The Jade Transformation Pill is precious because it not only heals injuries but also alleviates pain.
Sometimes, in life - or - death situations for cultivators, injuries aren't the most lethal factor; rather, it's the negative states brought on by pain that prove fatal.
The Immortal - grade Jade Transformation Pill virtually isolates the user from all suffering. Even the agony of ten thousand swords piercing the heart becomes negligible. Fang Qingzhi gazed at the hazy green light enveloping her body. Gently grasping her wrist with her left hand, she lowered her eyes. She knew she had once again incurred a debt of gratitude to her senior. However, the obligations she owed had accumulated to such an extent that she was at a loss for ways to repay them.
"Senior, Qingzhi..." she began.
"No worries, it's just a pill. Let's deal with the present situation first," a faint voice whispered in her ear, audible only to her.
"Wu Sect Leader, your handling of this matter is fair and just. I, of course, respect and agree with your decision," Fang Qingzhi said with a deep bow, signifying her approval.
"Wait!" A indifferent cry echoed through the void.
"Qingzhi may be satisfied, but I am not!" the voice declared.
Wu Duan Tian's smile froze. He awkwardly lowered his hand from his beard and cautiously inquired into the void, "Er, how does this esteemed guest suggest we proceed?"
"The punishment should be carried out on the spot!" Chen Ping An, sitting cross - legged on the sofa, stroked the cat's head with one hand while pounding the sound - transmitting talisman with the other. "How am I supposed to know if you'll truly punish him in the Enforcement Hall? I can't see it for myself. Seeing is believing, hearing is just hearsay."
After a moment of silence, a distant voice replied:
"Punishment should not shield the guilty, nor should justice neglect the beloved. If retribution is not witnessed by all, it fails to deter others."
"Thus, it must be executed immediately!"
Fang Qingzhi was taken aback, her heart warming slightly. Her senior, a paragon of virtue, would naturally disdain the grotesque acts of tongue - extraction and eye - gouging.
Fearing that her hard - won gains might be deceived and that those who had wronged her might escape true punishment, the senior's demand resonated with her.
Wu Duan Tian exhaled in relief. He had feared the mysterious cultivator would demand Yun Zimo's expulsion from Qingyun Sect or even his death.
That was beyond his authority. As sect leader, expelling a direct disciple would require discussion with the elders, let alone with Qingxuan Taoist.
"No problem, we'll carry out the punishment here and now," Wu Duan Tian nodded to the Enforcement Hall disciples restraining Yun Zimo.
He regularly brought disciples to Reflection Cliff to "visit" those under penalty, a practice that effectively deterred others. However, since the mysterious cultivator insisted, he refrained from comment, though it might cost Qingxuan Taoist some face.
The Enforcement Hall disciples dragged Yun Zimo back to the center of the square. One restrained him while the other prepared a hook. Given cultivators' remarkable regenerative abilities, there was no need to sterilize the hook with fire.
A blood - curdling scream pierced the air as many Qingyun Sect disciples turned away.
In the square, tongue - less and with bloodshot eyes, Yun Zimo howled soundlessly at the sky.
"Iron water requires on - site heating; it will take some time," Wu Duan Tian announced, his words clearly intended for the mysterious cultivator behind Fang Qingzhi.
All eyes turned to Fang Qingzhi, as if she had become the voice for the enigmatic figure.
Zhang Hanshao continued to feign unconsciousness. Lu Changtian and Xiao Yicfeng, pale - faced, dared not plead for Yun Zimo. They shielded Mu Bai Shuang with their bodies, shielding her from the gruesome sight.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Fang Qingzhi felt uneasy. Without a word from her senior, she couldn't speak on his behalf. She could only hug her sword and count ants on the ground.
"How does Qingzhi feel about this?" a gentle voice suddenly asked.
Fang Qingzhi blushed scarlet, pausing before feigning calm, "I think it's sufficient."
Qingxuan Taoist snorted coldly.
Wu Duan Tian smoothed his beard, adopting a conciliatory smile.
Judging the moment right, he addressed the void behind Fang Qingzhi, "I'm shameless to ask, but since you've restored Fang Qingzhi's Dantian, could you also help my direct disciple?"
He stepped aside, revealing Zhao Lingtian, and said with a pained expression, "This child is intelligent and kind - hearted, a rare talent. Unfortunately, his Dantian was destroyed by a demon cultist. I can't bear to see him languish here..."
Fang Qingzhi raised her head, her rosy blush fading, her eyes now cold as ice.
Primeval Mending Pill.
She now understood the invaluable opportunity her senior had granted her.
Such a divine pill must have been difficult for her senior to obtain.
And Wu Duan Tian had the audacity to ask for it outright. On what grounds? Was he attempting to coerce her senior with her as leverage?
At the same time, Chen Ping An received a notification on his phone.
"Qingyun Sect Sect Leader Wu Duan Tian requests an opportunity - Primeval Mending Pill from you. Please make a choice. (Different choices may lead to different consequences. Please choose carefully.)"
< Direct Refusal: "You're not worthy. Scram -!">
< Tactical Response: "Let's table this matter for now and discuss it in detail after things settle.">
< Grant the Opportunity: "Very well. A Primeval Mending Pill means little to me. Here you go. (Lose one Primeval Mending Pill. If none is in inventory, 1,000,000¥ or 100 spirit crystals will be deducted for forced purchase.) >
< Use a sound - transmitting talisman for free dialogue. >
...
Chen Ping An was about to select an option when he paused, his eyes narrowing as he sensed the complexity of the situation.