Chapter 85: Jinyu's Choice

After coming to this realization, the old man found himself caught in a dilemma.

This time, it truly was a battle of gods, with mortals suffering in their wake.

No matter which side he chose to offer the spirit fish, he would inevitably offend the other, and if he entrusted it to the wrong person, would he not be severing the future for himself and his granddaughter?

The beautiful woman lifted the pearl curtain, casting another glance at the fish basket.

She smiled at the old man and said, "What are you still hesitating for, fellow Daoist? It’s said that Master Hu Sheng of the Pill Cauldron Sect has inherited the ancient secrets of the Pill School, his alchemy skills are unrivaled. And that so-called Jade Morning Daoist—what is he, really? I’ve never heard his name among the extraordinary. Don’t believe those extravagant tales circulating among the common folk!"

She, too, had heard the story of the so-called Plague Demon spreading disease and the true immortal saving the city. By now, there were dozens of versions, widely spread in the nearby prefectures.

Rumors spoke of jade talismans slaying demons, summoning gods with incantations, a mere gesture saving an entire city. Each tale more exaggerated than the last, filled with the wild imaginings of ordinary people.

If the Jade Morning Daoist truly possessed the abilities these stories claimed, he would have surpassed even the Foundation of Dao!

But how could such a thing be possible? The Foundation of Dao is a legendary realm, the true transformation from mortal to immortal.

Shedding the mortal flesh, forging a body of law.

From then on, capable of mighty feats, one's power could communicate with Heaven and Earth, channeling spiritual essence to wield astounding divine arts.

Such beings could not possibly exist in the world today.

She scoffed inwardly. Even the strongest among their Extraordinary Alliance, Lingxu, had only reached the seventh level of True Qi.

And that was due to occupying a spiritual land and being supplied with pills by Master Hu Sheng of the Pill Cauldron Sect.

Thinking of this, the beautiful woman felt a pang of envy. If only she could obtain such spiritual pills, she wouldn’t be stuck at the first level of True Qi.

But just now, she noticed traces of spiritual fluctuation in the old man’s fish basket—perhaps there was a spiritual herb or a rare beast within. If she could trick him into handing it over and exchange it with Master Hu for a pill, her own cultivation might be advanced.

Seizing the moment, she revealed another heavy piece of news, saying, "Have you heard of the Cloud Sword Immortal, Lingxu? Master Hu Sheng has already invited him to join. In five days, a pill contest will be held on a peak near Red Pine Mountain, and the Jade Morning Daoist will surely be humiliated!"

The old man frowned deeply at this.

Such a challenge at someone’s doorstep was little different from outright provocation. He had heard that Master Hu of the Pill Cauldron Sect was difficult to deal with, and today it was proven true.

To bring in a sword immortal of the seventh level of True Qi—it was clear they had set their sights on the Jade Morning Daoist’s bitter apricot tree, using the contest as a pretext for coercion.

That apricot tree and its fruit were certainly not as simple as he claimed.

With this, the old man made up his mind.

This gathering of cultivators was turbulent, and he was ill-suited to meddle. Better to watch from the sidelines and wait for the outcome before making a choice.

Having decided, he tugged at his granddaughter’s sleeve.

He chuckled at the beautiful woman and said, "Fellow Daoist, I am but a humble fisherman, here with my granddaughter to broaden our horizons. I truly hadn’t thought so far ahead! I’d rather not get involved in these muddy waters, please forgive me!"

With that, he clasped his hands in farewell and prepared to leave with his granddaughter.

"Wait," the woman said, "I know you don’t trust me, nor would I force you—but do consider my earlier proposal. How could an unknown mountain hermit refine spiritual pills?"

She then handed a jade-like apricot pit to the girl.

"I have here an apricot pit. You may keep it, or give it to your sister as a trinket—it’s quite charming!"

She pressed the apricot pit into the girl’s hands.

The girl hesitated for a moment, but eventually tucked the pit into her clothing.

Then, following the old man’s steps, she hurriedly left the place.

Watching their departing figures, the beautiful woman laughed softly, her gaze swirling. She turned to those beside her and issued a few instructions.

If one wishes to sit on the fence, one must have the strength to do so!

...

After leaving, the old man and his granddaughter wound their way through the city, ensuring they weren’t followed before finally breathing a sigh of relief.

Though he possessed the second level of True Qi and was considered a formidable figure among the extraordinary, his essence was damaged—he was a tiger stranded in the lowlands.

If the beautiful woman truly sought to entrap him, it would be troublesome.

He sighed, glancing at the spirit fish in his hands.

Had it not been for catching this fish, he would never have risked diving into the source spring of the Cang River.

That spring lies deep in the river’s heart, perilous beyond measure. Even cultivators of higher skill might be torn apart if they aren’t careful.

Yet it harbored many spirit fish. Over the years, by catching them and gathering spiritual herbs in the mountains, he had forged twenty-four strands of magical power, reaching the second level of True Qi.

This time, seeing the extraordinary intelligence of this spirit fish, he took the risk to capture it—nearly losing his life in the process.

The path of immortality truly is arduous beyond compare!

He shook his head, clearing his mind, and instructed his granddaughter, "Yu, if the old man is no longer able, you must retreat to the Cang River and hide. Don’t venture out until you reach the second level of True Qi. Though the river’s spring grows ever more violent, so long as you don’t go too deep, it should be safe enough..."

His words sounded like a final instruction.

The girl’s heart clenched; she wanted to speak, but to avoid worrying her grandfather, she merely nodded in silent assent.

The old and the young, each burdened with their own worries, found a place to lodge and settled in for the night.

As midnight fell, stars dotted the sky outside the inn window.

Silvery light poured in, illuminating the apricot pit in the girl’s hand.

She turned it over, hoping to glimpse the mysteries hidden within its thin shell.

Her grandfather had already examined it, saying there was nothing unusual—at most, it was slightly more spirited than other apricot pits.

But she felt it couldn’t be so simple.

Unable to unravel its secrets for now, she tucked the pit away.

The hour was late.

She listened at the adjoining room; only steady, calm breathing could be heard, rising and falling without end.

Her grandfather was in meditation, unavailable for distraction.

Relieved, she slipped out through the already open window.

Since childhood, she had cultivated under her grandfather’s guidance, nourished by spirit fish and herbs—her own cultivation had reached the perfection of Qi channels.

Thus, as she left the room, she made no sound.

Her feet touched the street, and she moved like a nimble swallow, gliding towards the city’s outskirts.

After hearing the woman’s words today, the girl felt a sudden aversion toward the Pill Cauldron Sect’s alchemist. In contrast, she trusted the Jade Morning Daoist, beloved by the people.

Since her grandfather was undecided, she resolved to ascend Red Pine Mountain and seek out the Jade Morning Daoist, hoping he might offer a way to save her grandfather.