Outside the Wind and Rain Pool, Lou Bugui was overjoyed and wanted to rush in, but Xi Guxing held his wrist tightly, preventing him from moving an inch. He didn't stop struggling, still determined to enter the pool filled with poisonous mist.
Lou Bugui was unusually excited: "Senior brother! Senior brother! 'Soul Separation' worked! Senior brother, senior brother!"
Xi Guxing was exasperated, angrily saying, "Didn't I say forbid research into poisons?!"
Lou Bugui's emotions didn't diminish at all. He continued to struggle in Xi Guxing's grasp, stumbling and trying to run forward: "I knew the Soul-Capturing Grass would work. Once Soul Separation is complete, I..."
Xi Guxing: "Lou Bugui!"
The next moment, a dragon's roar echoed from the horizon, instantly reaching the two of them.
Chao Jiuxiao quickly transformed into human form, landing gracefully with Shen Gurong.
Both of them were covered in Lou Bugui's "Soul Separation," and their feet felt slightly unsteady upon landing.
Chao Jiuxiao, with an imposing aura, raised his hand and waved it, his black robe billowing in the wind. He strode forward, his clothes fluttering as if seeking revenge, and roared, "You little piece of trash! Come here!"
Lou Bugui reacted a beat slower, tilting his head when he saw him.
Both were completely naked. Shen Gurong's silk robe had slumped limply against his neck. His face was pale, his white hair hanging down his back, still dripping water, his eyes unfocused and vacant, looking as if he had lost his soul.
Chao Jiuxiao's demonic form was powerful. Even though he had just been shaken so badly that he spat out blood and had his face covered in the Soul-Separating Force, he still seemed unaffected. He was furious, but his steps towards Lou Bugui were somewhat unsteady, as if he might veer off course at any moment.
Xi Guxing coughed dryly, somewhat guiltily releasing his grip.
Lou Bugui immediately rushed forward a few steps, bumping right into Chao Jiuxiao's hand.
Chao Jiuxiao slapped him mercilessly, hitting Lou Bugui squarely on the head, knocking his head to the side.
Lou Bugui's excitement subsided, and he looked at him somewhat dazedly before finally reacting: "Fifth Senior Brother."
Fifth Senior Brother roared, "What kind of nonsense have you been researching now?! Can't you use your energy for something useful?! Huh?! Speak!"
Lou Bugui spoke: "Fifth Senior Brother, you've come out of seclusion."
Chao Jiuxiao raised his hand again and slapped him. He was under the influence of the Soul Separation Technique, so his strength was minimal, but Lou Bugui was still knocked to the side.
Xi Guxing finally couldn't stand it anymore and stepped forward, saying, "He's already stupid, don't keep hitting his head."
Chao Jiuxiao, unmoved by family ties, lashed out at him, "Did I make him stupid?!"
The destruction of the secluded pool where Chao Jiuxiao had lived for many years, coupled with his inexplicable exposure to that damned poison, made him even more irritable.
He completely ignored Xi Guxing, raising his index finger and heavily tapping Lou Bugui's head, causing Lou Bugui to sway back and forth.
Chao Jiuxiao continued tapping and cursing, "If I don't hit you, you won't know how many legs a dragon has! What are you dodging for? The Wind and Rain Pool was painstakingly built by Master, drawing boundless water for me, and you, a little piece of trash, destroyed it all in one day! How do you plan to compensate me?! How do you plan to apologize to Master? Huh? Speak!"
Lou Bugui was stunned, looking at him blankly.
Shen Gurong, caught off guard by the Soul-Separating Poison, stood there dazed for a while, barely hearing Chao Jiuxiao's curses. He only felt a hazy mist around his ears, as if shrouded in white fog.
While Phoenix spiritual power is powerful and rare, it is extremely difficult to refine and utilize. This time, Shen Gurong had accidentally formed a phoenix pact, allowing him to easily absorb the Phoenix spiritual power, which previously had little effect in his meridians, into his yuandan to enhance his cultivation.
However, Shen Gurong was incredibly unlucky. Having just recovered his cultivation, he was then poisoned by Lou Bugui's rare poison.
Previously, Shen Gurong had secretly kept one of Lou Bugui's Soul-Capturing Grasses, but later, not knowing how to use it, he carelessly discarded it. Now, with the appearance of "Soul Separation," he finally understood the true use of the Soul-Capturing Grass.
As the name suggests, after being poisoned by Soul Separation, one feels as if their soul is floating, as if it could fly away at any moment.
Su Xiyan arrived from afar and, seeing Shen Gurong had returned to human form, smiled and stepped forward: "Eleventh, how are you feeling?"
Shen Gurong looked in the direction of the voice, and asked uncertainly, "Su Xiyan?"
Su Xiyan found it strange and was about to touch Shen Gurong's forehead when he took a half-step back to avoid him.
