Chapter 1119
Gentle and Refined
He completely expelled the demonic runes from the ancient book and then put it away. At this moment, the surrounding cultivators stepped forward to express their gratitude and admiration to Shi Ji.
"Many thanks to this fellow Daoist for his help in repelling the evil cultivators," a cultivator said, cupping his hands in thanks.
Shi Ji smiled calmly: "Fellow Daoists, demonic cultivators are everywhere, so everyone must be vigilant and protect the righteous path."
Everyone nodded, indicating that they would keep Shi Ji's teachings in mind. Shi Ji said no more, bid farewell to everyone, and continued on her way.
After leaving the market, Shi Ji found a secluded valley and began to carefully study the ancient book. Sure enough, the book contained many valuable cultivation insights and secret techniques. Shi Ji treasured it, cultivating day and night, and her strength steadily improved.
In the tranquility of the valley, Shi Ji immersed himself in the profound knowledge of ancient texts, as if time had stood still. Several days later, he had a sudden realization, opened his eyes, and his eyes shone with enlightenment. He murmured to himself, "So, the path of evil and the path of righteousness are not insurmountable; the key lies in one's mind. If the heart is inclined towards good, even evil can be transformed into the path; if the heart is inclined towards evil, even the path can be turned into evil."
Just as Shi Ji was about to delve deeper, a soft sound of footsteps broke the tranquility of the valley. He looked up alertly and saw a young man dressed in a blue robe, holding a jade flute, slowly entering the valley with a smile on his face, appearing gentle and refined.
"My name is Liu Yichen. I happened to pass by this place and noticed that you were cultivating here, so I came to pay my respects. I hope I haven't disturbed you." The young man bowed and spoke sincerely.
Shi Ji returned the greeting and said, "So it's Brother Liu. I'm very grateful. Since you've come here, it must be fate. Let's discuss the path of cultivation together."
Liu Yichen readily agreed, and the two sat down on the ground in the valley to exchange their cultivation experiences. Liu Yichen was skilled in the art of music, using flute music in his martial arts, which had a unique flavor; while Shi Ji shared the new knowledge he had gained from ancient books. The two had a very pleasant conversation and both benefited greatly from it.
"Brother Shi's words have given me a fresh perspective. It turns out that the path of cultivation lies not only in arduous practice, but also in the improvement of comprehension and state of mind," Liu Yichen exclaimed.
Shi Ji nodded in agreement: "That's right. The path of cultivation is all about one's mind and character. Brother Liu's way of music has also made me realize that everything can be entered into the Dao, the key is how to use it."
As the sun set, their conversation was still going strong. Shi Ji suggested, "Brother Liu, why don't we become sworn brothers and pursue the pinnacle of martial arts together?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yichen was overjoyed: "That's exactly what I wanted! Brother Shi, from now on, we are brothers."
Shi Ji smiled and nodded, a surge of ambition welling up within him. He looked at Liu Yichen and said, "Brother Liu, now that we have become sworn brothers, I have a favor to ask. I have learned of a miraculous elixir in ancient texts called the 'Mysterious Origin Pill,' which is said to greatly enhance a cultivator's cultivation level. However, refining this pill requires extremely high alchemy skills, and I have yet to find a suitable alchemist. I wonder if Brother Liu has heard of it, or perhaps could recommend one?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yichen pondered for a moment before saying, "Brother Shi, although I have traveled extensively, I have never heard of the 'Xuan Yuan Dan'. However, I have heard that in a faraway land in the East, there is a sect called the 'Dan Ding Sect,' which has many alchemists with superb alchemy skills. Perhaps you could go there to seek help."
Upon hearing Liu Yichen mention the "Dan Ding Sect," Shi Ji's eyes gleamed with anticipation. He eagerly asked, "Brother Liu, do you know the specific route to the 'Dan Ding Sect'? Or are there any precautions I should take?"
Liu Yichen smiled and nodded. He stood up, looked at the eastern horizon, and slowly said, "Brother Shi, the 'Dan Ding Sect' is located in a very remote place in the east, a long and unknown journey. However, I was fortunate enough to meet a traveler from there who left me a simple map. I can give it to you as a testament to our brotherhood."
As he spoke, Liu Yichen took out a piece of yellowed parchment from his pocket, on which some simple routes and markings were drawn. He carefully handed the map to Shi Ji and continued, "Brother Shi, according to that traveler's description, the road to the 'Dan Ding Sect' will pass through some treacherous mountains and mysterious forests, where there are many powerful demonic beasts and harsh environments. Therefore, you must be careful and cautious along the way and take care of yourself."
