Chapter 40: The Path of Cultivation
I. A New Puppet: The Hound Emerges
Upon returning to his cave dwelling, Wen Buhuo immediately immersed himself in the study of puppetry. Although Senior Brother Lu’s Introductory Puppetry was merely a foundational manual, it opened a brand-new door for Wen Buhuo. He discovered that his powerful spiritual sense allowed him to command puppets with natural ease.
After several days of exploration and practice, he successfully refined a hound-shaped puppet. Crafted entirely from hardened ironwood, the puppet’s surface was etched with intricate runes. Though compact in size, it moved with lightning speed, capable of delivering sharp biting attacks or spitting scorching fireballs from its maw at critical moments.
Watching the lifelike and battle-ready "Little Hound," Wen Buhuo smiled with satisfaction. "With this little fellow by my side, I shall have one more trump card in future battles."
II. Exorcising the Malice: An Agony Beyond Measure
Beyond his puppetry studies, Wen Buhuo’s most urgent task was to purge the residual demonic qi from his body. The broken Demonic Sword was undeniably powerful, but its backlash was equally tyrannical. The demonic mark on his arm left him feeling a constant sense of chilling restlessness; if left unchecked, it would surely erode his Daoist heart.
The process of expulsion was agonizingly difficult. Every day, Wen Buhuo used internal vision to mobilize his spiritual energy, slowly refining and forcing out the demonic qi clinging to his meridians. Each time the dark energy was dislodged, it felt as though blades were scraping his bones and fire was searing his veins. The pain was so intense that his body convulsed, and cold sweat poured from his brow.
This ordeal lasted several days. Only through sheer willpower did he finally cleanse every trace of the demonic qi, causing the dark mark on his arm to vanish. "Demonic artifacts are truly not something we righteous cultivators should touch lightly," Wen Buhuo thought with lingering fear, strengthening his resolve never to use the sword unless absolutely necessary.
III. A New Blade: Materials of a Rank 4 Beast
Now lacking a proper weapon, Wen Buhuo naturally recalled the flying sword he had commissioned Qi Yunxiao to forge. Once recovered, he set off for Qi Yunxiao’s residence.
Stepping into the forging room, Wen Buhuo’s eyes were immediately drawn to a cyan longsword resting on the table. The blade shimmered with flowing light, its sharpness restrained. Along the spine of the sword, one could faintly see patterns resembling the scales of a beast—it was clearly a masterpiece.
"Truly worthy of Senior Brother Qi! This sword is crafted with divine skill," Wen Buhuo praised sincerely.
Qi Yunxiao looked exhausted but wore a gratified smile. "Brother Wen, you flatter me. The quality of this blade is primarily due to the excellent materials you provided. The bones and hide of a Rank 4 magical beast are superior choices for forging flying swords; only such materials can withstand such immense spiritual power."
IV. Xin Ruyin’s Condition and the Lead on a Rank 5 Core
Accepting the flying sword and feeling the surging power within, Wen Buhuo asked, "How has Senior Sister Xin been lately?"
The smile on Qi Yunxiao’s face dimmed as he sighed. "Thanks to the medicine you gave last time, Ruyin’s pain has indeed lessened. But her body... it continues to grow weaker. I fear..."
Wen Buhuo’s heart sank. Xin Ruyin’s "Dragon-Cry Physique" was so potent that ordinary pills could not cure it. He reached into his storage bag and retrieved a pill matured by his "Little Green Bottle"—a pill radiating a dense aura of life.
"Senior Brother Qi, this is a Soul-Nourishing Pill refined from a hundred-year-old spirit herb. While it cannot cure her, it should extend her life and ease her suffering."
Qi Yunxiao took the pill, his eyes flashing with gratitude and shock. Hundred-year herbs were rare even within the sect. He bowed deeply. "Brother Wen, I can never repay this kindness!"
"Please, Senior Brother, there is no need for such formality," Wen Buhuo assisted him up, then inquired, "Do you know where I might find a Rank 5 Demon Core?"
Qi Yunxiao frowned. "A Rank 5 core? Such beasts are ferocious and extremely rare within the State of Yue, hiding only in the most dangerous ancient forests. They are nearly impossible to find." He paused, his eyes suddenly lighting up. "However, a massive Cultivator Trade Fair is soon to be held in the Tiannan region. Many cultivators from distant lands and large merchant guilds will attend. You might find a lead there, or even trade for one directly."
Wen Buhuo nodded thoughtfully. A trade fair—it was indeed the perfect place to seek out rare resources.
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