Chapter Thirty-Three: Celestial Phenomena

Ge Qian said, “Senior Sister still remembers me, which makes me truly grateful. Your successful advancement to the Grand Completion during your recent seclusion is a cause for celebration.”

Ying Xue nodded and replied, “Let’s be frank. Last time, because I was in a bad mood, I hurt you when I acted. Through this period of seclusion, I’ve realized why I’ve always lagged behind Senior Sister. It’s because I’ve been impatient and too willful, which has led to my current predicament. Today, I’ve come specifically to apologize, and there’s something else I wish to ask of you.”

Ge Qian smiled slightly, saying, “You are too modest, Senior Sister. That matter is long past; I’ve forgotten all about it. If you want me to refine any pills, just let me know.”

A smile appeared on Ying Xue’s elegant face. “You truly understand things, Junior Brother. But what I want you to do is no ordinary matter; it’s dangerous and could even threaten your life.”

Ge Qian’s expression changed several times, his heart troubled. No wonder she lowered herself to apologize; she must have ulterior motives. He felt at a loss and said, “Senior Sister, apart from refining a few pills, I’m helpless with anything else. There are plenty of senior brothers with higher cultivation than mine.”

Ying Xue smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Junior Brother. I won’t let you take this risk for nothing. The other senior brothers may have higher cultivation, but they can’t refine pills. Deep in the rear mountains lies the secluded Cloud Valley, where a spirit herb called Rouge Red grows. This herb cannot be transplanted; it must be refined into pills immediately upon harvesting, or it will wither and lose its spiritual properties. I want to bring you to collect this herb and refine the Youth Retaining Pill on the spot. If you agree, I’ll give you a Foundation Establishment Pill as your reward.”

Ge Qian was startled. The Foundation Establishment Pill is coveted by every low-ranking disciple. To advance to the Foundation Establishment stage on his own talent, even two pills might not be enough. If he could get Ying Xue’s pill now and another during the competition, his chances of advancement would increase.

Yet, the secluded Cloud Valley is home to second-tier demon beasts, and a failed attempt could cost him his life. Though the Foundation Establishment Pill is tempting, life is only granted once.

He replied, “Senior Sister, perhaps you should seek someone more capable. My cultivation is too low; I’m not fit for the task.”

Ying Xue seemed to have anticipated this. “Junior Brother, I haven’t finished. The Rouge herb blooms only in a year; that’s the best time to harvest it. With your progress, you’ll surely reach the fifth layer of Qi Absorption by then. I’ll give you an Earth Escape Talisman, which lets you flee instantly for ten miles, greatly ensuring your safety. With my strong protection as well, what worries could remain?”

The Earth Escape Talisman is a mid-grade spiritual talisman, only refined by Foundation Establishment cultivators. Coupled with the Foundation Establishment Pill, these rewards would make many drool. In another year, with more talismans and the Earth Escape Talisman, safety should be assured.

Thinking it over, he said, “If it’s as you say, Senior Sister, I might give this a try.”

Ying Xue’s joy blossomed immediately. She tossed Ge Qian a jade slip. “You’re truly wise, Junior Brother. It’s settled then. Here’s the pill recipe for you to study ahead of time, to avoid mistakes.”

Ge Qian took it, saying, “Since I’ve accepted this task, I won’t be careless. But before the action, I must receive the Earth Escape Talisman and Foundation Establishment Pill.”

Ying Xue’s face changed, then she said, “Of course. The two items will be handed over at the time. But this matter must not be disclosed. Now that everything’s settled, I’ll go back and refine some magical artifacts. Junior Brother, prepare yourself.”

“Rest assured, Senior Sister. My lips are sealed; I won’t utter a word. Take care.” Ge Qian had no objections, as he still needed to refine talismans.

After Ying Xue left, Ge Qian scanned the pill recipe with his spiritual sense and nodded after a moment’s study. The Youth Retaining Pill required twenty kinds of spirit herbs, all meticulously combined with the Rouge herb. One attempt only, with no room for error. This pill offered no benefit to cultivation, but any cultivator who took it would maintain eternal youth and beauty—an item long desired by female cultivators.

Though magical power could keep one’s appearance youthful, it demanded daily expenditure of spiritual energy. With this pill, true everlasting youth could be achieved.

Ge Qian laughed to himself; Ying Xue truly cherished beauty, willing to part with both a Foundation Establishment Pill and an Earth Escape Talisman. But something was amiss—even with Elder Hong’s backing, Ying Xue wouldn’t be so generous. Perhaps Elder Hong herself needed the pill.

It was possible. Elder Hong was famed for her youthful beauty; her desire for such a pill would be understandable.

It seemed he had no right to refuse. The only option was to strengthen himself, and that meant refining talismans.

Ge Qian immediately took out the notes on talisman refinement from Wang Meng and Wu Jiang and studied them diligently.

…………………………………………………………………………………

In a hidden cave dwelling, a burly, unattractive man suddenly opened his eyes and said, “This is bad. The spiritual energy here has become so chaotic all of a sudden. Is she about to give birth and draw forth a heavenly phenomenon? My child is about to be born! Three years—I’ve waited for you for three years, and you’ve finally arrived!”

At this moment, the entire mountain range, for a thousand miles around, was shrouded in thick, oppressive dark clouds. An invisible pressure descended from the heavens, crushing boulders and flattening ancient forests.

Deep beneath the mountains, a gaunt Daoist emerged from cultivation, slowly opening his eyes. His gaze cut through the earth like a blade. He spoke aloud, “The union of the Evil Dragon bloodline and the Heavenly Fox bloodline—what sort of existence will this produce, to incite such a celestial phenomenon? It seems the dream of the Righteous Sect to unify the Storm Thunder Continent may soon be realized. This secret must not be discovered by others.”

The old Daoist’s primordial spirit swept out, towering a hundred feet high. He produced hundreds of array flags, cast them, and they transformed into threads of light, vanishing into the air.

With strange incantations emerging from his mouth, the dark clouds in the sky were immediately shrouded, concealing everything within. From the outside, not a hint of anomaly could be seen.

The Path of the Mortal Immortal, Chapter Thirty-Three: Celestial Phenomenon—Update Complete.