Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 343: Night Conversation Over Wine

Zhao Changhe smiled and did not dwell on the old man’s words too much. He raised his bowl and drank all of the wine within, then exclaimed, “Woah, excellent wine! I’ve never had such fine fruit wine before.”

Yuxu was delighted and laughed heartily. “Of course, I picked the mountain fruits myself, used the best spring water, and brewed it with my own hands. I may not claim to be the best in everything, but when it comes to wine, no one can compare to me.”

Zhao Changhe said, “Can I take some with me? I just got a new gourd, and it’s empty.”

Yuxu waved his hand with a smile. “Help yourself... While you’re at it, take a jug and deliver it for me.”

“To whom?”

“Li Shentong. Ask him how he likes it and if he acknowledges it’s good.”

“...Alright. Let me first toast you, old man.”

Yuxu happily raised his bowl and drank. It was clear that he truly enjoyed having someone to share a few bowls of hot wine with in this snowy wood cabin.

Zhao Changhe enjoyed it, too.

Every great figure had their own story and pursuits.

Zhao Changhe felt that there had to be deep reasons as to why Yuxu chose to seclude himself here. It did not make sense for him to only be doing so to trick evildoers. His carefree attitude of living amid the clouds and moonlight, enjoying the days leisurely, did not seem like someone overly concerned with human good and evil.

Instead, his attitude suggested a stance of worldly matters not having anything to do with him.

It was as if he were saying, “Let the puppets play their part while I gaze at the peak of Kunlun.”

Moreover, the evildoers were not fools. If people kept disappearing, why did they naively believe they were being sheltered rather than being slaughtered? There had to be a reason they still believed that they were being sheltered.

However, Yuxu had stopped him from asking any questions right from the start. He was told not to ask, simply enjoy a drink, and then go on his own way.

Zhao Changhe truly did not pry further. There was no point in prying into others’ affairs. Instead, he asked about his own concerns: “Senior, you can see that I’m seeking the path to becoming a master?”

“How can I not?” Yuxu sipped his wine and smiled leisurely. “You climbed this mountain, listening to the wind and admiring the scenery. It was as if you weren’t here to visit me, but to experience Kunlun. Was that intentional?”

Zhao Changhe said, “To be honest, I did start out with the intention of visiting you, but the higher I climbed, the more I forgot about everything else.”

“That’s normal... Initially, you deliberately seek, but gradually it becomes natural. This applies to everything.”

“Yes, I’ve experienced that.”

“However, your foundation in the cultivation of vicious blood doesn’t seem to align with this path. It’s truly unusual.” Yuxu stroked his beard. “I’ve heard you have no master. Who taught you to slow down? Ver... The woman on Kun Ridge you were with cultivates fiercely like fire. She doesn’t seem like someone who would guide you this way.”

Just as Ye Wuzong had judged, those who could guess that it was Vermillion Bird would not want to expose it.

Yuxu was quick to adapt.

Zhao Changhe did not catch the shift and answered, “It was First Seat Tang.”

Yuxu nodded slightly. “Without her, your temperament would definitely not be what it is now.”

Zhao Changhe knew that his temperament had changed significantly, and the turning point was indeed his encounter with Tang Wanzhuang in Gusu. From then on, he slowed down, started to show more grace, and shed the brash and loud demeanor of his early bandit days.

Tang Wanzhuang had essentially tried to shape him into the crown prince she envisioned, but she indeed acted like a mentor or master.

In fact, he could not really say that he never had a master, it was just that he never formally acknowledged anyone as his master. Whether it was Yue Hongling, Tang Wanzhuang, or Huangfu Qing’s guidance a few days ago, they were all of extremely great significance to him. Each of them could be considered his master.

And at the moment, he was even seeking guidance from Daoist Yuxu.

Zhao Changhe thought for a moment and asked, “Senior, you mentioned that the woman I was with at Kun Ridge cultivates fiercely like fire, walking her own path. So, does that mean that seeking the Profound Mysteries does not necessarily require one to slow down?”

“Of course it doesn’t,” Yuxu replied. “Everyone’s path is different. There’s no rule that says you must become tranquil or calm. Li Shentong is even more impulsive than her, but he’s doing just fine. Cui Wenjing and Wang Daoning are preoccupied with mundane affairs, yet they still managed to reach higher realms of cultivation. If you followed the vicious blood cultivation path of the Blood God Cult fervently, it would be just as feasible for you—perhaps it would be even easier for you to break through. Your current temperament, however, is at odds with the Vicious Blood Art, which might be causing you some confusion.”

Zhao Changhe poured Yuxu more wine and humbly said, “But I feel like this approach has been beneficial and hasn’t hindered me...”

“There’s no doubt that it has its benefits,” Yuxu said, savoring the wine as he did. “If you followed the cultivation path of the Vicious Blood Art, you might have been able to unlock your door to the Profound Mysteries more easily, but you would likely end up a violent, crazed killer, or at least a coarse and irritable person. Tang Wanzhuang must have great expectations for you and does not want to see you become such a figure. Likewise, if that were the case, you would not be sitting here drinking with me today. “

Zhao Changhe took a deep breath.

Yuxu continued, “That woman—and her superior, Venerable Vermillion Bird—are more typical examples. That woman walks the path of fire, pressing forward fiercely. She does not need to slow down, nor can she do so; instead, she must advance more courageously. However, if she encounters a test of inner demons, it could prove more dangerous to her than for others. She might suffer from her inner fire burning her, resulting in her being reduced to ashes. This is why it’s considered a demonic path. In the demonic path, you progress quickly but with many latent risks.”

