The Quest for Immortality

Smiles like blossoms, beautiful and captivating.

But in the next moment, a cold wind blew, and blood tears flowed from all these lovely faces.

”Sister, why did you harm me?”

”Why, when I trusted you so much, why did you push me into the fire pit?”

”Sister, do you know, I was tortured to death, a most tragic death...”

”Sister, do you know where my body is buried...”

...

These voices, at first confused, then desperate, gradually turned into one after another of piercing, terrifying cries:

”Sister, I hate you so much!”

”Sister, you... bring me back my life!”

Hua Ruyu was frightened out of her wits, her face devoid of any color.

”It wasn’t me, I didn’t harm you, I did it for your own good, I...”

But these women refused to listen to any of her excuses, turning into fierce ghosts, rushing towards her, ripping at her.

Hua Ruyu struggled.

But what tore into her was not fierce ghosts, but herself.

She used her two hands, with the long nails on them, to claw at her own face, tear into her own flesh, reach into her heart, and ultimately, in the boundless terror and agony of being entangled by fierce ghosts, she died bit by bit.

The last thing Hua Ruyu saw before she died was the face of a woman scarred by fire.

As she slowly died, the burn marks on the woman’s face gradually faded, transforming back into a gentle and demure countenance.

It was Ye Jin.

Hua Ruyu seemed to want to say something to Ye Jin, seemed to want to explain that she did it for her good, but in the end didn’t say it, and her life soul was completely extinguished.

Ye Jin silently watched Hua Ruyu die, and then her figure gradually faded away.

Hua Ruyu died.

But no one on the Spirit Boat knew for the moment.

Meanwhile, in the great hall, a banquet was being held.

Master Xia sat at the high seat, expression solemn, and on his right sat Xiao Tianquan.

Those present were all Golden Cores from the Xia family on this journey, and elder-level figures from the Xiao family.

This was a banquet to cement the friendship between the Xia and Xiao families.

At the banquet, glasses clinked, the atmosphere on both sides was harmonious, and the conversation was delightful.

And above, a Sound Isolation Formation was set up.

Master Xia coolly advised Xiao Tianquan:

”To accomplish great things, one must have a calm spirit, and the more unpredictable the situation, the more one should remain composed and not show emotions.” Ꞧ𝙖Ν𝔬ʙЕś

”Previously by the river, that young disciple, though without evidence, caused a scene with just a few startling words, making you lose your composure.”

”Even Gu Changhuai and Ronger, seasoned in dealing with legal matters, could have noticed your panic at a glance. Any ordinary person with eyes could tell you were feeling guilty.”

”Later, to vent your frustration, you spoke out loud, revealing everything you did, which is a big taboo, too foolish.”

”Acting so impulsively, without the demeanor of being unruffled even if Mt. Tai collapses in front, how can you strategize and take on the major responsibilities?”

Xiao Tianquan listened quietly, respectfully saying:

”Yes, I am foolish, from now on I will remember the Inspector’s advice.”

Master Xia nodded slightly.

”But...” Xiao Tianquan mumbled.

Master Xia saw through his concerns, slowly saying: ”In the Taoist Court, cases are about evidence, without evidence, there is naturally no crime.”

”Moreover, investigation and verification go hand in hand, without investigation, where would the ’evidence’ come from?”

”From now on, no one will investigate you anymore.”

Xiao Tianquan was relieved, his face showing joy, and he bowed: ”Thank you, Inspector.”

”No need to thank me, I am just...” Master Xia paused, ”following ’rules’ in handling matters.”

”Your insight is crystal clear, Master Xia,” Xiao Tianquan said, feeling somewhat embarrassed, ”about Xia Canonical Official...”

”As for Ronger, it’s not for me to bring up again. But...” Master Xia’s gaze darkened, ”Whether there is a turn for this matter depends on yourself. If you wholeheartedly work for Ronger’s good, move her, and make her change her mind, there’s still time.”

”Even if in the end, you two are not fated to be together, it does not matter, I will choose another direct lineage girl from the Xia family to marry you, thus forming a good connection between our two families...”

Xiao Tianquan was overjoyed, but outwardly still said:

”I will be sincere and do my utmost to make Xia Canonical Official change her mind.”

”Hmm.” Master Xia nodded.

With this matter wrapped up, they no longer mentioned it, and instead began discussing business matters.

Master Xia said: ”The Xiao family has many disciples, among your generation, though you excel, you are not unmatched. Other lineages also have talented disciples, they are your formidable opponents for the position of Family Head.”

”However, now it doesn’t matter, you are favored by the Xia family, they will all be beneath you.”

”All the paths are paved for you, you just need to cultivate well, and move step by step upward. Once you reach the Golden Core, you may marry into the Xia family, becoming the Xiao family’s designated next Family Head.”

”As long as your cultivation reaches Feather Transformation, the current Family Head will unconditionally step down, putting you in position. By then you will truly be the Xiao family head, and we the Xia family will stand behind you, helping you lead the family.”

Xiao Tianquan’s eyes were filled with excitement, his face flushed red.

Master Xia’s eyes flickered slightly, ”However, there is still one more thing...”

Xiao Tianquan was slightly taken aback, a bit puzzled, ”You mean...?”

”The special Eternal Life Rune!”

Master Xia said deeply, ”You must find a way to have the Ancestor in your clan plant a special Eternal Life Rune on you, only then will your future be considered truly secure, and the Xia family will be assured in recommending you for position.”

Xiao Tianquan frowned, his expression somewhat hesitant.

The Xiao family is indeed a fifth-grade family, and there are Heaven Void Ancestors in the clan.

It’s just that...

The two Heaven Void Ancestors in the clan, though advanced in years, are still healthy.