Chapter 48: The Bonds of Fellow Practitioners

The Golden Summit of Niu Shou Mountain was the highest peak in the Xiong Mountain range. At the foot of Xiong Mountain, many people witnessed the Golden Light explode atop Niu Shou Mountain. In an instant, the exploding Golden Light spread from far to near, enveloping all of Xiong Mountain in a massive light dome.

The village under the great banyan tree was also within Xiong Mountain's area. Ding Mao and the others watched helplessly as the Golden Light passed over them and finally landed in the canyon below.

"My Three Pure Ones Patriarch, did you all see that thing just now?"

Just earlier, the Golden Light had been chasing a Yin spirit. They personally saw that winged Yin spirit get caught, get dissolved. Even though it tried to dodge the Golden Light and lower its flight altitude, once enveloped in the Golden Light, its spirit body collapsed rapidly and was annihilated under the Golden Light.

At the final moment of its spirit body's collapse, that winged Yin spirit fell from the sky. Its eyes were fixed and staring, looking both angry and relieved. It said: "The Taiyi Sect destroyed me."

Ding Mao's tongue twisted in shock: "I, I'm young, what, what见识,见识少, have you ever seen a winged Yin spirit?"

Li Qingyuan looked up at the golden light dome and said: "The ancient Xuan Sect manuscripts have a record. At that time, the three pathways of heaven were connected, the Heavenly轨道 had not closed, Spiritual Energy was inexhaustible. Between heaven and earth, besides humans, all manner of beasts in the mortal world had those who Entered The Dao—some joined the righteous Xuan Sect, while others fled into the mountains and became demon cultivators. Demon cultivators were wild and untamable, bringing disaster to the world, which is why the Xuan Sect practitioners led by the Taiyi Sect eliminated demons to protect the Dao."

Since the Heavenly轨道 closed, only the gates between the mortal world and the Underworld remained unclosed. The three pathways of heaven became two, Spiritual Energy between heaven and earth gradually depleted, and no powerful demon cultivators could be born anymore. The Xuan Sect also gradually declined."

Ding Mao shivered with fear: "So that bird demon was a thousand-year-old thing? Been hiding in Xiong Mountain all this time? My goodness, there must be more than just that one hidden in Xiong Mountain. The fact that we made it out of Xiong Mountain last time in one piece was truly blessed by heaven."

Xiang Baihu was the leader of the Central Action Team. He knew Xiong Mountain better than anyone present. He said: "Many inherited Xuan Sect manuscripts are very reticent about Xiong Mountain. The recorded content is also very brief. By comparing them, everyone has coincidentally mentioned several terms: the great battle between demons and yao, the great wound to the Xuan Sect, the peak turning to decline."

Li Qingyuan remembered that the inscription on the stone tablet outside the Ancient Tomb in the Mountain Valley was the same— it didn't mention specific people or events, only that in memory of a certain sect's great kindness that lasted for generations on Xiong Mountain, they were unwilling to let loyal martyrs' bodies be exposed in the wilderness and tried their best to build clothes-graves for the righteous ones.

"The sect everyone avoids mentioning—could it be the Taiyi Sect that bird demon mentioned?"

Ding Mao jumped up suddenly: "Ah, the Zhu Family's ancestor was a member of the Taiyi Sect. So Zhu Shian is a descendant of the Taiyi Sect. Her purpose for entering Xiong Mountain definitely wasn't simple."

"Zhu Shian's Formation skills are so powerful. She must have inherited her ancestors' glory. That Golden Light came so mysteriously—did she trigger the Taiyi Sect's Magic Array?" The more Ding Mao spoke, the more he felt his guess was correct.

Li Qingyuan thought it unlikely: "The remnant Formation in the valley already makes people recoil. Now we know there are also demon spirits sealed here a thousand years ago in the valley. For Zhu Shian to survive alone in there is already difficult enough—how could she cause such a huge disturbance?"

Ding Mao spread his hands: "If it's not Zhu Shian, then what was that Golden Light just now?"

The Golden Light slowly faded. Long Yan reminded everyone: "Do you feel that the air now is fresher than before?"

Before, Long Yan always felt there was a faint rotten smell in the air. Now that smell was gone.

As a witch who had lived in the mountains since childhood, A Hua's perception of the surrounding environment was the most acute: "I feel there's a little bit of Spiritual Energy here."

Li Qingyuan, Long Yan, and Xiang Baihu—the three with the highest cultivation—sensed it. It was indeed true.

"What do we do now? Wait here until dawn, or enter the valley now?"

Li Qingyuan, Long Yan, and Xiang Baihu exchanged a look. Xiang Baihu said to Li Qingyuan: "Daoist Li, you know the valley better. We'll follow your lead."

Li Qingyuan was very fearful of the Magic Arrays, Yin Qi, and death energy in the valley. After careful consideration, he said: "Let's follow the original plan. Rest first, then enter the valley at dawn tomorrow."

"Alright, that's decided."

At this time, inside Xiong Mountain's Mountain Valley—ever since the entire Taiyi Sect perished, the elders of the Taiyi Sect used their last breath to seal all the demons and evil spirits within Xiong Mountain. Xiong Mountain then changed from a blessed place where Xuan Sect geniuses emerged in abundance to a dead land where demons and yao gathered.

For over a thousand years it had been foul and corrupt, but finally Zhu Shian, a Taiyi Sect heir, had come and brought purity to this place.

