Shen Gurong spent two more days thoroughly processing and accepting his plan to potentially spend ten years inside this book.
Then, when Su Xiyan came to ask if he really wasn't considering having Chao Jiuxiao help him refine the phoenix's spiritual power, Shen Gurong suddenly seemed to have a change of heart.
"I'm not even afraid of spending ten years inside this book, so why would I be afraid of that mere long worm?"
Shen Gurong nodded in agreement, displaying a rather heroic air of going to his death.
On the day he went to find Chao Jiuxiao, Xi Guxing and Lou Bugui all came to "see him off."
Xi Guxing said, "Sixth Junior Brother happens to have a coffin for sale, and I've already had him order the best coffin for you. Don't be afraid, it's free this time. Sixth Junior Brother is overjoyed and personally chose the coffin for you."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Shen Gurong was even more frightened.
Lou Bugui shoved a packet of poisonous herbs he'd made himself into Shen Gurong's hands, instructing him, "If he tries to devour you, grab this packet. The poison inside is lethal upon contact with blood; enough to kill you and him together."
Shen Gurong: "..."
No, no way!
Su Xiyan stood to the side, a look of smug satisfaction on her face, as if to say, "Our sect is indeed harmonious, with brothers so loving and respectful."
Shen Gurong, after being "comforted" by Xi Guxing and Lou Bugui, was so frightened he could barely stand.
Normally, the Wind and Rain Pool was deathly silent, because a dragon had entered the pool, and no insects or beasts dared approach within a mile. But today, for some reason, the crackling sounds of the Wind and Rain Pool could be heard from afar.
Shen Gurong's legs went weak, and he looked up at Su Xiyan for reassurance.
Su Xiyan gently comforted him, "Fifth Junior Brother is just a little grumpy when he wakes up, don't worry."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Chao Jiuxiao's temper was already so volatile; if he added grumpy mornings, wouldn't he just breathe fire?!
Shen Gurong trembled, he was trembling with fear. When they arrived at the Wind and Rain Pool, he clung to Su Xiyan's waist, his toes barely touching the ground.
Su Xiyan smiled, "Eleventh, we're here."
Shen Gurong sobbed, "Senior Sister..."
Su Xiyan patted his head and said, "You're going to die sooner or later, Eleventh."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Shen Gurong was hesitating whether to jump off his senior sister when a deep voice reached his ear.
"Get lost, don't bother me."
Shen Gurong stiffened and hugged Su Xiyan even tighter.
Su Xiyan, holding Shen Gurong, remained unperturbed by the scolding and said, "It's me."
She placed Shen Gurong on the ground. Shen Gurong, having mentally prepared herself, didn't cling to Su Xiyan any longer.
Shen Gurong feigned composure and slowly turned to look at the Wind and Rain Pool not far away.
In the Wind and Rain Pool, most of Chao Jiuxiao's body had emerged from the dark pool, coiled twice like a snake, its massive head resting on its tail. It was now slowly opening its eyes.
Although not a dragon, the jiao possessed the ability to ride the clouds and summon wind and rain. Its temperament was violent. The moment its cold, dark blue eyes opened, it was as if a storm was about to erupt from its pupils, carrying a fierce and violent force.
Chao Jiuxiao's eyes were icy, and before he opened his mouth, a voice of disgust pierced through the air.
"Shen-eleven, get out if you don't want to die."
Shen Gurong cried out inwardly, but outwardly remained calm and unmoved. Su Xiyan remained calm, recounting the events in detail, and concluded, "Master is aware of this matter and has ordered us to assist Eleven in his transformation."
Shen Gurong was startled and looked up at him.
Su Xiyan winked at her, mouthing: "Just kidding."
Chao Jiuxiao, who had been quite impatient, was already flailing his tail wildly in the Wind and Rain Pool halfway through the conversation when, upon hearing the last sentence, his tail suddenly stiffened and slowly retracted.
