Chapter 313: Evil Fruit |
Chen Qing cultivated wholeheartedly in the quiet room, taking two Spirit Nurturing Soul Stabilizing Pills in succession, which significantly strengthened his spiritual consciousness. His Will Sea became stable and solid, and his perception range expanded considerably.
He planned to completely digest the gains from this time before taking the remaining two pills.
The path of cultivation required moderation and balance. Excess was as bad as deficiency.
Chen Qing pondered inwardly, "Now with the Soul Wood continuously nourishing me, plus the assistance of pills, strengthening my spiritual consciousness is only a matter of time. It will inevitably grow stronger. The urgent priority is to make up for shortcomings in other areas."
Chu Nan's unpredictable evasion divine ability had left an extremely deep impression on him. If the opportunity arose, he must find a top-tier movement technique or evasion divine ability secret art to cultivate. Whether for pursuit or preservation of life, it was critically important.
Additionally, there was that Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus.
This item contained supreme yang vital energy and had miraculous effects for cultivating the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body. If properly utilized, it might help him break through to the sixth layer more quickly, or even higher realms.
He just needed to carefully consider how to use it.
"Perhaps... I can indirectly inquire with Master Qiku."
Thinking of this, Chen Qing walked out of the quiet room.
In the courtyard, Qingdai and the others were practicing martial arts. Seeing Chen Qing emerge, she stepped forward, holding an invitation in her hands.
"Senior Brother, the Shen family just sent someone to deliver an invitation."
"The Shen family?" Chen Qing's steps paused.
Since becoming a True Disciple, he had less and less contact with the Shen family.
"Yes."
Qingdai presented the invitation, "According to the messenger, Shen family head Shen Jiuhe will soon be holding a birthday celebration. He's widely inviting guests and specially came to invite Senior Brother to attend the ceremony."
Chen Qing didn't reach out to take it, only letting his gaze sweep over that exquisite card as he said indifferently, "I understand. Keep the invitation for now."
The Shen family's birthday banquet would gather crowds of guests and inevitably involve dealings between various powers. He didn't want to become overly involved in these worldly social obligations now, needlessly expending mental energy.
Moreover, his relationship with the Shen family was quite delicate. Whether to go or not required consideration.
He waved his hand, signaling Qingdai to withdraw, then directly left the small courtyard and headed toward Prison Peak.
Before long, Chen Qing once again stepped into the sinister passage of Blackwater Abyss Prison.
Compared to the restless eruption of malevolent qi from some time ago, the malevolent qi within the prison now seemed much calmer. Though still bone-chillingly cold, it was within controllable limits.
He conducted a routine inspection of the first level and, after confirming there were no abnormalities, prepared to proceed to the second level where the malevolent qi was even more concentrated.
Just as he reached the stairway entrance leading to the second level, he encountered Master Qiku coming up from below.
"Amitabha, Benefactor Chen has arrived."
Master Qiku still had that ancient well without waves appearance, though his brow carried a trace of fatigue.
"Master."
Chen Qing cupped his hands in greeting, "This junior has come to stand watch and also has some cultivation questions to consult with Master."
"Thank you for your trouble, Benefactor. Please allow this poor monk to meditate and adjust my breathing for a moment."
Qiku nodded, "This poor monk just finished chanting sutras on the second level and purified the accumulated malevolent qi. Benefactor may act freely. As for the third level..."
He paused, reminding, "Benefactor's strength has advanced considerably. Going to the third level should pose no major problem, but you must remember that even though those prisoners' cultivation has been sealed, you must not have the slightest contempt. Some people... their danger doesn't entirely come from their cultivation."
"This junior understands and will definitely be careful." Chen Qing solemnly acknowledged.
Taking leave of Qiku, Chen Qing first went down to the second level. Operating the Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body, as his blood energy surged, he continuously refined those sinister energies. The dark gold luster beneath his skin flowed accordingly, his physical body being tempered in subtle ways.
Feeling that the malevolent qi on the second level no longer stimulated him as intensely as before, Chen Qing followed the stairs downward, stepping into the third level of Blackwater Abyss Prison.
The malevolent qi here was almost substantial, thick as ink.
Chen Qing's gaze swept over the circular area. There were far fewer cells here than on levels one and two, only about ten but each stone cell was even more heavily fortified.
Those who could be imprisoned here were without exception True Origin realm experts who had once stirred up bloody storms in the outside world, truly troublesome figures.