After forcibly activating the mountain-protection Magic Array, Zhu Shian was so weak she couldn't sit up. She tremblingly removed the satchel from her body, used the satchel's shoulder strap to bind her still-bleeding hand, and barely stopped the bleeding.

She won't die!

Zhu Shian breathed a sigh of relief. She couldn't hold on any longer. Her body slanted and fell to the ground. Her dantian, chest, and mind all ached simultaneously. She curled her body in discomfort, but the corners of her mouth were smiling.

Master, senior brothers and sisters, junior brothers and sisters—if you all knew I had accomplished this, you would definitely be happy for me too.

She didn't mention the sect elders, because the sect elders were right there at the Golden Summit. Although their bodies had crumbled to dust over a thousand years of wind, frost, rain, and snow, their Dark Iron tokens were still stuck in the Magic Array. Zhu Shian had seen them just now.

Zhu Shian gasped and complained: "Elders, it's not for me as a junior to say this about you, but you weren't very capable. Why didn't you hold on a little longer back then, kill all those old things before dying? Leaving so much trouble for me to handle—really."

Zhu Shian was covered in cold sweat. She looked at the Dark Iron token in the groove ahead, struggled to crawl over, and forcefully pulled the token out. She glanced at it, then tossed it aside: "Oh, it's Elder Zhengyuan. Where was your ashes scattered? You represent them—come out and criticize yourself. Weren't you best at Talismans? Why not make an earth-shaking, ghost-terrifying Talisman to blow them all up?"

No one responded except the wind.

Zhu Shian rested for a moment. She forced herself to roll over a few times, rolling to the position of Duì, the due west.

"Let me see, whose is this?"

Zhu Shian tried to pull out the Dark Iron token stuck in the Duì position. This token was stuck too tightly. She tried twice, her arms trembling each time, before finally succeeding. After glancing at it, she let the Dark Iron token slip from her hand.

Zhu Shian lay on her back on the ground, breathing heavily: "Elder Zhenwu, you're impressive. Your bones are hard. You left behind a bit more bone ash than the other elders. I'll build you a tomb later, so you can rest in peace."

"Elder Zhenwu, Elder Zhengyuan isn't speaking. You tell me—what were all you elders doing? You said you would eliminate evil, remove demons, and stabilize the universe. You're not keeping your word. Do you still have the righteous path in your hearts?"

Zhu Shian lay quietly beside that small pile of what was either bone ash or dust belonging to Elder Zhenwu, appreciating the moon in the sky. Tonight's moon was truly bright, the same as a thousand years ago.

A gust of wind passed over her face, like someone's hand covering her eyes, telling her it was dark and time to sleep.

Sleep? No, she wouldn't sleep. She still had many things she wanted to say. If she didn't say them, she'd burst.

Zhu Shian's elbows supported her on the ground, and she rolled to another direction—southwest, the Kun position, the Earth position. The Dark Iron token pulled out—oh, this was Elder Chongxu.

Due south, the Li fire position, Elder Miaozhen.

Southeast, the Xun wind position, Elder Jingxin.

Due east, the Zhen wood position, Elder Ning'an.

Northeast, the Gen mountain position, Elder Heyun.

Due north, the Kan water position, Elder Xiaoyao.

Northwest, the Qian heaven position, Elder Xuanjing.

All her strength exhausted, Zhu Shian couldn't roll anymore. Tears uncontrollably fell, rolling into her ears, uncomfortable, miserable—so miserable she wanted to cry again.

Master, where are you?

It was only early spring, but Zhu Shian lying on top of Niu Shou Summit didn't feel cold. She felt the wind blowing tonight was warm, the moonlight falling was warm, so warm she couldn't hold on any longer. Her stubborn eyes finally closed, and she fell into a deep sleep.

After falling asleep, Zhu Shian dreamed.

She dreamed she was lying on the Golden Summit. Eight old men with bright, dazzling merit golden beards were pointing at her, scolding her as an unfilial descendant disciple, and also scolding her master Li Qingfeng—how did he teach his disciples?

Zhu Shian不服气refused to accept and retorted: "What does talking behind someone's back mean? If you have the ability, call my master up here. Criticize him to his face."

The most good-tempered Elder Heyun smiled and said: "Your master can't come. But it doesn't matter. This old Daoist will go talk to him later."

"Are you all leaving?"

"We've been守护here for over a thousand years. It's time for us to go. If we don't go, someone will worry."

"Who would worry? Tell me, I'll fight my way to their door."

"Oh, little Shian, they closed their doors a thousand years ago. How can you fight your way to their door?"

"Then what do we do?"

"These matters naturally have your master, and us old folks, to handle. You don't need to worry, little child."

"Shian, this mortal world is still very interesting. Even if not for yourself, live a good life for your senior brothers and sisters, junior brothers and sisters."

"Your consumption this time was too great. Go back and rest and nurture your body for a few years. Don't worry about trivial matters."

Just before dawn, when the sky was about to lighten, a door suddenly appeared on the misty Golden Summit. The door opened from the inside, and Zhu Shian saw the Black and White Impermanents walk out from within the door.

Zhu Shian jumped up from the ground, pointing at White Impermanent Xie Bian and骂道: "Good for you, Xie Qi. You took my gifts but didn't do my bidding. Even your subordinate big-headed ghosts avoid me. You black-hearted liver, return the mule I burned for you."

As the eight elders entered the door, White Impermanent's face turned deathly pale. He smiled at Zhu Shian. The gates of hell slammed shut in front of her.

Zhu Shian was so angry, but her eyelids were too heavy to lift.

