Buddhas Temple take the lead, as Buddhist techniques were naturally designed to restrain the demonic race.

The saying goes that the difference between a Buddha and a demon is but a single thought. In reality, it was the Buddhist sects, not the Daoist ones, that possessed the deepest knowledge of demonic entities. This was also why the Nine Buddhas Temple was situated closer to the edge of the Western Ridge. It was said that the Nine Buddhas Temple once had a monk who ascended to godhood after a great demonic power laid down his butcher’s knife and entered the Buddhist gate to seek enlightenment.

This time, Jue Chen did not sit idly by. Although he still failed to contribute any spirit stones for the flying vessel, he worked diligently, serving as the constant source of spiritual energy for the journey.

Only when his spiritual energy was nearly exhausted would Ling Ru swap him out, installing a few spirit stones so he could meditate and recover. Once he was fully restored, he would dutifully place his hands back on the light barrier of the control console, and Ling Ru would remove the stones from their slots.

Most strangely, the other three on the flying vessel said nothing about Ji Yao, who stood by without contributing any effort. He Xiuyuan, in particular, seemed the most affected. Huddled in a corner, he would steal glances at this fairy who looked sweet and harmless, yet he found her far more terrifying than the cool, decisive woman in red. Whenever she was deep in thought, her gaze would drift toward him; though her focus wasn't directly on him, the occasional leak of murderous intent felt visceral, leaving him trembling in fear.

Ji Yao was unaware of the changes in herself, but those around her could feel it, especially Ling Ru. Ji Yao had shown an unusual level of concern regarding He Xiuyuan, and when Jue Chen mentioned the name "Xuan Yi," Ling Ru noticed a distinct shift in Ji Yao’s emotions, which was why she had abruptly changed the subject at the time. There was certainly something that had happened to Ji Yao of which she was unaware.

Ever since returning from the Qixian Secret Realm, a persistent aura of murderous intent had clung to Ji Yao. It remained hidden when nothing held her attention, but the moment something piqued her interest, that intent would begin to surface. Senior sect members always said that a good sword cultivator could control their murderous intent at will, but that ability was built upon the foundation of their sword path. Ji Yao's situation was clearly different, and it was uncertain whether this was good or bad.

Ling Ru did not dwell on how Jue Chen viewed Ji Yao’s anomaly, but she was certain he harbored suspicions.

Traveling day and night, the four of them arrived at the City of Bathing Buddhas, where the Nine Buddhas Temple was located, five days later. Unlike Daoist sects, which emphasized harmony with the mountains and nature, building their sects in isolation from the mortal world, the Buddhist sects relied on the masses and sought to save all sentient beings. Thus, the Nine Buddhas Temple was built right in the center of the City of Bathing Buddhas, with the surrounding markets belonging to the temple’s industry, existing in dependence upon it.

The four disembarked early and entered the city on foot, with Jue Chen leading the way. As they approached the city gate, He Xiuyuan’s appearance drew many side-glances, and their unusual group naturally garnered attention from passersby.

Just as they stepped onto the street leading to the main entrance of the Nine Buddhas Temple, Ji Yao heard a young man’s voice.

"Little Junior Sister! Is this a chance encounter for your Senior Brother?"

Hearing that voice, Ji Yao knew exactly who it was. Indeed, a young man in white was stepping out from the gates of the Nine Buddhas Temple, the ice-blue Cold Soul Sword in his hand standing out as a one-of-a-kind treasure. Tempered by ice flames, the blade seemed to carry frost, much like its master—both exuding an irrepressible chill.

Before Ji Yao could respond to her Second Senior Brother, Gu Qiu, He Xiuyuan—who had been walking between them and Jue Chen—suddenly poked his head out from behind the monk.

"Ah! It’s you! Why are you here?"

Gu Qiu had already reached their group. He had expected to see surprise on Ji Yao’s face, but instead, a stranger had suddenly popped up. Gu Qiu cast a cold glance over, his expression revealing his mild displeasure, though the look was fleeting.

He Xiuyuan seemed to ignore the chill radiating from the man, continuing with intense enthusiasm, "Senior, it’s me! I never got the chance to thank you for saving me from that demonic woman before you disappeared. I thought I would never have the chance to thank you in person again!"

Gu Qiu hadn't recognized this disheveled man at first, but at the reminder, he recalled the incident. He looked He Xiuyuan up and down before parting his thin lips.

"So, it was you."

Having said this, Gu Qiu turned his gaze toward the monk Jue Chen, who stood before Ji Yao and Ling Ru. After assessing him, he looked past the monk and directed a meaningful, faint smile at Ji Yao.

"Little Junior Sister, your eye for talent is truly unique. To think you managed to pick up these two from the crowd!"