Zhao Changhe’s understanding of cultivation paths was improving with every word from Yuxu. After hearing this, he tried asking, “Earlier, when she faced the heart flame, you pointed out...”

Yuxu said lightly, “I’ve always known about the heart flame’s location. The rumors surrounding Fiery Kun Ridge can draw people from ten thousand li away to investigate. I live here, so how could I not have taken a look myself? I’m naturally aware of it. However, I’m not a practitioner of fire, so I can’t subdue it or move it. It is not out of generosity that I left it for others to take.”

Zhao Changhe nodded, understanding now. Huangfu Qing had mentioned that she could not move the heart flame, and it seemed like Yuxu was unable to move it either. It was only after she subdued it that it attached itself to her spiritual platform.

“Since I could not move it, my options were to either completely seal off that space to prevent it from harming people or to leave it there, letting it ignite inner fires and cause wicked people to turn on each other,” Yuxu said with a faint smile. “This is actually the origin of the earliest legends about Kunlun attracting evil people. That Huangfu girl is just one of the many evil people drawn to Kunlun...”

“...”

Inner fire ablaze, external manifestation as a demon. The evil of Kunlun was nothing more than this.

It turned out that Yuxu had already made this clear when they first met.

In others’ eyes, the Four Idols Cult was a demonic cult. However, Zhao Changhe had never thought of Huangfu Qing or Xia Chichi as demons. In fact, to him, they seemed more endearing with their little bouts of mischief. Lady Three was quite adorable to him as well. The only one he felt was a true witch was Vermillion Bird, who was truly not to be trifled with.

Of course, he did not say any of this. Instead, he poured more wine for Yuxu and asked, “In that case, why did you guide me to save her?”

Yuxu picked up his wine bowl and took a sip, then he replied, “Initially, I wanted to see how she burned herself to death. In fact, when I saw you rapidly approaching, I sang to draw your attention, thinking it had nothing to do with you and to dissuade an innocent person from risking their life.”

Zhao Changhe’s expression became awkward.

Sure enough, Yuxu’s continued, “Upon meeting you, however, I realized that you were far from innocent. Essences of the Azure Dragon and the Black Tortoise were evident within you, along with a secret technique that resonates with the stars. I dare say not even the core members or protectors of the Four Idols Cult embody the cult as much as you do.”

Zhao Changhe’s eyes widened.

Was it not supposed to be impossible to discern another person’s cultivation with just a look? Why does Daoist Yuxu seem to be able to see everything? And the aura is one thing, but even the secret techniques? Isn’t that a bit too much?

As if sensing his thoughts, Yuxu clicked his tongue, “Don’t bother wondering how I can see through all your peculiar techniques. The fact is, I then thought of letting you die along with her, but then you went and draped a coat over me.”

He smiled slightly. “Whether one is a demon or not is not really the point. Some things can make even a demon become soft.”

It was all about love.

“How wonderful!” When it all transpired, Yuxu did not care that someone considered demonic had broken through to a level comparable to his own, nor did he mind that the valuable heart flame had been taken away. He drank contentedly, laughing as he slapped the table. “In this wretched place, it’s rare to witness such things. Truly rare!”

Zhao Changhe truly appreciated the mindset of this senior and saw him as a genuine senior. He raised his bowl in respect once again. “Another toast to you, senior.”

“No more, no more.” Yuxu waved his hand dismissively. “One should not be greedy.”

Zhao Changhe took a big gulp himself. “Then... will you allow me to be a bit more greedy with questions?”

Yuxu laughed heartily. “You really are an interesting young man.”

Zhao Changhe said, “When encountering a great senior such as yourself, it would be foolish not to ask about my confusions. You mentioned earlier that my current state of mind conflicts with the Vicious Blood Art, potentially causing me confusion. I’m now at the door of the Profound Mysteries, but still unable to enter. Is this due to the conflict you mentioned earlier?”

Yuxu was quite surprised. “We’ve strayed quite far from the original topic, yet you still remember it.”

Zhao Changhe sighed helplessly. “I have to do so. My mind is consumed with thoughts of the Profound Mysteries at the moment, and I must consider everything that might hinder my breakthrough.”

“Although the current state of your mind conflicts with the Vicious Blood Art, making breakthroughs more difficult, you are a lot more stable now. The chances of you going mad due to a backlash from the vicious blood qi are greatly reduced. You should know how long it’s been since you’ve last been troubled by vicious qi.”

“Yes.”

“When you practice demonic arts, while enjoying the initial speed of cultivation progression, you must be prepared for certain hurdles that are particularly deadly. Even Vermillion Bird faced risks when breaking through, so what more someone like you? Do you know why Xue Canghai has always been afraid to break through to the Profound Mysteries?”

Zhao Changhe took a deep breath. “I understand now. It seems it’s not my personal problem. Actually, with what you’ve said, I feel relieved. I’m happy as long as it’s not a mistake.”

“You have great opportunities and a commendable state of mind. You should continue to maintain it. Slow down a bit, and just let nature take its course,” said Yuxu, looking quite amazed. “You’ve already progressed incredibly quickly. Why are you in such a hurry? Is there something pressing you from behind, forcing you to speed up? Is it the three-year agreement?”

Zhao Changhe was struck by his words and thought it might be an opportunity to probe into other matters. He pointed a finger toward the sky and said, “Yes, there is something.”

The amiable demeanor of an elder that Yuxu had maintained all throughout the time they were drinking vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of extreme seriousness.