In her heart she thought, Xie Qi, wait for me. Someday I'll kill my way to the Underworld to collect my debt from you.

Dawn arrived. Zhu Shian slept more and more deeply, her breathing becoming light.

At the foot of Niu Shou Mountain.

Li Qingyuan's group had already arrived at the Taiyi Sect's mountain gate.

Ding Mao was shocked. How could the Yin Qi and death energy in the mountain be completely dispersed?

Not only that—the auspicious energy in the valley was so strong that withered trees sprouted new shoots, and even the dried moss on the rocks showed a hint of green.

"Team leader, what exactly happened? When we came last time, it wasn't like this."

If not for the withered trees and barren land in the mountain being too conspicuous, this valley now didn't look like a dead place but rather a风水 treasure ground.

At this time, two magpies landed on the stone platform, chirping at the group, then flapped their wings and flew into the valley.

"Hey, don't fly over there. If you fall into the Magic Array, you'll lose your lives!"

Ding Mao jumped up to catch the birds, but the two magpies flew faster, into the valley, landing on the ground to peck at the tender shoots that had just sprouted last night.

"When we came last time, there wasn't even an ant in the valley. When did there become birds?"

Ding Mao ran after them. His eyes widened. He pointed at the two birds for Li Qingyuan to see: "Team leader, is the Magic Array gone?"

Li Qingyuan said: "Perhaps Master Zhu broke it."

Xiang Baihu and Long Yan lagged behind a few steps. They saw something remarkable—they saw the cleaned plaque beside the stone platform with the words: this was the Taiyi Sect.

After seeing the Taiyi Sect's plaque, the two hurried to catch up: "Last night we guessed correctly. This is the Taiyi Sect. Master Zhu is a descendant of the Taiyi Sect. Her family must have Xuan Sect manuscripts. She knows better than us how to deal with the Magic Arrays here."

Zhu Shian was most likely still alive.

Ding Mao asked: "So what do we do now? Wait here or go in?"

Li Qingyuan said: "Let's try going in first."

He didn't know whether Zhu Shian had died in the Magic Array or was somewhere in the mountain. Since they had come, they definitely couldn't wait at the valley entrance—they had to go in and find her.

Li Qingyuan said in a deep voice: "I'll go in first. You follow behind me. If I accidentally step on a Magic Array, don't try to save me. Turn back immediately."

Long Yan nodded: "I'll go after you."

Long Yan's Daoist techniques were family-inherited, but ultimately, his family, like Ding Mao's family, also came from the Shangqing Sect.

The Shangqing Sect's disciples were skilled in Talismans and Magic Arrays. Long Yan couldn't be said to be especially good at Magic Arrays, but among everyone here, besides Li Qingyuan, he should be the most capable.

Thus, Li Qingyuan took the lead, Long Yan followed closely, Ding Mao, A Hua, Li Mingzhao and the other juniors were sandwiched in the middle, and Xiang Baihu brought up the rear.

The moment Li Qingyuan stepped into the valley, his heart rose.

The first step was safe. The second and third steps were also safe. Carefully walking to the middle of the valley, Li Qingyuan suddenly stopped.

The Long Yan behind him immediately tensed: "Daoist Li, what's wrong?"

Li Qingyuan pointed at the birds in the forest—more birds had come from somewhere, flying in the valley, running on the ground, not afraid at all that a Magic Array might suddenly appear somewhere and take their lives.

Li Qingyuan slowly said: "Perhaps all the Magic Arrays in this valley have been broken?"

All broken? Zhu Shian?

Ding Mao and the others were walking to the left of the big rock. He turned his head and saw the neatly arranged skeletons in the cave. At a glance, there were at least over a hundred.

Ding Mao shouted: "You all, look quick!"

Everyone looked in the direction his finger pointed—to the right. Ding Mao quickly said: "Zhu Shian must have definitely been here. If she hadn't come, who would arrange these skeletons so neatly? It must be human work!"

Ding Mao boldly entered the cave. He pulled a military water canteen from the corner of the cave. After seeing this canteen, no more explanation was needed—everyone knew Zhu Shian had definitely been here.

Li Qingyuan felt relieved in his heart, his tightly strung mood slightly relaxing. He said: "Let's continue moving in."

Li Qingyuan was always cautious. Even though he guessed in his heart that the Magic Arrays in the valley had been broken by Zhu Shian—even if not completely broken, the main road should be safe—his speed of movement was still not fast.

The group spent several hours crossing the valley. When they found the steps up the mountain, Li Qingyuan's pace quickened.

The valley was full of dead trees and weeds, making it hard to see traces of people passing through. The steps up the mountain were different—the thick layer of dead branches and fallen leaves on the steps had been stepped on and flipped open, the traces still fresh, indicating it was safe here.

Li Qingyuan and the others followed Zhu Shian's traces up the mountain. Their speed was fast, taking just over an hour to reach the mountaintop.

Li Qingyuan saw blood stains and Zhu Shian lying on the ground, alive but unconscious. He urgently shouted: "Master Zhu, Master Zhu, are you alright?"

A Hua and Ding Mao squeezed forward from behind. Ding Mao was shocked—how much blood did Zhu Shian lose? How terrifying!

The several of them hurried forward but were blocked by a Magic Array below the steps.

Ding Mao rushed too hard and hit the Magic Array, his head spinning: "What is this thing? The Magic Arrays below are all broken. What Magic Array is left here to stop whom?"

They didn't know what this Magic Array was. For now, they could only see that this Magic Array didn't harm people.

