Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 423: Who But Me

In the end, Vermillion Bird decided not to take the bag that held the remnant soul away.

Stealing was not beyond her, but being mocked by Tang Wanzhuang for stealing? That was a humiliation that she could not bear.

So, she decided to stay and interrogate the ancient soul through the night. Once she was done interrogating it, it would be time for her to leave. Who would want to stay here forever? She could not exactly take off her mask and get cozy with her lover. What, am I supposed to watch him and Tang Wanzhuang be intimate instead? Well, maybe that’s not such a bad idea after all. We’ll just see.

As for what information she had gleaned from interrogating the soul that was of the ancient demonic path, there was not anything particularly surprising but it was not disappointing either.

There were no surprises because this soul had a much lower status compared to the Night Emperor and the four idols. It knew very little about the ancient four idols, even less than they did. Since the information that they most sought after could not be obtained from this soul, there were not really any unexpected gains.

However, the details about ancient events, secret stories, relationships between characters and forces, their behaviors, and rules were all still incredibly valuable information. Ying Five and the Demon Suppression Bureau would certainly compile and organize these findings, and the Four Idols Cult could not afford to fall behind.

The texts that their cult had did not have much information about other forces or factions, so they lacked a broader understanding of the situation back then. Once the gods and demons of the previous era returned, much of this knowledge would be crucial.

Moreover, the soul’s insights into ancient witchcraft, particularly blood puppets, curses and gu, as well as its understanding of immortality and soul preservation, were priceless. These were especially valuable for Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise in their current stages of cultivation.

Most importantly, they finally learned what came after the third layer of the Profound Mysteries.

Although some of their records mentioned it, no one in the current era had been able to pursue it. The third layer of the Profound Mysteries had become the pinnacle, with no knowledge on how to progress further from there.

“What three layers of the Profound Mysteries... What a joke,” the remnant soul muttered weakly. “In our time, there were no such classifications. The potential of the body is limitless. To truly comprehend all the mysteries of life, do you even know what kind of level that requires? Yet you bird and turtle think you’ve grasped the mysteries of the body? You’re not worthy... Aah!”

Vermillion Bird’s palm ignited with flames, and she roasted the bag mercilessly. “You’re a prisoner, yet you still feel superior! The Profound Gate refers to the body, and the Profound Mysteries refer to the soul. The Profound Gate and the Profound Mysteries are just our era’s way of breaking down the cultivation of body and soul. Do you really think we don’t understand? It’s you who doesn’t know anything. When we say the third layer of the Profound Mysteries, you don’t even know what level that corresponds to in your era. I suppose we’ll have to beat it out of you to find out.”

The remnant soul wilted.

These ladies had both received ancient inheritances, and they had a clear understanding of the principles and paths. They were not like Maitreya, who made things up as he went, fooling himself into believing whatever the remnant soul said.

Actually, the young man from the Ranking of Man who played a crucial role in this battle was the real novice when it came to these matters...

Lady Three smiled, “Just answer our questions properly, and things will be over quickly. Why put yourself through more pain? I only want to ask you this: ever since we reached the Profound Mysteries, opening the bridge between heaven and earth, we’ve been able to come into contact with the forces of heaven and earth. However, we have never been able to find a way to command or control it, as described in ancient texts. Why is that?”

The remnant soul replied weakly, “You’ve only just stepped into the so-called third layer of the Profound Mysteries, and you’re already looking for the next step? Isn’t that strange...”

“Still trying to dodge the question? It’s not just us who are stuck. For countless years, no one in this world has found the next step. The third layer of the Profound Mysteries has become the pinnacle for everyone. Do you think that’s just a coincidence?” Vermillion Bird’s flames surged in her palm. “If you don’t want to answer, then you’re useless to us! We’ll just obliterate you!”

“You ask me, but who am I supposed to ask...” The remnant soul gasped weakly. “Perhaps it’s because the Heavenly Dao is dead? If the Heavenly Dao died, naturally, humans lost the ability to command the forces of heaven and earth. The fact that you can even touch that realm is impressive...”

Vermillion Bird and Black Tortoise exchanged glances. This was indeed the common explanation, but the existence of this remnant soul made them think otherwise.

Since the other party’s strength had not diminished even with the death of the Heavenly Dao, then surely they could at least reach his level—even if they could not exactly attain the level of control that those of the previous era once had. So what exactly was missing?

The remnant soul sighed and continued weakly, “Based on what Maitreya learned about this world... I’m not sure if it’s because of his limited knowledge... But based on what he saw and learned, it seems that your problem is simply that you’ve seen too little. If you’ve never even seen it, how can you possibly imagine controlling it?”

Vermillion Bird’s eyes narrowed. This sentence had struck a chord.

Seeing too little... It might really have an impact.

Take, for instance, the White Lotus Flame, the secrets of life and death, the power of witchcraft and gu.

To ordinary people, she was already considered well-informed. But for many greater mysteries, she had seen too little. If she had not even witnessed such things, how could she ever hope to control them?

The collapse of the previous era had scattered all kinds of spaces, treasures, techniques, and species across the world... The lack of exposure may truly be a crucial factor.

Is this why Ying Five is so obsessed with exploring secret realms? But life is short, and in this fragmented world, how can anyone hope to see enough? Will we have to spend a lifetime going through every secret realm like Ying Five?

