I Have Medicine

Chapter 580 - (Divine Spirit) “I, as your big brother, is too stubborn.”

Gongyi Tianheng quickly swept Gu Zuo into his arms, and the two swiftly descended to the ground. He had Gu Zuo sit quietly to the side, assuming a meditative posture to regulate his breathing and energy.

The people of Eight Desolations City, seeing Gu Zuo like this, assumed he was either still in shock or had overexerted himself during the battle, so no one came to disturb him. Meanwhile, Gongyi Tianheng guarded him, allowing him to slowly refine and absorb all the blue-eyed power from the corpses of the Blue-Eyed Tribe.

Perhaps due to his previous experience refining blue-eyed powers, although Gu Zuo was initially impacted by the sudden influx of blue-eye force, once he composed himself, he had no further issues. His refinement speed increased rapidly, and in just over two hours, he had completely absorbed it all.

However, it would still take some time for the Eight Desolations City warriors to finish cleaning up the battlefield. So, Gu Zuo stood up and, with Gongyi Tianheng, prepared to leave first.

The warriors were deeply grateful to them and did not obstruct their departure. The two merely informed Wu Zhenhuang before calmly leaving.

Back at the City Lord’s residence, both felt significantly more at ease.

Coming to Eight Desolations City had been fruitful—Gu Zuo managed to temper a pair of divine eyes, and Gongyi Tianheng successfully resolved the foreign race threat. It could be said that everything went smoothly and gloriously.

Afterward, all that remained was individual cultivation and waiting for word from their sect.

Several hours later, the Eight Desolations City experts also returned. A grand banquet was held in the residence to honor all the meritorious contributors.

Wu Zhenhuang personally came to invite the two, and Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng gladly attended. They saw the eight human experts casually seated without any rigid hierarchy, clearly at ease.

Upon arrival, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng greeted everyone.

Though these experts had higher cultivation, their status wasn’t necessarily superior, and they all treated each other as peers, without the slightest air of superiority.

Then, Gongyi Tianheng brought up the matter of the Giant Rock City.

When he asked, all the experts paused slightly in their actions.

Gu Zuo was puzzled: “What’s the matter? Could something unexpected have happened?”

Logically speaking, apprehending a single Royal Realm cultivator shouldn’t have been an issue.

One of the Royal Realm experts sighed and said, “Unfortunately, when we arrived at Giant Rock City, it was completely deserted. Not a single male or female was left.”

Gu Zuo was stunned: “They fled?”

The human experts could only nod with helpless expressions. “It seems so.”

Another added, “By the time we got there, they had already gone far.”

Someone else said, “Back on the battlefield, when the Giant Rock Tribe was nearly annihilated and their second powerhouse never showed up, we should’ve guessed this outcome.”

Gu Zuo understood then.

Among the over ten thousand remaining Giant Rock Tribe members, many of the new generation were still in the wombs of their females. Seeing the situation was hopeless, the remaining Royal Realm powerhouse didn’t linger but fled with a large number of tribespeople. They would likely find another place to rebuild their race.

With the human race now dominant, if they had stubbornly stayed, they would’ve risked total extinction—just like the Blue-Eyes and Demon Wolf Tribes. That final powerhouse, as the tribe’s leader, naturally couldn’t act out of emotion. Instead, he had to preserve the survival of his people. Without him, even if the tribe found a new home, they would struggle to establish themselves.

The humans of Eight Desolations City understood this logic. However, the Giant Rock Tribe left too swiftly, and since the humans had been locked in intense battle, by the time they could respond, the trail was already cold.

Helplessly, they could only send search teams in all directions, unable to achieve their original goal of eliminating the Giant Rock Tribe entirely.

They didn’t dwell on the disappointing news for long and soon returned to drinking and chatting happily. Gongyi Tianheng and Gu Zuo were toasted several times and, unable to decline, each had a few drinks. The atmosphere grew increasingly lively, and it seemed the bonds between them had grown even closer.

Regardless of whether the Giant Rock Tribe still had remnants, this was undoubtedly a great human victory. Even if some stragglers remained, they could no longer be a threat.

After several rounds of drinking, the banquet came to an end.

Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng returned to their residence. That night, they didn’t cultivate. Instead, they lay in bed together like ordinary people, quietly resting with eyes closed.

Although Gongyi Tianheng had drunk, such a small amount of alcohol didn’t affect him. Though his eyes were closed, he wasn’t drunk—he was merely conserving energy.