Shi Ji took the map and carefully scanned it, a surge of pride and determination welling up within him. He looked up at Liu Yichen and said firmly, "Brother Liu, this map is of great significance to me. It is my guiding light on my journey to the 'Dan Ding Sect.' I will be careful and overcome all difficulties to find the alchemists there and refine the 'Xuan Yuan Pill.' I will remember your kindness."
Liu Yichen smiled and nodded, his eyes shining with trust. He patted Shi Ji on the shoulder and encouraged him, "Brother Shi, I believe in your strength and wisdom. Along the way, if you encounter danger or difficulties, remember to use your comprehension and composure to deal with them. Remember, the path of cultivation is not only about hard work, but also about improving your comprehension and composure. I look forward to your return, so that we can pursue the pinnacle of martial arts together."
Shi Ji looked at Liu Yichen gratefully and nodded, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. He knew that the journey would be full of challenges and unknowns, but with Liu Yichen's encouragement and support, he was even more determined to go to the "Dan Ding Sect".
Just then, a dazzling light flashed across the sky, as if a divine artifact had descended. Shi Ji and Liu Yichen both looked up at the sky and saw a streak of light cut across the horizon, eventually transforming into an ancient longsword that slowly landed in front of Shi Ji.
Shi Ji was stunned; he couldn't believe his eyes. The longsword emanated a faint spiritual energy, and ancient runes were engraved on its blade, seemingly containing boundless power. He reached out and grasped the hilt, and a warm and familiar power surged into his body, making him feel stronger than ever before.
"This is... a divine artifact?" Shi Ji looked at Liu Yichen in shock, her voice trembling slightly.
Liu Yichen smiled and nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval: "That's right, this is the legendary artifact—the Apocalypse Spear. However, it appears in the form of a sword now, perhaps because it has chosen you, Shiji, as its master, so it is showing a form that is most compatible with you."
Shi Ji gripped the sword hilt tightly, feeling the power surging within it, a surge of indescribable excitement and a sense of responsibility welling up within her. "The Apocalypse Spear... why did it choose me? I am just an ordinary cultivator."
Liu Yichen shook his head, his gaze profound: "Divine artifacts choose their masters not based on cultivation level. They value the purity of the heart, the firmness of the will, and the infinite possibilities for the future. Shiji, you possess these qualities. The Apocalypse Spear chose you precisely because it saw your extraordinary nature."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence, and several cultivators dressed in black robes suddenly appeared in front of the two. Their eyes were fixed on the Heavenly Revelation Sword in Shi Ji's hand, their eyes flashing with greed and desire.
"Hmph, I never expected to encounter a divine artifact recognizing its master here. It's truly heaven's help!" One of the black-robed cultivators sneered, and with a swift movement, he pounced on Shi Ji, clearly intending to snatch the Heavenly Revelation Sword.
Shi Ji's expression changed, and he gripped the sword hilt tightly, his spiritual power surging within him. He felt an unprecedented crisis. However, at this critical moment, the Heavenly Revelation Sword seemed to respond to his will, its blade emitting a dazzling light that repelled the black-robed cultivator who had rushed forward, forcing him back several steps. "If you want to seize a divine artifact, first ask yourself if you have the qualifications!" Shi Ji said coldly, his tone revealing an undeniable firmness.
Liu Yichen stood beside Shi Ji, his eyes equally cold: "Divine artifacts choose their masters; this is the will of Heaven. You people who attempt to seize them by force will only bring shame upon yourselves."
The black-robed cultivators exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not expecting such a strong reaction from Shi Ji and Liu Yichen. However, their desire for the divine artifact did not diminish; on the contrary, it grew even stronger.
"Hmph, even if a divine artifact chooses its master, we'll see if you have the ability to protect it!" Another black-robed cultivator sneered, his figure blurring as he lunged at Shi Ji once more.
Facing the black-robed cultivators rushing towards him again, Shi Ji's eyes became even more determined. He gripped the Heavenly Revelation Sword tightly, and the tip of the sword lightly touched the ground. A powerful surge of spiritual energy emanated from his body, reflecting the light of the Heavenly Revelation Sword.
"State your name, I, Shi Ji, do not kill nameless nobodies!" Shi Ji said coldly, her voice carrying an undeniable authority.
The black-robed cultivator was taken aback, clearly not expecting Shi Ji to have such an imposing aura. However, he quickly recovered and sneered, "Hmph, remember this: I am Feng Wuhen, the Black-Robed Wanderer, a disciple of the Valley Master of Black Wind Valley! Today, I will definitely seize this divine artifact to prove my Dao!"
"Black Wind Valley?" Shi Ji frowned slightly. He was familiar with this name; it was a force known for practicing evil arts. "It seems you intend to become enemies of the righteous path."