Chen Qing found an empty space and sat cross-legged, just preparing to use this third level's environment to further temper his physical body while waiting for Qiku to finish his meditation and recovery.
Just then, from a cell not far away, a familiar voice came through.
"I wondered who had such ability to come wandering around the third level at this time. So it's you, little thief!"
Chen Qing's brow raised slightly. He recognized the voice's owner, it was Qi Yu, imprisoned here.
His expression unchanged, he replied indifferently, "How are you finding life as a prisoner?"
Silence filled the cell for a moment, then Qi Yu's deliberately relaxed laughter came through, "Hehe, it's quite nice here. I have food and drink, don't have to fight and kill all day, sheltered from wind and rain. It's much better than when I was hiding here and there outside."
"Really?" Chen Qing's tone was flat, his emotions unreadable.
"Naturally." Qi Yu's voice carried a trace of laziness.
But Chen Qing abruptly changed the subject, "That's a pity then. Originally, I was thinking that though you and I stand on different sides, we at least know each other. If you had any inconveniences here, perhaps when I was in a good mood, I could help you solve one or two small matters."
Inside the cell, Qi Yu leaned against the cold stone wall, a cold smile curving at the corners of her mouth.
She didn't believe Chen Qing would be so kind-hearted.
Qi Yu laughed delicately and said, "Boy, put away those fake pretenses of yours. Whatever scheme you're planning, just say it directly. I prefer straightforward people."
Seeing her so direct, Chen Qing stopped beating around the bush, "I've heard that the Same Heart Demon Planting Great Method you cultivate is a top-tier divine ability of the Demon Sect, mysteriously profound. It can refine Same Heart Demon Shadows, combining offense and defense, even capable of confusing minds. I'm quite curious and would like to borrow it for a look."
Since witnessing the power of Qi Yu's five Same Heart Demons, he had been quite curious about this divine ability secret art.
"You really are an endlessly greedy dog thief!"
Hearing this, Qi Yu said coldly, "You actually dare covet my Limitless Demon Sect's sect-suppressing divine ability! As a True Disciple of Tianbao Upper Sect, if you cultivate demon arts, aren't you afraid word will spread and you'll be completely disgraced?"
Most Demon Sect techniques took dangerous shortcuts, fierce and strange.
If Chen Qing truly cultivated the Same Heart Demon Planting Great Method, once it leaked, it would indeed invite much criticism, even sect punishment.
Chen Qing had anticipated this and calmly replied, "All martial paths can draw analogies and connections. I don't intend to fully convert to demon arts, just want to study one or two aspects, see if there's anything worth borrowing to have a few more response strategies when facing enemies in the future."
His words were half true and half false. Borrowing was true, but if he could grasp its core mysteries and adapt them for his own use, that wouldn't be impossible either.
Qi Yu naturally didn't believe his nonsense and sneered, "You little thief really are insatiably greedy like a snake trying to swallow an elephant! You learned that old bald donkey's Buddhist body refinement secret transmission, your blood energy so yang and vigorous it's nauseating, and now you still want to spy on my Demon Sect's supreme divine ability? Aren't you afraid of Buddha-demon conflict, going astray in cultivation, and exploding to death?"
Chen Qing remained unmoved, saying indifferently, "That needn't concern you."
Qi Yu's eyes rolled as if thinking of something. She suddenly lowered her voice, "Little thief, rather than coveting my demon arts here, you'd better be more careful about yourself."
"What do you mean?" Chen Qing's gaze focused.
"Hehe..." Qi Yu let out a meaningful low laugh, "It seems you know nothing at all about that old bald donkey who chants sutras all day with that sorrowful, compassionate appearance?"
Master Qiku?
Chen Qing's heart stirred. His understanding of Qiku truly wasn't deep.
He only knew that he came from Forgetful Contemplation Hut in the Pure Land, had been the previous Great Sun Hall Head, had profound cultivation, left the Buddhist sect for some reason, and at the Sect Master's invitation had been guarding this prison for over ten years.
As for the specific reasons, the sect records were vague, and Qiku himself had never mentioned them.
Hearing Qi Yu's tone, she seemed to know some unknown secrets?
"Oh? From your tone, you seem to know something about Master Qiku's past?" Chen Qing followed her words, trying to extract information.
Seeing him take the bait, the mockery in Qi Yu's tone intensified, "Qiku? Back in the Pure Land, he was called the holy monk heir most likely to attain Arhat fruit position in the Chan Sect in hundreds of years! He was a renowned figure even in the Pure Land Buddha Nation, even once internally designated as the next abbot candidate of Forgetful Contemplation Hut! Do you know why he would betray the Buddhist sect and fall to his current state?"