Gu Zuo, however, had been physically and mentally exhausted from frequent pill refinement, and before long, he had fallen into a deep, even sleep.

Night unfolded its dark cloak, yet high above, a radiant moon sailed serene. Soft beams streamed through the windowpanes, painting the world within with a milky luminescence and filling the air with quiet peace.

Suddenly, Gongyi Tianheng sensed something off—something warm and soft pressed against his neck. He looked down and saw that Gu Zuo, at some unknown point, had half-raised himself and placed his lips there.

His heart skipped, then stilled.

Ah Zuo is always shy—how could he suddenly…?

Immediately, Gongyi Tianheng reached out and gently held Gu Zuo’s shoulders, lifting his head slightly.

In this moment, he saw that Gu Zuo’s eyes had taken on a faint blue hue. Under the moonlight, they looked almost eerily beautiful.

Gu Zuo’s expression was somewhat dazed, and the corners of his eyes were tinged with red.

Is this… desire?

Gongyi Tianheng froze for a moment, momentarily unsure of what to do.

But then he saw Gu Zuo’s gaze meeting his own. The confusion in his eyes quickly melted into deep affection and quiet joy. Suddenly, Gu Zuo reached out, wrapped his arms around Gongyi Tianheng’s neck, and leaned forward to press their lips together, brushing gently.

Their noses touched, their breaths mingled, and the air between them turned tender and intimate.

Gongyi Tianheng’s eyes darkened slightly, yet he didn’t move.

Gu Zuo, however, did not stop.

He stayed close for a while. When he noticed Gongyi Tianheng remaining unresponsive, a trace of disappointment appeared on his face. Then, clumsily, he extended his tongue to trace along the seam of Gongyi Tianheng’s lips, trying to gain entrance, sweeping between his teeth again and again. But despite all his effort, he couldn’t find a way in, and soon beads of sweat formed on his forehead in frustration—it was a truly pitiful sight.

Then Gu Zuo gave a light bite to Gongyi Tianheng’s lip. It seemed at first he meant to do it hard, but then as if reluctant, he only nibbled softly, almost like a child seeking comfort.

Gongyi Tianheng’s gaze deepened, and finally, he reached out to hold Gu Zuo’s waist—and parted his lips.

It was as if Gu Zuo had just received the greatest gift. He immediately slipped his tongue inside to find Gongyi Tianheng’s. This time, he found it quickly and entwined around it, gently drawing in the familiar warmth.

Now, Gongyi Tianheng was no longer motionless. He met Gu Zuo’s tongue with his own and gently but firmly captured it, making Gu Zuo wince slightly from the intensity.

Gu Zuo looked up, a shimmer of moisture in his eyes.

Gongyi Tianheng paid it no mind. Supporting the back of Gu Zuo’s head, he deepened the kiss, drawing him into a bottomless whirlpool of emotion…

Their lips finally parted after a long while.

Gongyi Tianheng didn’t have time to dwell on Gu Zuo’s clinging. He lowered his gaze.

At some point, Gu Zuo’s clothes had come mostly undone. His pale, slender legs were wrapped around Tianheng’s waist, and his whole body radiated heat—desire unmistakably rising. He kept rubbing against Tianheng with growing urgency. The meaning behind it needed no words—no man alive could mistake it.

Yet Gongyi Tianheng gently pushed him back and pressed him down onto the bed, his voice low and soft: “Ah Zuo…”

Gu Zuo didn’t reply—he only writhed more, as though unable to contain himself. No matter how much he moved, though, he couldn’t escape Tianheng’s hand. A faint flush rose on his fair skin, making his restlessness all the more obvious.

Gongyi Tianheng leaned in slightly, his breath warm against Gu Zuo’s skin. “Ah Zuo, do you still recognize me?”

Gu Zuo raised his head. His voice was hoarse: “Big Brother…”

Tianheng chuckled quietly. “Ah Zuo, what is it that you want?”

Gu Zuo slowly answered, “I want… Big Brother.”

Gongyi Tianheng sighed softly. “It’s still not the right time… Ah Zuo, can you endure it a little longer?”

Gu Zuo looked even more aggrieved. “I… can’t.”

Tianheng’s tone grew even gentler. “Why not?”

