Chapter 121: The Final Destination of the Demon Devourer

Ji Yao saw Gu Qiu’s expression, and based on her understanding of him, she guessed that nothing good was coming.

What did he mean by "such people"? What did he mean by her "picking them up"? Was he acting as if the two people standing right in front of him did not exist? Not to mention He Xiuyuan, the bald monk standing between them was striking enough—could Gu Qiu really not see him? Jue Chen was, after all, a high-ranking disciple of the Nine Buddhas Temple and a fellow Foundation Establishment cultivator; Gu Qiu’s eyesight was getting worse by the day. Furthermore, one had to admit that his prideful, haughty personality was becoming increasingly severe.

The three of them wore different expressions and remained silent, but He Xiuyuan, still bound by vines, grew anxious. "Fairies, Master, could you please set me down first?"

Seeing that Ling Ru and Ji Yao had no intention of moving, Jue Chen took the initiative to release him.

A thought occurred to Ji Yao, and she suddenly asked, "Fellow Daoist Jue Chen, are you able to heal this person?"

Jue Chen shook his head. "I am not well-versed in medicine. Moreover, for a condition like this, one generally needs to replenish vital essence and life force. While those two things sound simple, neither is easy to obtain."

Ling Ru nodded in agreement. Ji Yao knew that anything capable of replenishing such things would be a true celestial treasure; who would waste such a thing on a nobody?

"If you can't heal him, you can take him back to your sect! Doesn't your Buddhist faith teach that saving a life is better than building a seven-story pagoda? Since he has agreed to join the Nine Buddhas Temple, it wouldn't be a total loss for you to save him."

Ji Yao’s words did not provoke much of a reaction from Jue Chen. "I cannot make that decision alone; it must be determined by my sect’s elders. Furthermore, the matter of the Demon-Eater must be reported to the sect as soon as possible. Could you two please hasten your journey and bring this benefactor He along to the Nine Buddhas Temple?"

In truth, none of them had a better option. They lacked long-distance communication talismans, and without high-level communication jade slips, they could not send news back to their sects. After a brief discussion, the three decided to press on with the journey, bringing along the compliant He Xiuyuan. Neither Ji Yao nor Ling Ru had any intention of bringing this matter back to their own sect. Since it involved demonic creatures, it was better to let the Nine Buddhas Temple take the lead, as Buddhist cultivation techniques were naturally suppressive toward the demon race.

It is said that the difference between Buddha and demon is but a single thought. In reality, it is the Buddhist sects, rather than the Daoist ones, that have the deepest research into demons. This is the very reason why the Nine Buddhas Temple was built closer to the edge of the Western Ridge. It is rumored that the Nine Buddhas Temple once had a Buddha who ascended; he had been a powerful demon cultivator who laid down his butcher’s knife, entered the gate of emptiness, and realized the Buddhist path to ascension.

For this leg of the journey, Jue Chen did not sit idly by. Although he still did not contribute spirit stones for the flying boat, he worked diligently, serving as the constant source of spiritual power for the entire trip. Only when his spiritual energy was nearly exhausted would Ling Ru timely insert a few spirit stones to replace him, allowing him to meditate and recover. Once he was fully restored, he would dutifully place his hand back on the light shield of the control console, and Ling Ru would withdraw the stones.

The strangest thing was that for Ji Yao, who stood by the entire time without contributing any effort, the other three on the boat remained silent—He Xiuyuan most of all. He huddled in the corner, stealing glances at this fairy who looked sweet and harmless. He felt she was far more terrifying than the cool, dashing fairy in red who would strike without hesitation. Whenever she was deep in thought, her gaze would linger in his direction; although her focus was not on him, the killing intent that occasionally leaked out was palpable. How could he not be afraid?

Ji Yao was unaware of the changes in herself, but those around her could feel them, especially Ling Ru, who was closest to her. Ji Yao had been unusually concerned about He Xiuyuan’s situation. Even when Jue Chen mentioned the name "Xuan Yi," Ling Ru noticed that Ji Yao’s emotional reaction was different, which was why she had abruptly changed the subject at the time. Something must have happened to Ji Yao that she knew nothing about.

Ever since returning from the Qixian Secret Realm, Ji Yao had been shrouded in a persistent, lingering killing intent. When her mind was elsewhere, it remained hidden, but as soon as something caught her attention, the killing intent would begin to surface. The seniors in their sect always said that a good sword cultivator could control their killing intent at will, but that was built upon the foundation of the Sword Dao. Ji Yao’s situation was clearly different, and it was uncertain whether it was good or bad. Ling Ru did not dwell on how Jue Chen viewed Ji Yao’s anomaly, but she was certain that he must be suspicious.

Traveling day and night at top speed, the four arrived at Bath Buddha City, where the Nine Buddhas Temple was located, five days later. Unlike Daoist sects, which emphasized standing upon the mountains and following the natural order, remaining independent and far from the mundane world, the Buddhist sect relied on all living beings to save the world. It was people-oriented, and the Nine Buddhas Temple was built exactly in the center of Bath Buddha City; the surrounding markets all belonged to the temple and existed in dependence upon it.

The four disembarked early and entered Bath Buddha City on foot, with Jue Chen leading the way directly toward the Nine Buddhas Temple. As they neared the city gates, He Xiuyuan’s appearance drew many side-glances, and their unusual group naturally attracted attention throughout the journey.

Just as they stepped onto the street leading to the main gate of the Nine Buddhas Temple, Ji Yao heard a young man’s voice. "Little Junior Sister! Is this just a coincidence?"

Hearing that voice, Ji Yao knew exactly who it was. Sure enough, a young man in white was stepping out from the gates of the Nine Buddhas Temple. The icy blue Cold Soul Sword in his hand was unique; it was impossible to mistake it for anyone else’s. The sword, refined by ice flames, seemed to carry frost on its blade, much like its owner—both exuded a biting, irrepressible chill.

Before Ji Yao could respond to her Second Senior Brother, Gu Qiu, He Xiuyuan, who had been walking between them and Jue Chen, suddenly poked his head out from behind the monk. "Ah! It’s you! How are you here?"

Gu Qiu had already reached them. He had expected to be greeted by Ji Yao’s surprise, but instead, he was met with the appearance of someone he did not recognize. Gu Qiu swept a cold, indifferent glance over him; those who knew him could tell he was slightly displeased. The look was casual and retracted instantly.

He Xiuyuan, seemingly oblivious to the chill the man radiated, was exceptionally enthusiastic. "Senior, it’s me! I hadn't had the chance to thank you for saving me from that demoness before you disappeared. I thought I would never have the chance to thank you in person again!"

Gu Qiu had not initially recognized this strange-looking person, but at He Xiuyuan’s reminder, he recalled the event. He looked the man up and down once more before parting his thin lips. "So, it was you."

After saying this, Gu Qiu turned his head to look at the monk Jue Chen, who stood before Ji Yao and Ling Ru. He then stepped past the monk, pulled a meaningful, faint smile, and looked at Ji Yao.

"Little Junior Sister truly has a unique eye for things. To think that even such people could be picked up by you in the crowd!"