"Why?" Chen Qing asked in a deep voice.
"Because he fell in love with a woman and even married her, breaking the precept against lust."
Qi Yu's voice carried a kind of malicious pleasure in revealing secrets, saying word by word, "That would have been one thing, but what's even more shocking is that to sever his emotional ties, comprehend the so-called 'bodhi mind,' and attain Arhat fruit position... he personally killed that wife he deeply loved and who deeply loved him!"
Chen Qing's brows knotted together, "Killed his deeply loved wife?"
"That's right, because he believed that woman was his only weakness."
Qi Yu said coldly, "Killing his wife to attain the Dao! In my view, this is a heinous sin deserving death by a thousand cuts, and naturally it also shocked the entire Pure Land Buddha Nation. Forgetful Contemplation Hut lost all face, which is why they expelled him from Buddhism! Tell me, such a person with surface compassion but inner cruelty—a false Buddha, you're walking so close to him, aren't you afraid of following in that poor woman's footsteps?"
Killing his wife to attain the Dao!?
Even though Chen Qing had some speculation in his heart, hearing this series of revelations, he couldn't help but feel shocked.
These four words carried blood and strangeness, completely different from the solemn and dignified, peaceful and redemptive image of Master Qiku he had seen, even diametrically opposed.
A Buddhist high monk, moved by emotion, marrying and having children.
Then personally killing his beloved to attain Arhat fruit position?
Just thinking about the twists and karmic consequences within made one's blood run cold.
If what Qi Yu said wasn't false, then beneath that compassionate exterior, what was hidden, enlightened transcendence, or bone-deep madness and cruelty?
Chen Qing recalled the words Luo Zhixian had reminded him with before.
He stood in place, silent for a long time. Qi Yu in the cell also stopped speaking.
"What? Scared?"
After a long while, Qi Yu finally spoke.
Her voice carried a trace of mockery, as if very satisfied with Chen Qing's current silence.
Chen Qing quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his tone recovering calmness, "How much of what you say is true and how much false remains unknown."
"Hmph, believe it or not, up to you."
Qi Yu sneered, "This old bald donkey's past, I know it clearly. Though he now seems to be guarding this prison for redemption, in reality he's merely seeking inner comfort, or rather... suppressing that true 'Evil Fruit' in his heart."
Evil Fruit!
The third condition Master Qiku had proposed was for Chen Qing to sever his "Evil Fruit" in the future!
At the time, Chen Qing only felt this thing was inauspicious and didn't want to become involved.
After a moment, Qi Yu spoke, "Your Tianbao Upper Sect is at least a major sect, yet the meals those menial workers bring are thin and watery, so bland I could die. Get me some quality exotic beast meat, roasted until the outside is crispy and the inside tender, with fat sizzling. Also... I love 'Crystal Pork Knuckle' and 'Eight Treasure Precious Chicken' the most. Remember to add plenty of spirit medicine seasonings for flavor!"
Hearing this, Chen Qing's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
This demon woman, having become a prisoner, still had such a picky mouth.
Crystal Pork Knuckle was fatty but not greasy, Eight Treasure Precious Chicken had its belly stuffed with spirit materials, both were delicacies requiring time and effort to carefully prepare. Even ordinary restaurants might not make them well, yet she was naming specific dishes.
"Wait and see, depends on my mood." Chen Qing replied with a sentence, his tone indifferent.
The past about Qiku that Qi Yu revealed made his thoughts become active as well.
Chen Qing rose and left the third level. When he returned to the first level, Master Qiku had already finished his meditation and stood quietly in the passage, his aura peaceful throughout.
He wore spotless black robes, with kind brows and gentle eyes, solemn and dignified.
"Benefactor Chen, what matter do you wish to ask this poor monk?" Master Qiku looked toward Chen Qing with gentle eyes.
Chen Qing gathered his composure and first cupped his hands in apology, "Master, this junior previously promised to search for that 'Blood Bodhi' but still has no leads. I'm truly ashamed."
Master Qiku waved his hand, his expression showing neither joy nor sorrow, "No matter. The opportunity hasn't arrived yet and cannot be forced. That Benefactor keeps it in mind is already something this poor monk appreciates."
Chen Qing nodded, then turned to the main topic, "Master, this junior encountered a precious medicine outside called Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus. I heard it's related to the Buddhist Pure Land, so I've come specially to consult."
