Nameless Region Arc Chapter 58: The Human Heart

On the martial stage, only a few dozen cultivators remained, waiting for the trial to end. Most were at the early or mid Foundation Establishment stage, their interests tied to those outer sect disciples who had entered the miniature world, hoping to trade with them once the trial concluded. Only a handful were there out of idle curiosity.

Yet, unbeknownst to them, nearly all of the disciples from the Formative Sect within the miniature world had been slaughtered. Apart from the Kong siblings and Mao Yishan, only a handful of the original forty-seven remained.

For cultivators, a month passes swiftly—merely a few rounds of secluded meditation. For a powerful Golden Core cultivator like Xuan Qizi, it was but a fleeting moment, perhaps just a single meditation session. The longer one lives, the quicker time seems to flow. As a child, a day spent writing and learning felt endless; as an adult, a year of toil passes in the blink of an eye. For those who have lived a thousand years, such passage is even more ephemeral.

The martial stage was hushed. Xuan Qizi and the other three powerful cultivators sat with closed eyes, resting and cultivating, while the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining disciples dared not make a sound, quietly meditating in earnest.

Even Bai Youxuan, usually lively, now held a jade slip, her eyes closed in contemplation. Her body absorbed spiritual energy autonomously, her cultivation already reaching the third level of Foundation Establishment. She was not cultivating, but rather studying the words recorded in the jade slip given by Zhou Xuanhong, regarding the cultivation of inner fortitude.

All was silent, not even the white cranes that once soared overhead dared approach, fearing they might disturb the four formidable figures in meditation.

Suddenly, the World Pearl exhibited an anomaly—a strange surge of sinister energy appeared, manifesting out of nowhere at a certain spot on the pearl.

“Hm? Nascent Soul aura!”

Xuan Qizi’s eyes snapped open, fixing on the source of the sinister energy, simultaneously contacting the Supreme Peak and activating his soul-bound artifact, ready to strike at the slightest provocation.

Corpse Mountain Old Ghost’s expression changed. He hurriedly blocked Xuan Qizi. “No need for alarm, Fellow Daoist Xu. This is likely a new disciple our sect’s Supreme Elder recently accepted, probably given some means of self-preservation.”

A figure appeared outside the World Pearl, flanked by five faint ghostly shadows that leered lasciviously before vanishing.

“Five Ghosts Transfer Technique? Corpse Mountain Old Ghost, what is your Corpse Sect’s intention? This is merely a minor Qi Refining trial, yet you employ Nascent Soul-level techniques. Or perhaps you have other designs?”

Xuan Qizi relaxed his guard, but his tone grew forceful. The situation was clear—the Corpse Sect’s use of the Five Ghosts Transfer Technique indicated a plot for the World Pearl.

Corpse Mountain Old Ghost seized Bian Luxing as he was transmitted out, dispelling the sword intent left by Gu Yufeng within him, chuckling, “Impossible. As I said, this lad is the Supreme Elder’s disciple. It’s normal for a master to grant his disciple a life-saving ace.”

“Heh.” Xuan Qizi glanced at Bian Luxing and remarked coolly, “His aptitude is good, but not exceptional. This Five Ghosts Transfer talisman must have been refined by that Free Wanderer. Such a secret treasure would be cherished even by your Corpse Sect’s Nascent Soul experts. Would you really be so generous?”

Corpse Mountain Old Ghost, feeling the sting of Xuan Qizi’s sarcasm, laughed it off, “Who knows what the ancestor is thinking? Perhaps he’s grooming him as a successor.”

Da Xi from Song Mountain Sword Pavilion interjected, “Judging by the boy’s injuries, I’d wager one of our inner sword cultivators struck him. I must apologize to you, Corpse Mountain. Our swords never discriminate. Such a fine treasure—what a pity.”

Though his words expressed regret, his demeanor betrayed none, as if eager to boast: See, our sword cultivators are stronger; a single strike and your disciple is left battered!

Xuan Qizi then turned to Wei Cangyuan, “Wei, do your disciples at Five Spirit Pill Valley also possess such treasures?”