"He and Jiuxiao were poisoned by the 'Soul Separation' poison developed by Bugui. Fortunately, they didn't absorb much and will recover in a few days." Xi Guxing hurriedly stepped forward to support the swaying Shen Gurong, and said to Su Xiyan, "The Wind and Rain Pool is now filled with poisonous fog. I've already set up a barrier. Senior Sister, you and Bugui should discuss how to dissipate the fog."
Su Xiyan blinked, surprised, and asked, "The poison Bugui gave Eleven, is it really a deadly poison that kills on contact with blood?"
Xi Guxing's face darkened: "I was just joking about the coffin, but it seems he really intends to kill Eleven and Jiuxiao together with the poison."
Su Xiyan: "..."
Su Xiyan smiled helplessly: "Alright, I understand. You should send Eleven back first."
Shen Gurong suffered so much in just a few days, finally regaining his true form only to be poisoned again. Even Xi Guxing felt a little sorry for him.
"Okay, fine."
Xi Guxing led the dazed Shen Gurong back to Fanjiang Residence. Chao Jiuxiao was still berating Lou Bugui.
Lou Bugui was usually slow to act and speak; even if someone scolded him, it might take him a long time to react. But Chao Jiuxiao's scolding was so forceful that he actually managed to make Lou Bugui squat on the ground, rubbing his fingers at the grass.
Su Xiyan said, "Jiuxiao, stop scolding him. Bugui knows he's wrong."
"He doesn't know he's wrong at all." Chao Jiuxiao glared at him before reluctantly withdrawing his hand.
Lou Bugui's brow was red from being poked; he was now holding his head in hushed tones, silent and aggrieved.
Chao Jiuxiao pulled his wide robe tighter, saying irritably, "I can't stay at the Wind and Rain Pool right now. Where am I supposed to stay?"
Su Xiyan said, "Isn't Lotus Lake bigger and more spacious? Go there until the poisonous fog dissipates, but be careful not to frighten any passing disciples."
Chao Jiuxiao's eyes widened in disbelief, then he exploded, "Senior Sister! Fanjiang Residence is right next to Lotus Lake! Are you trying to disgust this one to death?!"
Su Xiyan was about to gently persuade him when Lou Bugui tilted his head slightly and whispered, "Fifth Senior Brother can stay at my place."
Chao Jiuxiao scoffed, glancing at him disdainfully, "If I stay at your place, you can go to the Wind and Water Pool to study the poisonous fog, right?"
Lou Bugui's eyes lit up, thinking he had agreed, and he quickly nodded.
Chao Jiuxiao then started tugging at his collar and poking his head.
Su Xiyan said, "How about it?"
Chao Jiuxiao angrily said, "I'm going! Tell Shen Eleven to be careful, and ideally, not to leave the house for any part of the day, or I'll devour him every time I see him!"
After saying this, he snorted coldly, flicked his robes, and transformed into a gigantic demon, soaring through the clouds to Lotus Lake and plunging in.
The splashing water in Lotus Lake rained down on Fanjiang Residence like a downpour, soaking Xi Guxing and Shen Gurong, who hadn't even entered the house yet.
Xi Guxing: "..."
Xi Guxing also had a fiery temper. He shoved Shen Gurong aside, drew his short sword, and stormed off to Lotus Lake.
"Chao Jiuxiao! Get out here!"
Chao Jiuxiao had been in seclusion all winter, and upon emerging from seclusion, he encountered this unpleasant situation. He was just about to stretch his muscles when he saw Xi Guxing, completely drenched, coming to declare war. He immediately rushed out of Lotus Lake, excited.
The dragon murmured towards Xi Guxing on the shore, "Come here!"
Xi Guxing, expressionless, charged forward, sword in hand.
The commotion from the fight between the two had drawn everyone to Jiuchun Mountain to watch, but fearing getting wet, they only dared to watch from afar as the water in Lotus Lake was splashed and re-fallen during their exchange.
Mu Zhe had finally finished copying the four hundred and fifty times of "Peace is Precious," and was about to go find his master when a sudden downpour began.
He looked at the clear blue sky, puzzled, and went to see what was happening, umbrella in hand.
Yu Xinghe was frantically copying "Harmony is Precious" when he glanced at Mu Zhe running out the window and called out, "Junior Brother, are you done copying?"
Mu Zhe paused, turned to look at him, and nodded reservedly, "Yes, I'm done."
Yu Xinghe exclaimed, "Ah!" and immediately scratched his head, extremely anxious, "I need to copy it quickly too!"
Mu Zhe ignored his unwavering competitive spirit and went out with his umbrella.
The battle raged on Lotus Lake, with huge splashes of water occasionally landing on Fanjiang Residence. It was unclear whether Chao Jiuxiao was doing it on purpose.
Mu Zhe didn't dare approach Lotus Lake. He glanced hesitantly at the wide-open gate of Fanjiang Residence's main courtyard.
But one glance was enough to freeze him in place.
