Chapter Thirty-Five: The Evil Poison of the Western Regions

Chapter Thirty-Five: The Evil Poison of the Western Lands
Chapter Five: The Struggle Between Tiger and Dragon—Roaring Mystical Blade, Spiritual Sword, Battle of Heroes (Part Eleven)

The three, Qingxia and his companions, saw a dense, foul green mist surging toward them. Qingxia’s expression grew grave as he formed a spell with his hands; a string of sparkling, crystal-clear prayer beads appeared before his eyes, spinning in midair and emitting a brilliant glow. Among them, three beads glowed fiery red like burning coals, transforming into balls of flame that shot upwards, plunging into the green mist. The mist began to churn violently, explosions echoing from within. None could see what was happening inside, nor guess who had the upper hand.

After a moment, a thunderous bang resounded as the mist burst apart. The string of prayer beads now shone faintly, their radiance dimmed. Both Qingshi and the aquiline-nosed, jade-eyed youth staggered, retreating several steps. Blood trickled from the youth’s lips, while Qingshi’s face paled.

Qingyu and Ye Hua rushed forward to support Qingxia, anxiously asking, “Fourth Brother, are you all right?” Qingxia forced himself to speak, “It’s nothing,” and looked toward his adversary. The aquiline-nosed youth, supported by his peers, glared back in fury, clearly suffering from his injuries.

Qingxia announced loudly, “Today I have witnessed the skill of Qixian Temple, and it is indeed extraordinary! Tonight, we shall pay our respects once more! Let’s go!” He addressed Qingyu and Ye Hua. The three turned and departed. The disciples of Qixian Temple were left seething and uneasy, unable to believe that the disciples of Beitai Bishan Temple were so formidable as to withstand their Sixth Brother. Though Sixth Brother’s cultivation might not match Bibaishisong, it should have easily surpassed the others.

As they walked, Qingxia whispered, “Quickly, I have been struck by the opponent’s evil poison!” Qingyu and Ye Hua were shocked; Qingxia’s complexion had grown even paler, devoid of all color. They asked anxiously, “Brother, is it serious?” Qingxia replied, “I can endure for a while,” but his body swayed slightly.

Ye Hua and Qingyu hurried to support Qingxia, moving swiftly. In moments they reached the Orchid Pavilion, hastening into the house. They helped Qingxia to a seat, and he slowly drew a jade bottle from his robes, pouring out a verdant pill which he consumed at once. He said no more, sitting in meditation to circulate his energy. Ye Hua and Qingyu, knowing not to disturb him, quietly left the room.

Outside, Ye Hua and Qingyu paced anxiously like ants on a hot pan, hoping their brothers out on excursions would return soon.

They wanted to report to their master and uncle, but there was no trace of them to be found. After a long time, a faint cough sounded from within, and Qingxia called, “Qingyu, little brother, come in.”

Ye Hua and Qingyu rushed inside. Qingxia’s face was gradually regaining color, “I am much better now. The evil poison has been expelled, though a few traces linger and will need to be slowly refined away.” He paused, pondering, “I wonder what sort of poison it was, so silent and insidious.”

Qingyu speculated, “It must have been when he released those three beams of white light—he worked some trick in secret. Alas, we failed to take any precautions!” Qingxia said, “That is likely. The opponent cultivates Western demonic arts, his methods are exceptionally cunning. He must have concealed the poison when he launched his flying blades. Hmph, a clever tactic!”

Qingyu advised, “Brother, you should focus on recovering your strength.” Qingxia replied, “I am fine. You must quickly find our eldest and second brothers, but do not let our master know, or we will only trouble them further.” Qingyu hesitated, “Very well, brother. I will go search for them. You rest here, little brother, look after him. I’ll be back soon.” “Don’t worry, brother. I’ll stay here.” Qingyu left without another word.

Now only Ye Hua and Qingxia remained. Ye Hua said, “Brother...” “Don’t worry, little brother, I truly am fine. Would you fetch me some water?” Ye Hua replied, “Of course.”

Ye Hua stepped outside to draw water, but as he reached the gate, he saw a group approaching, and exclaimed inwardly, “Oh no, they’re back again!”

It was the disciples of Qixian Temple, led by the uncle Zhi Xian they had met on the road, followed by many disciples—including the pockmarked face and the one called Wang Jun, the Phantom Snake Spear. Ye Hua hurried forward to greet them, “I did not know you were visiting, uncle. Forgive my failure to welcome you!”

Zhi Xian’s face was filled with anger. “Call your master out. I must reason with him. How can Bishan Temple, relying on numbers, injure my disciples? What justification is there for this?”

Ye Hua replied, “Uncle, my master is not here at the moment.” Zhi Xian sneered, “Is he too afraid to face me after his disciples’ misdeeds? Does Bishan Temple only know how to bully others or hide like cowards? You think sending a mere apprentice will dismiss me? How laughable!”

Ye Hua, hearing this, grew indignant. “Uncle, what are you saying? When have we bullied anyone? My master truly is not at the Orchid Pavilion!” Zhi Xian said, “Must I spell it out?” At this point, a female disciple stepped forward, “Master, he was among those who fought today.” Zhi Xian smirked, “So now you see. Your Bishan Temple disciples have severely injured my sixth disciple. I demand justice! Since your master is absent, call your brothers out. I will exact repayment according to the law.”

With that, Zhi Xian made to enter. Ye Hua blocked him, “Uncle, please wait. Why not settle this when my master returns?” “No, I demand justice now,” Zhi Xian said, striding forward again.

Ye Hua grew anxious, thinking, “If he punishes Fourth Brother, he won’t withstand it!” He declared, “With me here, I will not let you enter the Orchid Pavilion!” Zhi Xian was startled, then burst out laughing, “What, you think you can stop me? Just you?!”

The disciples behind him erupted in laughter.

Ye Hua said, “Indeed, as long as I am here, you will not harm my brother, not even a hair.” Zhi Xian regarded Ye Hua for a long moment, “What is your current cultivation level?” Ye Hua replied, “Seventh Treasure Realm, Fourth Stage; Four Noble Truths, Third Layer.” Zhi Xian’s eyes filled with ridicule, “Ha, I thought you’d reached the peak of the Seventh Treasure. Imagine, Bishan Temple sends one so weak to the Zen Forest Assembly—how amusing!”

The Qixian Temple disciples were stunned, then broke out in louder laughter. “Very well, I’ll let my weakest disciple face you. Zhang Xiao, come and greet this distinguished disciple of Bishan Temple. Be sure to show mercy, don’t cripple him. Remember how your sixth brother was dealt with—unlike them, we have honor,” Zhi Xian said.

“Yes, Master, I understand.” A burly young man stepped forward, bowing to Ye Hua. “I am Zhang Xiao, the weakest disciple of Qixian Temple—Seventh Treasure Realm, Sixth Stage; Four Noble Truths, Sixth Layer. Greetings, junior brother.” He gave Ye Hua a sinister smile.