Wei Cangyuan’s face soured. Even Bian Luxing had resorted to the Five Ghosts Transfer Technique; it seemed their plan had failed. Unlike that technique, the Child Cauldron was also single-use but not entirely foolproof. He could only hope his great-granddaughter would remain safe.

Wei Cangyuan stroked his beard, replying blandly, “We do not possess such treasures at Five Spirit Pill Valley. Even if we did, we would not use them. If they fail, then so be it.”

Xuan Qizi was in high spirits, sensing a plot against the World Pearl had failed, chuckling quietly.

All present were seasoned experts, each with a millennium or more behind them. They understood each other’s intentions without need for words.

As pill cultivators, Five Spirit Pill Valley’s desire for the miniature world was evident. Otherwise, their guardian for this trial would not be Wei Cuiyao, a renowned alchemist.

Given Wei Cangyuan’s previous attitude, Xuan Qizi could deduce much. With the Formative Sect in decline and the Corpse Sect ascendant, how could a pill sect stand with the Formative Sect? Changing allies was only logical.

Xuan Qizi had anticipated that the Corpse Sect and Five Spirit Pill Valley would make moves within the miniature world. Yet, so what? The World Pearl was a world unto itself—could it truly be stolen in a moment? Did they think the Formative Sect’s two Nascent Soul elders were mere decorations?

Likely, they had left some contingencies, waiting for the right moment to seize the miniature world. All these intricate ties stemmed from a single word—profit.

Five Spirit Pill Valley coveted the miniature world; the Corpse Sect’s stance was clear, always at odds with the Formative Sect. If they could exchange the miniature world for a powerful ally, why not?

Wei Cangyuan, worried about Wei Cuiyao, finally asked Bian Luxing, “Young friend, what happened inside the miniature world that even you, with your cultivation, faced mortal peril?”

The phrase “with your cultivation” was merely a pretext. He had already arranged an alliance with the Corpse Sect; in theory, no accidents should have occurred. So, why was Bian Luxing here now? That was his true concern.

Bian Luxing, having recovered through meditation, glanced at Corpse Mountain Old Ghost, receiving his approval before replying, “It was like this: twenty days ago, everything was normal. While my fellow disciples and I were gathering precious materials, we were suddenly beset by a massive beast tide. We fled for our lives, and along the way encountered Five Spirit Pill Valley’s main force, joining to fight together. Just as victory seemed near, a group of sword cultivators burst forth. As you know, there’s always some tension between us and sword cultivators, so we fled again. The rest you know. If not for the gravity of the situation, I would never have used that precious talisman.”

The four elders could discern the truth behind Bian Luxing’s half-truths. No one could lie to them; their experience let them deduce the real events from the hints.

Xuan Qizi realized his seasoned Qi Refining disciples were likely doomed, for Bian Luxing had not mentioned any Formative Sect disciples. He felt no sorrow—quite the opposite, some satisfaction. If even Bian Luxing had to use a secret technique to escape, the fate of other Corpse Sect disciples was clear, and Five Spirit Pill Valley seemed to have suffered heavy losses as well.

Corpse Mountain Old Ghost’s expression darkened. His disciples were not like those old Qi Refining hands of the Formative Sect—many were prodigious talents, with a high chance of advancing to Foundation Establishment, some even to Golden Core. It appeared they were all wiped out, a significant blow to the Corpse Sect.

Wei Cangyuan could not glean Wei Cuiyao’s fate from Bian Luxing’s account, though she had the Child Cauldron’s protection, there was still some risk.

The happiest was Da Xi, who laughed heartily, “Good, very good—no, wait, these useless brats actually teamed up! Isn’t that a disgrace to Song Mountain Sword Pavilion? Since when do our disciples need to join forces in such a minor secret realm? Shame on our forebears!”

Many Formative Sect disciples below were speechless, thinking, If you’re so ashamed, why laugh so gleefully?