The two women exchanged another glance, then looked down at the bag, their eyes glinting with a sinister light.

We lack knowledge, but you don’t. How about a soul-searching session?

The remnant soul let out a blood-curdling scream.

Who are the real demons here?

* * *

The night grew deeper.

Tang Wanzhuang carefully avoided touching Zhao Changhe’s wound, gently placing her hand on his shoulder to push him away slightly. She remained seated on his lap but did not move away as she usually would.

She lowered her head slightly, breathing softly, and leaned her head on his shoulder, whispering, “Enough... Your mouth tastes like medicine, it’s disgusting.”

“That’s exactly why, it needs a bit of sweetness,” Zhao Changhe said, attempting to kiss her again.

Tang Wanzhuang could not help but laugh in exasperation, quickly covering his mouth with her hand. “Is this all you can think about right now?”

Zhao Changhe said, “What else can I do with this injury? Even if I wanted to do more, I’m not in any shape for it...”

Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes widened in surprise.

Is that what you think I meant?

Zhao Changhe actually knew what she meant and was just teasing her. Seeing her stunned expression, he found her so adorable that he could not resist giving her a quick peck.

Tang Wanzhuang firmly turned his face away, pressing it opposite hers. “I have serious matters to discuss with you!”

Zhao Changhe held her close and said, “So do I.”

“Then you go first.”

“I asked Ying Five earlier, and he said that the Transformative Lotus and the Bodhi Fruit were likely in the Maitreya’s secret realm, but it turns out that it was just a small secret realm. Did you find what you needed?”

Tang Wanzhuang’s expression softened. Despite Zhao Changhe’s increasingly playful behavior, his care for her was genuine and heartfelt.

She sighed softly, “Yes, I found them. This place used to be the treasure vault of an ancient Buddhist sect’s rear mountain. Some of the collections remained, which is how Maitreya was able to cultivate to the second layer of the Profound Mysteries. Fortunately, many valuable items were still left behind, including the Transformative Lotus and the Bodhi Fruit.”

Zhao Changhe felt relieved. “Then why are you sighing?”

“Ying Five also found information about Solaris Nimbus Leaves. His people scoured ancient texts and discovered that the Ancient Spirit Tribe once had a sacred mountain called Yunyang Mountain. Whether it’s the same one we’re looking for, I don’t know.” Tang Wanzhuang paused for a moment, then suddenly said, “Did you know that the deals we made with Sisi earlier played a crucial role in this battle?”

Zhao Changhe was taken aback. “What?”

“The bag used to capture the remnant soul is a spirit bag from the Ancient Spirit Tribe, used for raising gu. When Sisi was undercover in the Maitreya Cult, she noticed traces of gu arts within the cult. A few months ago, when she came to take the Profound Mysteries-level sword manual, she gave me this spirit bag, saying it would be very useful, and it certainly was. I suspect this remnant soul is somehow connected to the Ancient Spirit Tribe...”

“Then maybe we can ask Sisi next time she comes.”

“The problem is, Sisi hasn’t shown up for a long time...” Tang Wanzhuang said. “She’s very cautious, she’s always the one reaching out to us. She refuses to let us know where her tribe is. Once she stops coming, we lose all contact.”

“She hasn’t shown up for a long time? Could she be in trouble?” Zhao Changhe’s expression grew serious. “Or maybe she’s upset that we’ve been slow to provide her with manuals and thinks that the deal is no longer worthwhile.”

“I don’t think so. She’s very interested in those manuals,” Tang Wanzhuang said. “Given the current situation, I don’t think we can afford to just wait for her to come. We have to take the initiative and look for her. I’ve already sent people to the southwest.”

Zhao Changhe has raised an eyebrow. “But that’s a secret realm; it isn’t some ordinary place in the southwest. How can you find it just by sending people?”

“I secretly placed a tracking spell on her. From her last visit, it seems neither she nor her people noticed it. If my people can get near the entrance to the secret realm, they should be able to sense her presence.” Tang Wanzhuang rubbed her head, looking troubled. “The issue now is, I don’t know who’s suitable to send. The Marquis of Wuping can’t leave easily, and most people don’t have the ability to sense or track at that level. Even if they do get inside, it’ll be extremely dangerous. Her tribe is cautious and unwelcoming. Any intruder could easily end up dead.”

Zhao Changhe blinked a few times. “Tell me more about the tracking spell. How does it work?”

Tang Wanzhuang was startled. “You can’t go! I’m not telling you this to manipulate you into going. I’m just sharing my difficulties with you, not trying to trick you into going, so don’t misunderstand!”

“Why are you so flustered?” Zhao Changhe laughed. “Someone has to go, and I’m an undercover agent of the Demon Suppression Bureau with a jade token. Who else is better suited than me?”

“Stop joking around. There are probably several people at the level of those on the Ranking of Earth in that secret realm.”

“The truth is, I want to go for my own reasons. This is actually what I came to talk to you about, and it just happens to align with this situation.”

Tang Wanzhuang asked curiously, “What do you mean? You’re going to look for Sisi?”

“...I will have to go there to further develop my Blood Asura Body. At first, I thought leaving the Central Plains for too long wouldn’t be a good idea, but now that this opportunity has come up, I might as well go.”

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