The main courtyard of Fanjiang Residence, once filled with misty evening glories, was now a pitiful sight, disheveled and overturned by the floodwaters. Shen Gurong, now back in his original form, sat blankly on the wooden steps of the long corridor, his silk robe draped over his robe, his eyes staring vacantly into the void.
He was soaking wet, a few strands of white hair clinging to his pale cheeks, even his lips were sickly white.
Another stream of water descended from the sky, drenching Shen Gurong directly over the head.
But he seemed oblivious, not even flinching, letting the water drench him. His white robe, formed from water droplets, was now soaked, clinging tightly to his body, vaguely revealing his jade-like form.
Mu Zhe: “…”
Mu Zhe rushed over, holding an umbrella over Shen Gurong’s head: “Master!”
Shen Gurong’s eyes were unfocused, completely unfocused.
Mu Zhe raised his hand and shook his arm: "Master, Master?"
Shen Gurong took a while to recover from the shaking, and murmured, "A'Zhe?"
Mu Zhe was startled.
Shen Gurong groped for his arm and hugged him, whispering, "Master will protect you."
Mu Zhe trembled, looking at him in disbelief.
After saying this, Shen Gurong drifted off into his own thoughts again.
Mu Zhe stood there dumbfounded for a long time before realizing that his master was probably in trouble again, and he had no choice but to put his chaotic emotions aside.
He half-carried, half-dragged Shen Gurong under the umbrella and coaxed him into the room, casually tossing the umbrella aside.
Shen Gurong swayed and fell into a chair, knees bent, feet on the chair, curled up in the narrow space, hugging his knees.
Mu Zhe, not very strong, was already panting heavily from the ordeal. Seeing Shen Gurong's disheveled state, he took a dry towel and gently wiped the water from his face.
Just as he finished wiping, he watched in disbelief as two streams of tears slowly flowed from Shen Gurong's glassy eyes.
Mu Zhe froze again.
Shen Gurong wept quietly, his beauty as exquisite as a puppet meticulously crafted by the Linglang Pavilion, capable of fetching an astronomical price.
As if possessed, Mu Zhe raised his hand and gently wiped the water from Shen Gurong's face.
"Master?"
Shen Gurong gently closed his eyes, seemingly unresponsive.
Shen Gurong remained in this dazed state for two whole days, finally regaining his senses on the third day.
And the first thing he did upon regaining consciousness was to confront Lou Bugui.
Shen Gurong, dressed in the red robe given to him by Su Xiyan, left Fanjiang Residence with a grim expression, intending to storm Baishang Mountain.
However, after taking only two steps, he realized he couldn't reach Baishang Mountain at all, because he didn't know the way.
Shen Gurong: "..."
Shen Gurong had no choice but to turn back, thinking that revenge was a dish best served cold, and he could do it next time; he was still young.
As soon as he returned to Fanjiang Residence, Wen Liubing rushed over with a stack of papers.
"Master," he bowed, "I've finished copying 'Harmony is Precious' that you asked me to copy a few days ago."
Shen Gurong had almost forgotten about that incident, giving him a cold look: "I think it was five days ago, wasn't it?"
Wen Liubing nodded.
Shen Gurong had only mentioned it casually, gesturing for him to hand over the copied book. This was the first time he had punished someone by making them copy a book, and he intended to check it personally.
Wen Liubing respectfully presented it with both hands.
Shen Gurong took it, flipped through it a few times, and suddenly fell silent.
Dozens of pages were filled with the phrase "Harmony is Precious." The top half of the writing, though childish, was of a very high standard, the same handwriting Shen Gurong had seen in Mu Zhe's room before;
On the bottom half, however, the phrase "Harmony is precious" was written crookedly, probably because he was in a hurry and the last few characters were almost flying off; an uninformed person might mistake it for "demons and monsters."
Shen Gurong gently pressed his fingertips onto the stack of papers, took a deep breath, and silently recited "Harmony is paramount, harmony is paramount" in his heart. Trying to remain calm, he asked, "Disciple, why are the handwritings different?"
Wen Liubing said, "Master, disciple is going to practice swordsmanship."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Wen Liubing couldn't even lie properly. Sensing trouble, he turned and left.
Shen Gurong said in a deep voice, "Stop!"
Wen Liubing paused, then suddenly shouted sharply, "Stop!"
Mu Zhe and Yu Xinghe, who were returning from their morning lessons not far away, stopped in their tracks, looking over in confusion.
Shen Gurong crossed his arms, coldly watching how Wen Liubing would try to cover up his lie.
Wen Liubing said to the two with displeasure, "Master is here. Why don't you bow to him? Have you forgotten your manners?"
Mu Zhe and Yu Xinghe: "..."
Didn't you say that we shouldn't bother Master unless there was something else going on?
Shen Gurong finally couldn't hold back any longer, his voice chilling as he said, enunciating each word clearly: "Wen, San, Shui."
Wen Sanshui felt a chill run down his spine.
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