…

Within the World Pearl, Zhou Xuanhong steered hundreds of bloodthirsty insects toward Xu Biao’s location, unhindered. Nearly all late-stage Qi Refining and above beasts had been conscripted by Gu Zhen.

The remaining bloodthirsty insects, though at the peak of mid-stage Qi Refining, concealed their cultivation and energy fluctuations. Otherwise, they could never infiltrate the bodies of cultivators and beasts undetected; only Foundation Establishment cultivators with divine sense could perceive them.

“With so many precious materials, Xu Biao will be grinning ear to ear. With his strength, he should be able to claim two-fifths of the wealth.”

After a day’s journey, he finally found Xu Biao picking rare herbs in a mountain cave, and sent him a message via divine sense.

“All right, Xu Biao. There are still six days left, and your strength has improved considerably. You should be able to take my bloodthirsty insects underground.”

Xu Biao paused, stepped out of the cave, and suppressed his smile, curiosity in his voice, “Young master, what’s going on? Where did the beasts go?”

Zhou Xuanhong replied casually, “They banded together to battle the main forces of the Corpse Sect and Five Spirit Pill Valley. Any other questions?”

Xu Biao scratched his head, “Do you think you can contact Kong Xiaori and Kong Xiaoyue?”

Zhou Xuanhong sensed Xu Biao’s growing ambition—he wanted to spend the remaining time seeking more treasures. His question about the beasts’ whereabouts also hinted at his desire to confirm Zhou Xuanhong’s methods.

Xu Biao, realizing the beasts had left, assumed Zhou Xuanhong’s only means were the bloodthirsty insects; he believed their information-gathering ability posed no threat to his life.

“Xu Biao, so you want to strike out on your own. Indeed, these resources are enough for you to cultivate to the peak of Foundation Establishment. Let me ask you: are you resolved?”

Having his intentions exposed, Xu Biao feigned hesitation, finally biting his lip and apologizing, “Sorry, young master. Rest assured, I won’t reveal anything once I’m out. I’ll leave the Formative Sect immediately.”

Zhou Xuanhong was silent for a moment. He had anticipated much: Gu Zhen’s possible actions, the Corpse Sect’s desire for the Five Ghosts Transfer talisman mentioned by Black Ghost Daoist in Free Wanderer City, deploying bloodthirsty insects to monitor Wei Cuiyao, and the information gained from Wei Cangyuan.

He had planned for all possibilities—even without Gu Zhen triggering a beast tide, he could sabotage any scheme, ensuring his own victory.

But for all his calculations, he underestimated the human heart. The heart is the world’s most complex thing—ever-changing and unpredictable.

He had believed Xu Biao was reliable, that the resources garnered would suffice and Xu Biao would continue to assist. Yet he had underestimated the boundless greed and desire within people.

“In that case, you have no further use.”

Zhou Xuanhong’s divine sense was cold and indifferent, chilling Xu Biao to the bone. Sweat broke on his back, but he relaxed upon sensing the tiny red bloodthirsty insects emitted no energy or aura. He was about to speak when suddenly his heart was wracked with pain, his eyes widened and nearly burst, mouth gasping for breath.

“Young master, spare me, I’m willing—”

Before he could finish, his life was extinguished.

Xu Biao’s corpse slumped to the ground, its warmth ebbing. A red bloodthirsty insect crawled from his ear and rejoined the swarm.

There were four reasons Zhou Xuanhong had to kill Xu Biao. First, many outside knew of Xu Biao’s close ties to him; if Xu Biao left with immense wealth, suspicion would inevitably fall on Zhou Xuanhong, given the many mysteries surrounding this trial. Second, if Xu Biao continued to search for precious materials, he would inevitably encounter other cultivators; better to kill him first than risk others doing so and seizing the spoils. Third, Zhou Xuanhong trusted only himself; he would not gamble on matters he could control. Fourth, if Xu Biao died within the miniature world, it would reduce suspicion aimed at Zhou Xuanhong. With four compelling reasons for Xu Biao’s demise, how could he dare propose striking out alone? If he didn’t die, who would?