Shen Gurong stood there, his face ashen, though his legs were already trembling.
Chao Jiuxiao remained silent for a moment, then his figure blurred, instantly transforming into a handsome, naked man.
Half of his body was submerged in the water, leaning lazily against a boulder beside the Wind and Rain Pool. His long, narrow, dark blue eyes coldly swept over Shen Gurong before quickly looking away, as if even glancing at him would taint his own eyes.
Su Xiyan coughed lightly and said, "Junior brother, you forgot to put on your clothes again."
Chao Jiuxiao frowned, his voice low and deep, "You humans are such a hassle."
Despite his words, he kicked the water, and countless droplets condensed into a black robe, which he casually draped over his shoulder, covering half his body.
Su Xiyan glanced up, then lowered her head again, her ears turning bright red. "Junior brother, get dressed."
Chao Jiuxiao was annoyed and snapped, "I'm already dressed!"
Su Xiyan had no choice but to run over, half-closing her eyes, and pulled up the robe that had slipped off half of Chao Jiuxiao's shoulder, then expertly fastened his belt and collar.
Although Chao Jiuxiao's face was full of anger and rage, he managed to suppress his rage, frowning as Su Xiyan dressed him.
After dressing, Chao Jiuxiao tugged at his tightly wrapped robes, frowning, "These clothes are so annoying."
Su Xiyan said softly, "But there should be a difference between men and women."
Chao Jiuxiao reluctantly stopped tugging at his clothes.
He propped his head up with his hands, crossed his legs, and the robes he had just put on parted slightly, revealing two long, jade-like legs. He glanced coldly at Shen Gurong and said, "No wonder he smells so bad."
Shen Gurong: "..."
What smell? Explain yourself!
The dragon and the phoenix have never gotten along, always fighting whenever they meet. Sensing the phoenix's spiritual energy, Chao Jiuxiao's face grew even more irritated.
"Do you want me to help him refine it?"
Su Xiyan nodded.
Chao Jiuxiao narrowed his eyes and suddenly said readily, "Sure."
Even after Chao Jiuxiao agreed, Shen Gurong remained vigilant, instinctively knowing he would make unreasonable demands later.
Sure enough, Chao Jiuxiao's narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and he licked his lips, revealing two small, slightly pointed teeth.
He stared at Shen Gurong, his voice trailing off, a half-smile playing on his lips as he said, "Beg me."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Su Xiyan felt awkward. Shen Feng Xue and Chao Jiuxiao had always been at odds, and Chao Jiuxiao would never easily let go of such a perfect opportunity to kick someone when they were down. She just hadn't expected him to humiliate Shen Feng Xue like this.
For a powerful cultivator to utter the word "beg," if Shen Feng Xue weren't a child, the two would definitely be fighting.
Su Xiyan was frantically trying to figure out how to smooth things over when she heard Shen Gurong suddenly say calmly, "Beg you? Fine."
Su Xiyan was stunned.
Chao Jiuxiao opened his eyes, leaned forward slightly, rested his elbows on his knees, and propped his chin on his hand, saying with interest, "Oh? You're actually willing?"
Shen Gurong slowly wiped the jade in his hand, saying casually, "If a mere request can get Senior Brother to help Eleventh Transform, I'll definitely tell Master about Fifth Senior Brother's contribution afterwards."
Chao Jiuxiao: "..."
Su Xiyan: "..."
Su Xiyan's expression was strange, seemingly not expecting that his usually indifferent Eleventh Junior Brother would actually learn to tattle.
Chao Jiuxiao's face turned cold, and he said coldly, "Are you threatening me?"
Shen Gurong smiled and said, "I'm just truthfully telling Master about Fifth Senior Brother's hard work, so that Fifth Senior Brother's good intentions won't be wasted. I wonder if Eleventh's words count as a threat?"
Su Xiyan lowered her eyes, suppressing a laugh.
