The Nameless Lands Chapter Thirty-One: Young Master Gu Zhen

"Xu Yuqi? He must be dead. He lived thousands of years ago—how could he still exist now? Young friend, why do you ask? Have you discovered something?"

Zhou Xuanhong recounted everything he had seen and heard atop the Supreme Peak, along with his suspicions regarding the matter, and offered his perspective: "I don't think it's as simple as it appears. I've now mastered the 'Form Derivation Technique' myself, and it's an exceptionally powerful soul-cultivation method. If one were to combine self-sealing, an inherently strong soul, and other secret arts unknown to us... it’s not impossible that Xu Yuqi’s soul still survives!"

The old black-robed ghost shook his head. "Even if your guess is correct, why would Xu Yuqi, over these millennia, not attempt possession, instead lingering in a painting for thousands of years?"

Zhou Xuanhong pondered for a moment. "Perhaps Xu Yuqi has exhausted all opportunities for possession, and the reason I felt that strange sensation—could it be because I practice the 'Form Derivation Technique,' making me a suitable target for him?"

The old ghost was taken aback, recalling his own years of cultivation and what he knew about the Form Derivation Sect. Suddenly, a memory surfaced. "Since its founding, very few have practiced the 'Form Derivation Technique,' despite it being the sect’s foundational method. That’s odd in itself. Furthermore, over thousands of years, those who mastered the technique and rose to prominence in the Nameless Domain have been extremely rare—most either vanished or died. That’s why so few disciples practice it."

Zhou Xuanhong fell silent, mulling it over. "It’s a cumulative effect. As the founder’s original method, it’s strange that so few disciples would practice it. Clearly, over time, the Form Derivation Sect has become what it is today. Even if Xu Yuqi isn’t alive, there must be a tremendous secret within the sect. Still, I lean toward believing Xu Yuqi survives. Elder Ghost, tell me more about Xu Yuqi; it will help me make a wiser decision."

"Very well."

"I know little of Xu Yuqi myself. His origins are shrouded in mystery; he may not be from the Nameless Domain, but perhaps from beyond the Left Palm Domain—though that’s mere conjecture.

He was exceptionally gifted and bore a striking, noble appearance. He caught the attention of the great sect of the Nameless Domain at the time, the Haoyang Golden Immortal Sect. The sect master even promised his daughter to him, making Xu Yuqi the young master, poised to inherit the sect.

When he achieved the Nascent Soul stage, he succeeded the old master and became the new sect leader. Yet fate took an unexpected turn. A few years later, it’s said he fought for a great world against another powerful sect, the Thousand Elephants Ghost Gate. Xu Yuqi disappeared in that war, which ended in mutual devastation. Eventually, the main branches of both sects intervened—the overlords of the Left Palm Domain, the Grand Hao Golden Immortal Sect and the Senluo Ghost Gate—supporting the Taiyin Extreme Corpse Sect, leading to the current balance.

A century later, Xu Yuqi returned to the Nameless Domain, then at the late Void God stage, but gravely wounded beyond recovery. He founded the Form Derivation Sect, but soon died and vanished. Many sect records note that his death was witnessed by numerous people—it’s unlikely to be false."

After hearing about Xu Yuqi, Zhou Xuanhong sank into thoughtful silence. There seemed to be no issue, yet that was precisely the problem.

His way of thinking was unlike others; while most evaluated matters logically and subjectively, Zhou Xuanhong saw everything as a potential conspiracy. He considered why things happened, who benefited, and if he were involved, how he would manipulate events to maximize his gain.

After a long reflection, he shook his head lightly. "I have no proof, but we must prepare for the possibility. I must guard against being possessed, and you should guard against him using my body for revenge if he succeeds. Or, if he fails, he may turn his sights on you, especially if you threaten the Form Derivation Sect."

The old ghost nodded. "I’ll investigate further. But since you’re here, let me introduce you to someone else."

Zhou Xuanhong was not surprised by this, and smiled calmly. "You mean the proprietor of the Spirit Beast Trade Market?"

Suddenly, applause echoed from below, a voice replied, "Smart!"

A figure flashed, and a youth appeared at Zhou Xuanhong’s left, seated atop a meditation cushion crafted from various beast furs, looking quite extraordinary.

A lazy white fox lay on the youth’s knees, enjoying his gentle strokes. The newcomer was indeed the shopkeeper who had given Zhou Xuanhong the Azure-scaled Eagle.

"How did you know it was me?" the youth asked, surprised Zhou Xuanhong had guessed so quickly.

Zhou Xuanhong pointed to the eagle chick in his arms. "This elder gave me a beast for no reason—I doubt my luck is that good. Besides, your eyes betray emotion: anger toward that second-generation immortal, yet you feign indifference. When you look at me, there’s a hint of goodwill. Coupled with Elder Ghost’s remark, it’s easy to guess."

The youth laughed. "I suppose I’m still too young. Over a hundred years, yet I can’t match a child. Can you see anything else?"