Li Qingyuan and Long Yan tried several times. Li Qingyuan said: "This Magic Array doesn't harm people, but it harms Yin spirits. If I'm not mistaken, this Magic Array was used to seal those things in the valley."

Long Yan could tell this Magic Array was something from many years ago because it was too ancient and too powerful.

So ancient that they had only seen it in Xuan Sect manuscripts, so powerful that even current Xuan Sect practitioners who knew about this Magic Array had no ability to set it up.

A Hua urgently said: "What do we do now? We don't even know if Master Zhu is alive or dead."

"Let us try."

Li Qingyuan and Long Yan tried for a long time but couldn't break through the Magic Array. Ding Mao, Li Mingzhao, and the other young people also took turns trying, but they had no clue.

Ding Mao touched his pocket. He said: "I still have three of Zhu Shian's Five Thunders Talismans. Why not try using the Five Thunders Talisman to blast it open?"

A Hua was shocked: "Why do you still have three of Master Zhu's Five Thunders Talismans?"

Could he say he secretly kept them for himself?

Ding Mao傻笑didn't speak. A Hua coldly snorted.

"Then let's try?"

"There's no better way. Let's try."

Zhu Shian's Five Thunders Talismans, no matter how powerful, couldn't break through the Magic Array set up by the Taiyi Sect elders using their lives as a sacrifice. But it wouldn't be accurate to say they had no effect at all. The fluctuations from the Five Thunders Talismans' attack on the Magic Array woke Zhu Shian. She opened her eyes, wanting to lift her head to see what was happening, but her hand was too heavy to raise.

A Hua and Ding Mao who had been watching Zhu Shian closely noticed she seemed to have woken up. They urgently shouted to her.

"Master Zhu, are you alright?"

"Zhu Shian, come help quickly. We can't break this array!"

"Master Zhu, how are you? Master Zhu?"

"Zhu Shian, if you don't think of a way, then we really have no other options. If you want us to save you, come help quickly. If you can still move, crawl over here."

A Hua fiercely punched Ding Mao: "How are you speaking? Even a dead person would be angered to life by you."

Ding Mao suspected he had seen wrong just now. While dodging A Hua's fist, he asked: "She moved just now, right?"

Li Mingzhao nodded affirmatively: "She moved. I saw it."

"Could it be the wind was too loud and she didn't hear us calling her?"

Ding Mao suspected his voice wasn't loud enough. He pushed A Hua: "Your voice is louder. You call."

"Your voice isn't small either. You call."

"You call!"

"You call!"

Li Qingyuan and Long Yan were still studying the Magic Array, distracted by the two of them. Xiang Baihu told Ding Mao to shut up and not delay things.

Zhu Shian really couldn't move her body. She tried several times before raising her uninjured hand, forming a seal with one hand, temporarily releasing the Magic Array's seal.

Everyone saw Zhu Shian's raised hand, then saw her hand helplessly fall again. A Hua, standing at the very front, hurried to rush over.

Faster than thought. After rushing over, A Hua realized—ah, how did she get through?

A Hua rushed over. Li Mingzhao and Ding Mao behind her also rushed in. Li Qingyuan and the others who were a step late were still blocked behind the Magic Array.

Ding Mao turned back and said: "Wait here. We'll carry Zhu Shian over to break the array."

A Hua and Li Mingzhao had already reached Zhu Shian's side. A Hua knelt down and checked her breathing. After feeling her breathing, A Hua relaxed.

As long as she was alive, that was good.

At this time, Li Mingzhao saw—the blood stains weren't just the little bit they saw earlier. The dried dark red blood in a groove was truly terrifying.

There were also tokens randomly thrown on the ground. One side was engraved with the three characters 泰一门 in seal script, the other side with names. If looked at more carefully, the dark patterns on each token weren't simple patterns but interconnected Talismans.

Ding Mao arrived a step later. He also saw the blood stains. He was greatly startled: "How much blood did she lose? Is Zhu Shian still alive?"

A Hua untied the satchel strap wrapped around Zhu Shian's hand: "Look at her hand. She must have used a blood sacrifice."

Ding Mao saw the wound on her palm and felt pain for her: "She's a ruthless one. Even to herself, she下手这么狠. I'm truly convinced."

No need for more words. All three had already confirmed that the person who caused such a huge disturbance last night was definitely Zhu Shian.

Before they came, they had guessed Zhu Shian might be injured. When they set out, they prepared bandages and medicine. A Hua had some in her bag. She quickly cleaned Zhu Shian's injured hand, applied medicine, and wrapped it in gauze.

Li Mingzhao said: "Other things can wait. Let's first send Master Zhu to the hospital."

"We need to wake Zhu Shian first. If she doesn't wake up, we'll all be trapped here with her."

A Hua said: "You all help. Put Master Zhu on my back. I'll carry Master Zhu over first."

"Alright."

Ding Mao and Li Mingzhao placed Zhu Shian on A Hua's back. Ding Mao turned back to pick up Zhu Shian's Soul-Suppressing Handbell, Peach Wood Sword, Golden Thunder Whip, and those eight tokens, stuffed them all into her satchel, and carried them on his own back.

A Hua carried the person to the steps going down the mountain. Ding Mao patted Zhu Shian's shoulder: "Wake up quickly. We're going down the mountain. Quickly undo the Magic Array."

Zhu Shian was unconscious with no response.

Ding Mao gritted his teeth and pinched Zhu Shian's injured hand. Zhu Shian's hand twitched from the pain.