Chao Jiuxiao's vertical pupils seemed to brew a storm. He stared at Shen Gurong for a long time before rising from the water, his black robes trailing, revealing his tall, slender figure.
He slowly walked across the water in the Wind and Rain Pool, his eyes fixed on Shen Gurong, and casually said, "Alright, I agree. Senior Sister, you should go back now."
Su Xiyan hesitated, "You...you know your limits, don't you?"
Chao Jiuxiao smiled coldly, revealing two sharp teeth, and said with a forced smile, "Of course I know."
Su Xiyan then turned and left.
Shen Gurong remained expressionless, but inwardly he was crying out: Senior Sister! Senior Sister, don't go! He wants to devour me! His eyes are devouring me!!
Senior Sister didn't have Mu Zhe's ability to read his mind, and she left with extreme nonchalance.
Soon, only the two of them remained in the vast Wind and Rain Pool.
Chao Jiuxiao had already walked up to Shen Gurong, looking down at him. He suddenly smiled and said, "Eleventh Junior Brother, come on."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Don't laugh, it scares me even more.
Although Chao Jiuxiao had become a disciple of a Daoist cultivator, his nature, raised by Nan Yangjun, remained unchanged. He disliked wearing human clothes. Seeing Su Xiyan leave, he directly unbuttoned his robes and entered the Wind and Rain Pool completely naked, only his black hair covering most of his body, barely preventing him from being naked.
Shen Gurong: "..."
Chao Jiuxiao's slightly wavy long hair cascaded down his back, a few strands of black hair clinging to his cheeks, giving him an inexplicably erotic look. He said to Shen Gurong, "Come."
Shen Gurong silently exhaled, coldly replying, "Where?"
Chao Jiuxiao: "In the water."
Shen Gurong said, "I'm currently in a mortal body; I can't hold my breath underwater."
Chao Jiuxiao's eyes crinkled: "Isn't that even better?"
Shen Gurong: "..."
Just as Shen Gurong was about to back away, a dragon's tail suddenly emerged from the water, wrapping around his waist and lightly dragging him into the water.
Before Shen Gurong could even utter a cry of surprise, he was submerged in the water. A chilling coldness enveloped his limbs, causing him to shiver imperceptibly.
He struggled to open his eyes. Chao Jiuxiao's upper body was human, but his lower body was a dragon's tail, his seaweed-like long hair floating in the water, making him appear like a water ghost dragging him into the water.
Chao Jiuxiao, able to breathe normally underwater, squinted and circled Shen Gurong twice. Suddenly, he leaned forward from behind Shen Gurong, whispering in his ear, "What merit do you possess to deserve Master's favor?"
Shen Gurong, perhaps still shaken from his previous shock, felt no fear. He glanced coldly at Chao Jiuxiao, thinking only of his handsome appearance.
Chao Jiuxiao's dark blue eyes were filled with resentment and violence: "Many people beg for even a glance from Master, yet you discard him like trash. Shen Feng Xue, who do you think you are?"
Shen Gurong's pupils narrowed slightly. Discarded like trash?
Is the relationship between Nan Yangjun and Shen Feng Xue really that bad?
Seeing his pale face, Chao Jiuxiao felt a surge of pleasure. He swept his dragon tail, striking Shen Gurong squarely in the abdomen, sending him plummeting to the bottom of the Wind and Rain Pool with a loud crash.
Shen Gurong nearly coughed up blood. His breath finally stopped completely. He struggled to swim upwards, but Chao Jiuxiao forcefully pressed him back down to the bottom of the water.
“Don’t move,” Chao Jiuxiao said coldly. “If the refining of the Phoenix Spiritual Power goes wrong, it could wipe out the entire Liren Peak. Do you want to kill everyone?”
Shen Gurong glared at him fiercely, thinking, 'Fine, I’ll refine it then. Can’t you at least speak properly?'