"The righteous path? Haha, what is the righteous path? The strong are respected, and with a divine weapon in hand, that is my path!" Feng Wuhen laughed loudly, and his figure moved again, attacking Shi Ji like a ghost.
Seeing this, Liu Yichen also moved swiftly to block Shi Ji's path and said coldly, "Feng Wuhen, if you insist on doing this, don't blame us for being impolite."
"Hmph, Liu Yichen, I know you have a great reputation, but today, I, Feng Wuhen, will definitely test your strength!" Before Feng Wuhen finished speaking, he had already attacked and engaged in a fierce battle with Liu Yichen and Shi Ji.
The fierce battle erupted instantly. Feng Wuhen's figure was like a ghost, his black robe fluttering, and dark spiritual power gathered in his palm. Each swing was accompanied by a whistling sound that tore through the air, heading straight for Liu Yichen and Shi Ji.
"Liu Yichen, although you are hailed as one of the best of the younger generation, today I will show you that evil arts can also dominate a region!" Feng Wuhen's voice was cold and sinister. His attacks were sharp and vicious, with every move aimed at vital points.
Liu Yichen's expression was solemn. His figure was graceful, like a willow catkin in the wind, easily dodging Feng Wuhen's attacks while protecting Shi Ji behind him. "Feng Wuhen, you cultivate evil arts, you are destined not to go far. Today I will act on behalf of Heaven and eliminate you, this scourge!"
Shi Ji gripped the Apocalypse Sword tightly, its light like a dragon, intertwining with Feng Wuhen's black-robed figure. The spiritual power within him resonated with the Apocalypse Sword, each swing seemingly capable of cleaving the heavens and earth; wherever the sword light passed, the air itself was split in two.
"Feng Wuhen, your evil arts are nothing but a clown in front of me!" Shi Ji's voice was filled with confidence and determination. His swordsmanship became increasingly fierce, and the sword light was like a net that enveloped Feng Wuhen.
Seeing this, Feng Wuhen's expression darkened further. He roared, unleashing his evil power to its fullest extent. His black robe billowed, making him appear like a demon god descending. The spiritual energy in his palm transformed into a black beam of light, hurtling straight towards Shi Ji.
"Hmph, Shi Ji, don't be too smug! I, Feng Wuhen, still have one more move that will surely defeat you!" Feng Wuhen's voice was filled with madness and determination.
However, facing Feng Wuhen's desperate attack, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen did not back down. They smiled at each other, their eyes shining with determination. Shi Ji swung the Apocalypse Sword in her hand, and the sword light surged, colliding with Feng Wuhen's black beam of light, producing a deafening sound.
At this moment, it seemed that only the sound of sword light colliding with spiritual power remained in the world.
The deafening roar of the collision seemed to shake the heavens and earth, even freezing the air itself. Feng Wuhen's black beam of light intertwined with Shi Ji's sword light, like the alternation of day and night; for a moment, light and darkness seemed to lose their boundaries.
"Hmph, Shi Ji, you do have some skill, but how can you easily withstand my evil arts?" Feng Wuhen's voice was slightly panting, clearly indicating that this attack had also consumed a lot of his strength.
Shi Ji smiled slightly, her eyes revealing an unwavering determination: "Feng Wuhen, no matter how powerful your evil arts are, they are nothing but unorthodox methods. True power comes from the purity and steadfastness of the heart. The Heavenly Revelation Sword in my hands is the symbol of my justice!"
Liu Yichen also said coldly, "Feng Wuhen, you have been practicing evil arts and have long lost your true self. Today, we will act on behalf of Heaven and eliminate this scourge of yours!"
Upon hearing this, Feng Wuhen's expression darkened further. He roared, unleashing his evil power to its fullest extent once more. His black robe billowed, making him appear like a demon god descending. However, just as he was about to launch another attack, Shi Ji and Liu Yichen joined forces. Their attacks were like a net, leaving Feng Wuhen nowhere to escape.
"Hmph, even if I die, I will make you pay the price!" Feng Wuhen's voice was filled with despair and madness. He tried his best to break through the encirclement of Shi Ji and Liu Yichen.
However, their attacks were too powerful. Feng Wuhen's black robe was torn apart by the sword light, and his body was struck by the beam of spiritual energy, causing him to fall heavily to the ground. He struggled to get up, but he was already too weak.
Feng Wuhen lay on the ground, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, yet his eyes still gleamed with resentment. He looked up at Shi Ji and Liu Yichen, his voice weak but filled with hatred: "Shi Ji, Liu Yichen, although you have defeated me, the power of Black Wind Valley will never rest. I, Feng Wuhen, am merely a pawn in their game. The true mastermind is far from being reached by you." (End of Chapter)