Everyone inside and outside the Magic Array stared at him.

Ding Mao不服气said: "Why are you staring at me? I'm also trying to save her little life."

Zhu Shian briefly woke from her deep sleep. Without even opening her eyes, she unconsciously formed a seal with one hand to undo the Magic Array's seal. A Hua carried her and immediately stepped out.

Ding Mao and Li Mingzhao hurried to follow.

"Let's go. We need to hurry down the mountain and get back before dark."

The Southeast, Central, and Southwest Action Teams had come with over thirty people in total. Along the way, they took turns carrying Zhu Shian. They moved quickly and reached outside the valley to the great banyan tree before the sun set.

Not daring to rest for a moment, they quickly went along the path above the canyon out of the mountain.

When the group reached the small wooden house, it was already completely dark. Looking at Zhu Shian who was barely holding on to her last breath, Zhu Jin didn't dare to wait. She sent her to the hospital that same night.

Ye Dan and Zhu Lan also went.

They still took turns carrying Zhu Shian, walking along the mountain road to the nearby town. Ding Mao and the others finally delivered the person to the town hospital.

The town hospital's doctor looked and said he couldn't treat her. He told them to send her to the County Hospital.

The town bus station had only one bus, departing at eight in the morning for the county seat and returning in the afternoon.

Zhu Jin took her ID to find the bus station's cadre and called the driver. Half an hour later, they carried the unconscious Zhu Shian onto the bus going to the county.

Zhu Shian's face had no color at all. She lay motionless on the hospital bed. She hadn't eaten or drunk anything all day. Zhu Jin was extremely worried.

Zhu Jin asked: "Where did you find Master Zhu? What was her situation then?"

"We found Master Zhu on the top of Xiong Mountain. When we found her, she was already unconscious. If we hadn't arrived in time and woken her, she might have slept forever."

Zhu Jin couldn't believe: "The mountaintop? Isn't the valley very dangerous? Last time Daoist Li went in, even..."

Zhu Jin stopped halfway, but everyone knew what she meant.

Li Qingyuan smiled without介意: "Each generation has its talented people. My level is far inferior to Master Zhu, a genius like her. When we went, Master Zhu had already broken all the Magic Arrays in the valley. We walked to the mountaintop completely safely."

Long Yan added: "The Magic Arrays in other parts of the valley may not all be broken, but from the valley entrance to the mountain, Master Zhu definitely cleared the Magic Arrays."

Li Qingyuan said: "The Magic Arrays in the valley being cleared is one aspect. The bigger thing, I think, is that the death energy, demon spirits, and fierce ghosts in the valley were cleared—even more impactful than the Magic Arrays."

Zhu Jin asked the question she most wanted to know: "What was that Golden Light last night?"

"You all saw it from outside the canyon too?"

Zhu Jin nodded: "That Golden Light dome just happened to cover the small wooden house."

Li Qingyuan and the others were very surprised. They hadn't expected the Golden Light dome to extend so far.

Zhu Jin said: "Think about it differently. The wooden house is just north of Xiong Mountain. Starting from Xiong Mountain's mountaintop as the point, it's actually not far."

Li Qingyuan sighed: "Even so, this Magic Array is very large. To activate such a large Magic Array by oneself—no one else but Master Zhu could do it."

"Team leader Zhu, you have very good眼光." Xiang Baihu said.

Li Qingyuan said: "Team leader Zhu does have good眼光, but Master Zhu's injuries this time are too severe. I'm afraid she can't take on important duties."

Long Yan also felt Li Qingyuan's words made sense. To activate that Magic Array, Master Zhu definitely didn't just use a blood sacrifice—she probably also used other secret methods. Otherwise, Master Zhu wouldn't be injured this badly.

Zhu Jin was silent for a long time and deeply sighed: "Don't worry. Let's send Master Zhu to the hospital first and see how she's doing."

Ding Mao, A Hua, Li Mingzhao, and the others listened silently. Although the team leaders didn't say it explicitly, everyone knew that Team leader Zhu had already recommended Master Zhu to be the Action Team leader.

The Action Team had only so many people. Between the various sects and families, everyone was connected. As long as there was any fresh news in the Action Team, it couldn't be hidden and would spread quickly.

Ding Mao looked at the unconscious Zhu Shian. If this didn't work out, he felt sorry for her.

Zhu Lan paid no attention to what they said about important duties. She only knew that for the Zhu Family, nothing was more important than the eldest daughter's life.

If the eldest daughter woke up and returned home, the entire clan would probably treat her like a fragile treasure and never let her go out and take risks again.

Zhu Lan held the eldest daughter's ice-cold hand and pulled the blanket higher on her.

The eldest daughter was sick. Her body was weak. No matter how thick the blanket, she couldn't get warm.

Zhu Lan's eyes couldn't help but turn red.

A Hua quickly comforted: "It's fine. We estimate Master Zhu just exhausted herself too much. After resting and recovering, she'll be fine."

Zhu Lan couldn't respond. Before the eldest daughter opened her eyes, she didn't believe anything anyone said.

The bus driver delivered them to the County Hospital in the middle of the night. The doctors and nurses on night duty were greatly startled seeing dozens of people carrying a bed in. They thought they were there to cause trouble.

Fortunately, it wasn't the case—there were just a lot of family members.

The doctor on duty was a Western medicine practitioner. He came first to examine the patient. Zhu Shian had external injuries on her hand, but they were well-handled—no inflammation. Although the wounds were still red and swollen, it wasn't serious.