Chao Jiuxiao, perhaps venting his personal anger, pressed Shen Gurong down to the bottom of the water. Seeing Shen Gurong’s face growing paler, he raised his hand and touched Shen Gurong’s brow. A surge of demonic spiritual power rushed in.
Shen Gurong’s pupils widened sharply.
Chao Jiuxiao’s dragon spiritual power, like himself, was exceptionally domineering. Unlike Xi Guxing’s gentle spiritual power, which had entered his body, it swept into Shen Gurong’s spiritual consciousness and meridians like a whirlwind, engulfing the Phoenix Spiritual Power hidden within his meridians.
The dragon's spiritual energy swept through like a whirlwind, instantly driving all the phoenix spiritual energy into Shen Gurong's dantian.
Shen Gurong had already closed his eyes. His dantian, which hadn't circulated for a long time, began to operate rapidly as the phoenix spiritual energy entered, autonomously absorbing it without his spiritual consciousness.
Chao Jiuxiao was helping him refine the spiritual energy when he suddenly opened his eyes, looking at Shen Gurong with surprise, as if he had noticed something.
"Your dantian..."
Before he could finish speaking, Shen Gurong, who had kept his eyes closed, abruptly opened them. He slapped Chao Jiuxiao on the shoulder and coldly said, "Get out of the way!"
Before Chao Jiuxiao could react, Shen Gurong's dantian had completely refined the phoenix spiritual energy. This energy not only instantly transformed Shen Gurong back into his original form, but the excess further enriched his cultivation, leaving him only one opportunity to ascend to sainthood.
As Chao Jiuxiao had said, the remaining phoenix spiritual energy, if unleashed at the Wind and Rain Pool, would have nearly shattered the Boundary Spirit Tablet of Liren Peak.
Chao Jiuxiao was caught off guard and struck in the shoulder by the spiritual energy, slamming into a boulder with a thud.
Chao Jiuxiao coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Even a Nascent Soul cultivator's attack couldn't cause the Wind and Rain Pool to tremble for a moment, but this time, the entire pool seemed to be swept by a hurricane, the surface surging with waves, even causing Liren Peak to shake for a moment.
At the bottom of the Wind and Rain Pool, Shen Gurong's white hair floated as he slowly opened his eyes.
Chao Jiuxiao had already transformed into a gigantic demonic form at the bottom of the pool, roaring ferociously at Shen Gurong: "Shen Feng Xue, come and fight!"
Shen Gurong: "..."
Shen Gurong looked at himself, his lips twitching slightly.
'Please, let me find some clothes first.' His spiritual energy had fully recovered. Following Chao Jiuxiao's method, Shen Gurong waved his hand, and water droplets transformed into a white robe that enveloped his slender body.
Once fully dressed, Shen Gurong finally breathed a sigh of relief. Unlike Chao Jiuxiao, he wasn't shameless enough to run around naked without batting an eye.
He glanced at Chao Jiuxiao, estimated his cultivation level, and then scoffed, "You can't beat me."
Chao Jiuxiao coldly replied, "You only have half a yuandan now. Whether you can beat me is another matter."
Shen Gurong was somewhat surprised. Half a yuandan? Why only half a yuandan?
Chao Jiuxiao seemed confident of victory. Taking advantage of Shen Gurong's stunned state, he directly opened his mouth, intending to swallow him whole openly.
Just as he rushed forward, Chao Jiuxiao froze, his voice cracking with rage: "What did you bring?!"
Shen Gurong paused, glancing down at the small, bright red garment scattered nearby.
A sudden sense of foreboding washed over him. His face remained impassive as he said, "Tenth Senior Brother gave me a packet of poisonous herbs, telling me to die with you."
Chao Jiuxiao: "..."
Chao Jiuxiao roared, "You little piece of trash!!!"
With a furious roar, he swooped down, hoisting Shen Gurong onto his broad back, and with lightning speed, burst out of the Wind and Rain Pool, creating a huge splash.
Moments later, the entire Wind and Rain Pool was shrouded in a poisonous mist.
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