Chapter 27: Seizing the Elixirs

Within Dao Sansheng’s sea of consciousness, the little figure marched straight up, lifted his leg, and kicked without hesitation. Back and forth, he chased the skull, kicking it repeatedly in that strange, endless realm. He recited an incantation, and a tiny flame ignited in his palm. Without delay, he aimed it at the skull, scorching it as black smoke billowed. From within came a trembling voice laced with fear.

“Spare me, please, spare me! I’ll do whatever you command!”

“So soon you surrender? I haven’t even used my ultimate weapon yet. I’ve heard that extracting the soul and roasting it strand by strand over a fire is especially satisfying.”

“Master, I swear loyalty unto death. I will serve you with every ounce of my being!” the skull pleaded, leaping frantically in midair.

“Tell me, what can you do for me? I’ll decide.”

“I am a cultivator who reached the pinnacle of the Golden Core realm. After my master’s death, I absorbed the bloodline aura from his corpse and awakened. Later, he became a fierce ghost and swallowed me whole. Within his belly, I absorbed grievances and transformed into ghostly fire.”

“Get to the point. Are you courting death?” Dao Sansheng had little patience for such rambling.

“I can devour lesser spirits and help you rear ghostly pets—Ghost Fireflies are especially powerful. Together, we can cultivate.”

“I’m alive. Why would I keep such things? Make soup?” Dao Sansheng scoffed.

Seeing Dao Sansheng’s annoyance, the skull explained, “Ghost Fireflies are formidable companions; they grow with their master and are invaluable in haunted ruins. Only those with a vessel like me can nurture ghostly creatures safely.”

“Very well, I’ll take you in. But cause no trouble—stay obediently right here.”

The skull finally breathed a sigh of relief as Dao Sansheng moved on.

Suddenly, Dao Sansheng’s dantian stirred, prompting him to investigate with his cultivation detector.

Three Lives Technique: Earth Chapter
Immortal-class technique
Grade: Yellow
Level: Intermediate
Requirements: None; chooses its master at random
Cultivation method: Devour and evolve. Needs flame and ice crystal; absorption must be balanced.

The technique’s explanation stated it could grow to Immortal-class, currently at Yellow-Intermediate. The cultivation method now emphasized balance between flame and ice crystal absorption. Clearly, the dantian’s issue lay here.

“Senior Brother! Someone’s knocking outside.” Dao Sansheng exited his cultivation, having found the problem but unable to resolve it yet. He might as well step out.

He opened the door to find Chao Xiong, his face brimming with excitement.

“Senior Brother, the monthly allotment is here! Pills are being handed out—let’s go!”

Without waiting, Chao Xiong dragged Dao Sansheng along. They hurried through the living quarters toward the inner courtyard, where a swarming mass of people had already gathered.

A sea of faces—Dao Sansheng was astonished. He’d always thought his cohort numbered just over thirty.

Noticing Dao Sansheng’s surprise, Chao Xiong explained, “Every year, hundreds of new disciples join the outer sect. Over time, it’s not so many.”

They crowded together. From a building ahead, a young attendant stepped out. “Line up. Present your waist tokens and collect your pills one by one. No fighting or pill-snatching—violators will be severely punished by the sect.”

Dao Sansheng produced his waist token and queued. Occasionally, someone cut in, but nobody dared protest.

When it was Dao Sansheng’s turn, the attendant handed him a porcelain vial. He opened it immediately—the scent of the pill lingered, rich and enduring. Clearly, its effects would be excellent.

After collecting their pills, Dao Sansheng and Chao Xiong headed back. Halfway, they were stopped by a group.

“Well, brothers, long time no see. Hand over your offerings, and maybe we’ll spare your lives.”

It was the same group they’d encountered in the dining hall. Bold enough to ignore the sect’s warning, they robbed openly in broad daylight.

Chao Xiong whispered at Dao Sansheng’s ear, “These guys are from the Outer Affairs Hall—the elder’s sons. Best not to provoke them. Just give them what they want.” He tugged Dao Sansheng’s sleeve for emphasis.

Dao Sansheng wasn’t afraid. Others might avoid these second-generation bullies, but he had higher education—surely he could handle such matters.

Chao Xiong smiled, opened his pill vial, and poured two pills into his palm, handing them over. The leader kicked Chao Xiong aside, pocketed the pills, and grabbed the vial, keeping one for himself. “That’s what happens when you try to keep something for yourself. Now you—hand it over, hurry up.”

Dao Sansheng bent low and stepped forward, offering his vial. As the other reached out to take it, a strange fire erupted, burning fiercely up his arm. His screams echoed through the valley.

Seizing the moment, Dao Sansheng channeled spiritual power into his right fist and struck with all his strength. The man was sent flying.

On landing, he scrambled up, cursing, “Useless fools! I raise you all for nothing. A mere third-level Qi cultivator beat me, and you didn’t even step in.” He glanced at his hand, now swollen from the burn.

He’d thought Dao Sansheng was surrendering, so he’d lowered his guard—only to be ambushed.

Seven or eight henchmen prepared to rush forward, but Dao Sansheng sensed a familiar spiritual ripple.

The leader shrieked again, “It’s burning, it’s burning! My backside, my backside!” He ran, slapping at the flames, his wails resounding.

“He’s got backup—protect the boss!” The group rushed after him. The fire still burned on his rear; one henchman kicked him, then the others piled in, delivering a flurry of blows.

His cries grew ever more pitiful.

On Dao Sansheng’s shoulder perched a pale, luminous bird, puffed up proudly in a victor’s pose.

“Who’s fighting here?” An old man rode in atop a flying sword, landing between the two groups. With white hair, immortal bearing, and a long beard, he wore a gray robe and was visibly angry.

“Elder Tong, Elder Tong, thank goodness you’ve arrived! We were just assaulted by these two—look at Young Master Liu, injured head to toe.” The group stepped aside, revealing Liu.

Young Master Liu’s backside was crimson, bearing two clear footprints, swollen high and purple-red, just like a monkey’s. He crawled toward Elder Tong, his hand swollen, the other bleeding—truly a miserable sight.

“Uncle Tong, you must help me!” Though Liu’s reputation was poor, Elder Tong owed his family some respect, and as fellow disciples, he had to give an account. Dao Sansheng was clearly new.

“Elder Tong, they robbed our pills first. Brother Dao only stepped in because he couldn’t stand it. My pill vial is still in Liu’s storage pouch,” Chao Xiong explained.

“Silence! I’m old enough to know right from wrong. You two are unharmed—look at Young Master Liu’s injuries. They’re real. You two come with me for punishment.”

Dao Sansheng and Chao Xiong followed Elder Tong, while Liu and his henchmen bowed and scraped as they departed.

“Find out who that brat is. I want him taught a lesson. Let’s see if he survives the outer sect,” Liu instructed his followers.

The seven or eight henchmen quickly dispersed, trembling with fear.