"Besides the hand wounds, I don't see other problems. Wait a moment. I'll go get Dr. Zhang to take a look."

The doctor on duty left.

Fearing these family members would think their doctor was irresponsible and get angry and cause trouble, the nurse quickly said: "Dr. Zhang passed the Traditional Chinese Medicine Selection Examination last December and came to our hospital. She's especially good at regulating the body. She's very skilled."

Zhu Jin saw Zhu Lan's worried face and followed the nurse's words to comfort: "Don't worry. Doctors who can pass the Traditional Chinese Medicine Selection Examination all have real skill. Dr. Zhang will definitely treat Master Zhu's illness."

As Zhu Jin said, Dr. Zhang had real skill. She felt Zhu Shian's pulse and said: "This girl has Qi deficiency, blood deficiency, Yang deficiency, and her liver and kidneys are also depleted. In short, her body is completely虚透from the inside out. Alas, her constitution has been drained. It won't be easy to rebuild it."

Zhu Lan's heart hung up.

Dr. Zhang felt the pulse on the other hand. She then said: "This little girl had poor health since childhood, right?"

Zhu Lan quickly nodded: "Our eldest daughter was born weak. She was often sick before. The family worked hard to regulate her. After she turned ten, her body gradually improved."

Dr. Zhang looked at Zhu Shian's height: "To raise a child who was weak from birth to this state, your family must have put in a lot of effort. Why did she suddenly ruin her health again like this?"

Zhu Lan's nose ached so much she couldn't speak. She quickly turned her face away.

Zhu Jin stepped forward and asked: "Doctor, how should we treat this?"

Dr. Zhang sighed: "I see her condition isn't an illness. It's not a matter of how to treat it. Her body needs to be nurtured—needs to focus on diet, nourish her blood and Qi, support her Yang, and slowly rebuild her depleted body. It will take several years."

"Doctor, the patient has been unconscious for a day. What's the problem?"

"That's what I said—she's太虚啦. Sleeping for a day doesn't matter. Tomorrow morning wake her up and prepare some nutritious, light, easily digestible food for her."

"If she still doesn't wake up tomorrow morning, what do we do?"

Dr. Zhang said: "Call me. I'll wake her with acupuncture."

Dr. Zhang didn't write a prescription. After giving instructions, she left.

There were still a few hours until dawn. They couldn't let everyone wait here. Zhu Jin and Zhu Lan stayed. Let the others go to the nearby inn to rest and come back tomorrow morning.

Ye Dan voluntarily said: "I'll stay too."

Ding Mao yawned: "Alright. You all guard her. I'll go sleep for a few hours. Tomorrow morning I'll go find a restaurant here and get her something she can eat."

A Hua said: "I'm going too."

Zhu Jin nodded: "Alright, I'll leave it to you."

After Li Qingyuan and Ding Mao's group left, the crowded ward suddenly became spacious.

There were two empty beds beside. Zhu Jin told Zhu Lan and Ye Dan to rest first. She would keep watch. Later, when they woke up, they would replace her.

Zhu Lan couldn't sleep: "Team leader Zhu, Ye Dan, you all go rest. If the eldest daughter doesn't wake, even if I lie down, I can't sleep."

Ye Dan understood Zhu Lan's mood and didn't persuade her: "I'll keep you company."

Since Zhu Lan and Ye Dan wouldn't sleep, Zhu Jin couldn't either. Zhu Lan leaned over the hospital bed. Ye Dan and Zhu Jin leaned on the empty beds. The three waited for dawn like this.

The County Hospital's ward windows were glass. After dawn, sunlight came through the glass windows, filling the ward with a warm scene.

Other patients in the ward got up to use the toilet and wash up. There were also doctors making rounds, family members bringing breakfast. Various sounds in the ward—even people who wanted to sleep in were woken early.

Zhu Shian still hadn't woken. After watching for a while, Zhu Lan said: "Team leader Zhu, let's ask Dr. Zhang to come take a look."

Zhu Jin looked at her watch: "It's still early. Wait a bit more. If she still hasn't woken by nine, go ask Dr. Zhang to come."

Zhu Lan sat down and waited.

At half past eight, Ding Mao, A Hua, and Li Mingzhao came in. Ding Mao put the lunch box on the bedside table while saying: "Zhu Shian still hasn't woken?"

Zhu Lan shook her head.

Ding Mao stared at Zhu Shian's nose. He made eyes at A Hua. A Hua glared him back.

They didn't need to test her breathing—just looking at Master Zhu's lip color was enough to know she was still alive.

"Zhu Shian! Big Miss Zhu, it's breakfast time! You've had nothing to eat or drink for a day and a night. If you don't get up to eat, are you trying to become an immortal?"

Ding Mao's noisy voice made Zhu Shian frown. Ding Mao clapped his hands and laughed: "Come look—she's woken by my shouting."

Zhu Shian opened her eyes, wanting to scold him, but her throat was dry and hoarse. She couldn't speak even if she wanted to.

Zhu Lan quickly poured a cup of water: "Eldest daughter, drink a couple of sips."

A Hua and Ye Dan helped lift Zhu Shian's upper body and folded the military coat on her hospital bed into a block to put under her pillow, making her more comfortable to lie on.

The cup of water was drunk to the last drop. Zhu Shian still felt it wasn't enough. Zhu Lan asked: "Should I pour another cup for the eldest daughter?"

"Mm."

Zhu Lan quickly went to pour water again. Zhu Shian saw Ding Mao's mischievous look. She turned to Zhu Jin and said: "Last time, whatever things you dug out from the Ancient Tomb outside Xiong Mountain—I hope you can put them back."