Qiku had never left Prison Peak, so presumably he wouldn't have contact with people from Black Water Giant City or Cloudwater Upper Sect.
Even if it was exposed later, it wouldn't matter. By then he would have already absorbed all the Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus.
"Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus?"
Qiku slowly said, "This item is indeed rare. It contains supreme yang essence and mighty vitality. For our Buddhist body refinement arts, it's an excellent supplementary medicine. Within the Western Desert Pure Land, high monks also cultivate them, but mostly three-leaf or five-leaf. Seven-leaf is already a precious item."
"According to legend, Golden Lotus can reach nine leaves at most. That would already be a rare treasure in the world. As for ten leaves or more... that would be heaven and earth's creation, unable to be nurtured by ordinary spirit lands. Each additional leaf often requires a hundred years of time. The Pure Land Buddhist sect's Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure that suppresses their fortune—the 'Thirteen-Grade Pure World Lotus Platform', its core was taken from the heart of a naturally born thirteen-leaf jade lotus."
Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasure!
Thirteen-Grade Pure World Lotus Platform!
Chen Qing's heart shook violently.
Heaven-Connecting Spirit Treasures were peerless treasures transcending ordinary spirit treasures, each possessing unfathomable might sufficient to shake the world. Like Tianbao Upper Sect's "Tianbao Tower" was one of them, though supposedly no one could fully control it.
He never expected that the origin of the Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus could involve treasures at such a level.
"Though the Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus is far from the divine wonder of nine-leaf or thirteen-leaf, for your current Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body cultivation, it's already an invaluable assistance."
Master Qiku continued, "This item's medicinal properties are domineering. Direct consumption might damage meridians and waste medicinal power. The best method is to take one golden leaf, supplement it with 'Earth Heart Jade Marrow,' 'Hundred-Year Stalactite,' and other gentle spirit liquids, plus several flavors of supplementary medicines to harmonize the properties. Put them all in a bathing barrel and use True Origin to guide the medicinal power from outside to inside, gradually and progressively tempering the physical body and nourishing blood energy."
"Each time you bathe, you must wait until the medicinal power is completely absorbed before proceeding with the next session."
Chen Qing carefully memorized this and cupped his hands, "Thank you for Master's guidance."
Having learned the method for using the Seven-Leaf Golden Lotus, Chen Qing prepared to take his leave.
"Wait, Benefactor Chen."
But Master Qiku called out to stop him, "Observing Benefactor's blood energy circulation, round and mighty, subtly conforming to dragon-elephant true intent, could it be that Dragon-Elephant Prajna Vajra Body has already reached the fifth layer?"
Chen Qing nodded, "Master has keen eyes. This junior just broke through not long ago."
Qiku pressed his palms together, "Amitabha. Though Benefactor Chen's cultivation time is short, your progress is astonishing. You have considerable aptitude for the body refinement path. You truly are... fated with Buddha."
These words "fated with Buddha," heard by his ears, inevitably made Chen Qing think of Qi Yu's words again, his heart inexplicably sinking.
His face remained impassive as he only politely responded a few times, then took his leave again. This time Qiku didn't stop him.
Leaving Prison Peak, walking on the small path back to True Martial Peak, Chen Qing's mind still echoed with Qi Yu's words and Qiku's guidance.
The two intertwined, making him develop deeper wariness and curiosity about that master from Forgetful Contemplation Hut.
That so-called "Evil Fruit," what exactly was it?
And what connection did it have with that "killing his wife to attain the Dao" past?
Just as his thoughts were scattered, at the bend ahead on the small path, a graceful female figure quietly appeared, blocking his way.
This woman wore the core disciple attire of the Nine Heavens lineage, with a slender figure and beautiful face. She cupped her fists respectfully toward Chen Qing in greeting, "Senior Brother Chen, greetings. This junior sister comes at Senior Brother Nan Zhuoran's command to specially invite you. Senior Brother Nan has prepared a modest banquet at 'Cloud Viewing Pavilion' and sincerely invites Senior Brother Chen to come for a discussion."
Nan Zhuoran!?
Chen Qing's steps paused.
Why would this person ranked first among True Disciples with unfathomable strength, usually as elusive as a dragon, the great senior brother of the Nine Heavens lineage, suddenly invite him?
In an instant, a hundred thoughts flashed through Chen Qing's mind, but his face showed no change whatsoever, "Please lead the way, Junior Sister."
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