Zhou Xuanhong did not answer, shaking his head. "Let’s say I can’t guess. Why have you come to me? Don’t tell me you have a vendetta against the Form Derivation Sect."

The youth shook his head. "No grievances, but possession can invite trouble. I wish to obtain something from the Form Derivation Sect."

Zhou Xuanhong replied, "Is it the Spirit Herb Micro-world, or the beasts within it?"

The youth gave Zhou Xuanhong a thumbs-up. "Exactly. That micro-world has been sealed for ages, and it may house a species of beast nearly extinct on Fairy Star. I want to care for them, so their bloodline isn’t lost forever."

Zhou Xuanhong eyed the youth skeptically, unable to believe someone could be so noble. He imagined countless sinister motives, suspecting the youth might want the beasts for sacrificial or devouring purposes.

He nodded and asked, "If so, why not approach Xuan Qizi directly? With your status, you surely have access to the sect’s leadership. Or do you have ulterior motives, perhaps intending to claim the micro-world for yourself?"

The youth gave an awkward smile. "Well... actually, if I could have the micro-world, that would be ideal. Many rare beasts reside there. I hope to increase their population and save them from destruction."

Zhou Xuanhong rolled his eyes. "Just admit you want it—no need to dress it up in lofty ideals. We’re all the same."

The youth smiled sheepishly, but the white fox he was stroking took offense, baring its teeth and speaking in human tongue, "We’re nothing alike! My young master’s grand ambitions are not for an ant like you to guess!"

Zhou Xuanhong found the fox’s speech intriguing, unconcerned by its insult. To him, he was human; the fox, merely an animal.

"Speaking in human tongue—this young master must have quite the background if even his pet is at the Golden Core stage. Why would someone so distinguished covet a mere micro-world?"

At Zhou Xuanhong’s question, the youth tapped the fox’s head, and Elder Ghost interjected to smooth things over. "You may not know, young friend, but this young master’s origins are indeed extraordinary. However, he’s here only for training and has little power to call upon, which is why he sought my help."

Zhou Xuanhong shook his head, continuing in his sardonic tone, "Elder Ghost, you must understand our situation is perilous. Do you think you’re safe? We face the soul lamp restrictions from the ancestor of the Specter Sect, Free Wanderer, and surprise attacks from the Form Derivation Sect’s Nascent Soul elders. Below, the Specter Sect disciples are at risk of assimilation within the Corpse Sect. Yet you reveal our plans to outsiders—one misstep, and we both fall into the abyss."

Elder Ghost scratched his head awkwardly. "I’m just seeking more allies, and increasing our chance of success."

The youth sensed Zhou Xuanhong’s displeasure and offered goodwill. "Brother, I overheard your discussion about Xu Yuqi and understand your situation is precarious, with the constant risk of possession. How about this: I lend you a soul-defense treasure—not only as a greeting gift, but as the foundation of our cooperation. What do you say?"

Heh, this was exactly Zhou Xuanhong’s aim. As a mere Foundation Stage cultivator, he would never truly offend two Golden Core experts; it was all an act, meant to coax treasures from the youth. Soul-defense artifacts were invaluable. Elder Ghost didn’t believe Xu Yuqi was alive—if Zhou Xuanhong asked him for such a talisman, he might oblige, but would never offer the best.

The youth drew a lotus from his storage ring, holding it in his palm and handing it to Zhou Xuanhong. "This is a pseudo-green lotus. Though not pure, it’s of third grade. It may not defend against possession by Void God stage experts, but it will suffice against Nascent Soul stage threats. I suspect, after thousands of years, Xu Yuqi’s soul would be much weakened, so it should protect you. But let me say: if we attack the Form Derivation Sect and Xu Yuqi is truly dead, I’ll need the lotus returned."

Zhou Xuanhong’s eyes brightened as he began refining the lotus. Returned? Impossible. Once it was in his possession, there was no reason to give it back.

Nevertheless, he replied with righteous gratitude, "Thank you, young master, for this treasure. I am deeply grateful. Rest assured, the Spirit Herb Micro-world will be delivered to you intact."

As if!

Zhou Xuanhong’s true aim for the sect opening the micro-world was to seize it for himself. How could he hand it over to another?

"By the way, may I ask your name, young master?"

The youth smiled softly. "Gu Zhen."

After refining the pseudo-green lotus, the lotus flew into Zhou Xuanhong’s spiritual sea, its petals radiating gentle warmth—immensely comforting.

"Young Master Gu, since we’re allies now, there’s something I must ask you."

Gu Zhen grew serious. "Go ahead."

Zhou Xuanhong lifted the Azure-scaled Eagle chick from his arms, puzzlement on his face. "Does this little one eat meat or milk? Raw or cooked?"

"Uh..."

Did Zhou Xuanhong ask out of ignorance? No—it was a tactic to lower Gu Zhen and Elder Ghost’s guard, a psychological cue to sow seeds for future schemes, just as he’d done in Luoshui City when he assassinated the priest.

As for the eagle chick, Zhou Xuanhong had other plans, shifting his prior strategy.