Zhu Jin asked: "Xiong Mountain is the former Taiyi Sect, right?"

"Yes. The Magic Implements you dug out from the Ancient Tomb outside Xiong Mountain belong to the Taiyi Sect's master and disciples. I want to return what belongs to them and let them rest in peace."

"Is the matter with Xiong Mountain completely resolved?"

Zhu Shian sighed deeply: "All resolved! The soldiers stationed outside Xiong Mountain can be withdrawn. Don't worry. If anything happens again in Xiong Mountain in the future, everything will return to normal."

In Zhu Jin's view, Zhu Shian was a descendant of the Taiyi Sect and a Xuan Sect genius. She risked her life to settle Xiong Mountain so it wouldn't harm nearby residents anymore. She had done enough.

Zhu Jin wouldn't stop Zhu Shian from wanting to take back what originally belonged to the Taiyi Sect. But the items had already been handed in. This matter she needed to consult with the leadership above.

Zhu Shian said: "Thank you for your trouble. I'll stay in Xiong Mountain for a while to bury them before leaving."

Zhu Jin caught Zhu Shian's hidden meaning—if the items weren't returned, Zhu Shian wouldn't let it go.

Seeing such a firm Zhu Shian, Zhu Jin suddenly had some doubt about whether her previous proposal was correct.

Zhu Jin said to Zhu Shian: "Master Zhu, stay in the hospital for now. I'll contact the headquarters. I'll try my best to get the items delivered quickly."

"Thank you."

After Zhu Jin left, Zhu Shian drank another half cup of water.

Zhu Lan said: "Eldest daughter, eat breakfast now?"

"Wait until I've washed up."

Zhu Shian got out of bed. Her foot was soft and she lost balance. Ye Dan, A Hua, Zhu Lan, Ding Mao, and Li Mingzhao all rushed over together. Zhu Shian was caught by Ye Dan, Zhu Lan, and A Hua who were nearest to the bed—almost falling to the floor.

Ding Mao couldn't help but ask: "What did you do on the mountaintop? How could you become so虚?"

Zhu Shian knew her body was indeed very weak now. She had over-consumed to restart the mountain-protection Formation. She now couldn't even slightly mobilize the Spiritual Energy in her body without her internal organs throbbing with pain.

Ding Mao sighed: "With your current broken body, you still want to bury those skeletons? Forget it. Tell me where to bury them. I'll dig the grave for you."

"Count me in," said Li Mingzhao.

Ye Dan said: "I can help too."

A Hua raised her hand: "Me too."

A faint smile appeared on Zhu Shian's face: "Thank you all."

"You're welcome. It's what we should do," said Ding Mao. "You handled two major matters—the Port City Ye family and Xiong Mountain. I think the above will agree to your request. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried."

Whoever dares to withhold the Taiyi Sect's things—when she recovers her strength, she will personally go to demand them back.

But she didn't need to go personally. After Zhu Jin applied to the leadership above, they called back that same day, saying they would arrange for national security comrades to escort the items over.

Hearing the items would arrive tomorrow, Zhu Jin also relaxed.

"How is Zhu Shian's condition?"

"Very bad. Li Qingyuan said she injured her roots and won't recover easily. The doctor here also said her body is虚, needs several years to recuperate."

"Zhu Shian is number one on your recommended list. What do you say now?"

Zhu Jin had already thought about this in advance. She said: "She remains number one on my recommended list."

The leader on the other end of the phone didn't speak, waiting for her explanation.

Zhu Jin said seriously: "Zhu Shian has already received recognition from the three team leaders—Li Qingyuan, Xiang Baihu, and Long Yan. And everyone knows I recommended Zhu Shian to be the Action Team leader. Now because Zhu Shian was injured in the Xiong Mountain incident, we withdraw the recommendation—I'm afraid it would have a bad impact within the Action Team."

"You're right to consider that, but you also need to consider reality. Zhu Shian is injured. Someone still needs to do the work in the Action Team. What do you think, Team leader Zhu?"

Zhu Jin insisted on her opinion: "If our condition for recommending an Action Team leader is from the perspective of ability, then after Li Qingyuan and the others met Zhu Shian, no one else taking the Action Team leader position would feel deserving."

The position of the lead wolf in a wolf pack is very important. If the lead wolf can't win respect, that wolf pack will eventually have problems.

The leader couldn't be persuaded. The leader asked her to consider further.

Zhu Jin was helpless.

Zhu Jin was using the County Hospital's office phone. Ding Mao passed by outside the office and heard the general idea. He, whose mouth had no gate, returned to the inn and spilled everything to everyone.

"Master Zhu is indeed injured, but we're being fair—after being injured, Master Zhu can still freely manipulate such a powerful ancient Formation. Who can compare?"

"Formation is one aspect. Isn't Master Zhu's strongest point the Talismans? You all recall for yourselves—Master Zhu's Five Thunders Talismans have saved her own life several times."

Li Mingzhao said to Ding Mao: "Only your life is a dog's life."

"You—"

"You piece of—shut up."

Li Qingyuan smiled and asked Xiang Baihu and Long Yan: "What do you think?"

Long Yan wasn't in a hurry to express his opinion. He asked Xiang Baihu: "What do you say?"

Xiang Baihu said: "Master Zhu solved this big trouble of Xiong Mountain. As the Central Action Team leader, I definitely feel grateful to Master Zhu. However, public affairs can't be influenced by private feelings."

"From a public perspective, what do you say?"

Xiang Baihu smiled: "Then naturally I support Master Zhu. Just like Team leader Zhu said—if not for Master Zhu, from the perspective of ability, I wouldn't accept any of you as team leader."

Long Yan followed with his statement: "What we have now is actually fine too. Each region's team leader handles tasks in their own jurisdiction. If they can't handle it, they seek headquarters for help. Team leader Zhu is very good at coordinating personnel and resources."

Li Qingyuan smiled: "I think the same as you all."

An organization needs people who can do things—like their group.

An organization also needs a spiritual leader—like Zhu Shian.

Zhu Shian was so young and had so much potential. Even if she rested for ten years, what then? She would still be under thirty. She had many years ahead to live, to be a spiritual leader for many years.

Unless, in the future, someone surpasses her.

Li Qingyuan, Xiang Baihu, and Long Yan all understood—given the Xuan Sect's current declining situation, finding a young person stronger than Zhu Shian was nothing but dreaming.

In a few more years, when those old folks who are already too old to leave their mountains are all gone, in the entire Xuan Sect, in terms of Formations and Talismans, who could surpass Zhu Shian?

Moreover, Zhu Shian was also a Daoist Physician—a Daoist Physician who could save their lives in times of danger.

In summary:

In terms of private interests, Zhu Shian leading—what benefits it had for themselves, each of them knew well from the border battle.

In terms of public interests—in the general decline of Xuan Sects worldwide, how much role a master like Zhu Shian who could control the situation would play in stabilizing the形势—anyone with brains would think about it.

Everyone present默契reached a consensus.

Ding Mao, whose mouth had no gate, suddenly said: "You all talk so much nonsense. After this matter, Zhu Shian might not want to be the leader—even in name."

Li Mingzhao looked at this person who couldn't produce anything good from his dog mouth and felt his teeth itch.

Ding Mao's head held high: "Hmph. You all speak so nicely. Whoever benefits knows. If I were Zhu Shian, I wouldn't agree either."

Zhu Shian was indeed considering her own physical condition. She really was thinking about refusing this position.

The next day, the items Zhu Shian wanted were delivered. Ding Mao and the others, plus the three squads stationed outside Xiong Mountain, all went into Xiong Mountain to help her dig graves. It took several days to bury the 203 skeletons that were found one after another.

Zhu Shian originally wanted to perform a ritual, but with her current physical condition, she definitely couldn't. Li Qingyuan led the entire Action Team to perform it for her, completing her wish.

Thus, Zhu Shian saw in the valley various sects and schools, each with their own strange ritual procedures.

Witches were different from Daoists. And among Daoists, there were differences because of different method schools—some recited scriptures, some invited gods, some prayed. An ordinary ritual was made lively and noisy by them.

Zhu Shian couldn't help but laugh. She thought her senior brothers and sisters, junior brothers and sisters would also find this ritual interesting if they were watching.

Performing a ritual for Taiyi Sect disciples at the Taiyi Sect's place—various sects and schools all came. It was quite an eye-opener.

The ritual was done. Zhu Shian's wish was temporarily fulfilled.

Zhu Shian should go home.

Before going home, Zhu Shian was going to bring up the Action Team leader matter with Zhu Jin. But at this time, Zhu Jin and Li Qingyuan and the others had already discussed with the leadership above. Zhu Jin continued as Action Team leader. The Action Team's work continued as usual.

Zhu Shian's position was honorary leader—all salary and benefits aligned with Zhu Jin's.

"Originally I proposed you as leader to the leadership. I, as deputy leader, can also do the work. At the meeting, there was opposition, saying it's not good for a position with real authority to be vacant for a long time. So they gave you the honorary Action Team leader position. After your body recovers, you can transition from honorary Action Team leader to leader."

Zhu Jin handed the appointment letter to Zhu Shian. Zhu Shian opened it. The content in the appointment letter was exactly what Zhu Jin said.

Even more, the appointment letter specifically wrote—when to officially take the position was according to her own wishes.

Both sides weren't held up. Zhu Shian also relaxed. She could go home and rest her body well.

Zhu Shian was leaving. Xiang Baihu, Li Qingyuan, and Long Yan should also leave.

Ding Mao cheerfully said to Zhu Shian: "Master Zhu, an honorary leader is still a leader. After you recover, if there's good stuff, don't forget us."

Li Mingzhao was shocked by Ding Mao's thick face. Before, he said it was them who benefited. Now he was the first to benefit ahead of time?

Zhu Shian didn't mind being taken advantage of this little bit. She smiled and said: "Okay. I said, within my ability, I'm very willing to contribute to the Xuan Sect."

Back then, when the entire Taiyi Sect fell, although other Xuan Sect practitioners weren't capable enough, they did their best to collect the bodies and set up clothes-graves. She actually treasured this friendship in her heart.

The people from back then are gone. Returning this friendship to the current Xuan Sect practitioners is also fine.

After all, everyone walking the path of protecting the mortal world's righteous way are fellow practitioners.

When facing common enemies, everyone rises and falls together.

At the dock, saying goodbye to everyone, after boarding the boat, Zhu Lan happily said: "We can finally go home."

They left in February. The Qingming Festival passed a few days ago. They should go back.

At this time in Zhenshan County, the drizzling spring rain was almost finished. Next should be the brilliant spring, the beautiful sunny weather.

Zhu Shian stood on the boat and looked back at distant Xiong Mountain in her heart, saying goodbye to them: I'm leaving.