Suddenly, as if strength had returned to him, Gu Zuo grasped Tianheng’s forearm, turned his head, and licked it lightly. His voice grew more slurred: “I don’t want… to endure.”

Gongyi Tianheng’s eyes were unreadable.

Gu Zuo reached out, his hand gliding downward along Gongyi Tianheng’s abdomen.

Tianheng’s whole body tensed, but then, after a brief hesitation, he closed his eyes and leaned in to cover Gu Zuo with his own.

Their lips and tongues met once again. Gongyi Tianheng pulled Gu Zuo into his embrace, holding him close. Then, he gently parted their underclothes—and from that moment on, they were no longer separated.

This night was one of deep passion and mutual entanglement.

…

When Gu Zuo woke, he sat up with a jolt.

Looking down, he saw that he was completely unclothed, his skin marked with all sorts of strange signs. And—to his horror—he remembered exactly how each one had come to be!

His face flushed an intense red, almost as if it could bleed from embarrassment.

That kind of thing… that kind of thing…

He remembered how he’d approached his big brother while the latter was resting, how he had teased him, and how—despite Gongyi Tianheng’s warnings—it was he who insisted on not holding back.

Gu Zuo took a deep breath.

He really wanted to deny that the person from last night had been himself—but! He also remembered very clearly that every action he took had been his own heartfelt decision. If there was any difference, it was perhaps that… those thoughts had always only surfaced in his most secret dreams before—dreams he would quickly suppress and bury deep inside.

Yes, Gu Zuo admitted that he was young and full of vitality. Though he was a pharmacist and not a martial artist, it didn’t mean he was indifferent to such things. And with how dazzlingly beautiful his big brother was, it was only natural that, if Gu Zuo stared a little too long, such thoughts might arise. That was understandable, wasn’t it? Still, because of his brother’s pure and untouchable aura, Gu Zuo had always forced himself to push those feelings down. If he ever needed to calm down, he would just go into seclusion and refine a batch of pills.

But last night—he had no idea why—all of that restraint had come undone. It was as though his desires and emotions had been magnified tenfold, and he hadn’t wanted to fight them at all.

Of course, getting to share such intimacy with his big brother wasn’t something Gu Zuo could regret. He remembered everything clearly, and throughout the night, he had been utterly enchanted by his brother’s beauty.

What worried him now, though, was how completely unrestrained he had been! He remembered his big brother saying, “It’s not yet the right time,” and yet… in the end, under his relentless pleading…

Would his brother think he has been too shameless?

Gu Zuo’s thoughts were in chaos.

All sorts of embarrassing memories and panicked worries swirled through his mind, leaving him flustered beyond belief.

In short—Gu Zuo was still terribly worried that his big brother might be disgusted by him!

…Wait, hold on.

Gu Zuo suddenly snapped back to his senses.

He clearly remembered that before he fell asleep, his big brother had still been beside him—so where had he gone?

His face instantly paled, then flushed again.

Has Tianheng really abandoned him…?

At this moment, footsteps approached from outside. A tall young man entered, carrying a wooden tray in his hands. It was, of course, none other than the previously absent Gongyi Tianheng.

Gu Zuo’s expression immediately brightened.

Then, almost reflexively, he grabbed the nearby brocade quilt and pulled it over himself to cover up.

Gongyi Tianheng smiled faintly: “After all we saw last night, and now Ah Zuo’s shy?”

Gu Zuo: “…”

‘Big brother, aren’t you being a little too straightforward?!’

Tianheng, as if that weren’t enough, added another honest line: “You worked hard last night. I made these personally—not as good as your cooking, of course—but still a token of my sincerity.”

With that, he handed over the bowl of porridge from the tray and placed it into Gu Zuo’s hands.

Gu Zuo silently accepted it, his face shifting from pale and flushed to a consistent, bright red.

So, so awkward!

He has no idea what to say!

But… judging from this, it doesn’t look like big brother is disgusted!

That’s a relief!

Tianheng said nothing more, letting Gu Zuo eat. Occasionally, he would adjust the bowl or gently guide the spoon away from Gu Zuo’s nose and toward his mouth.

Gu Zuo, completely unaware of this help, finished the food distractedly and managed a quiet compliment: “…Big brother’s cooking is pretty good.”

Tianheng couldn’t help but laugh softly. After setting aside the empty bowl, he said, “Ah Zuo, last night was my fault—you don’t need to worry about it.”

Gu Zuo: Huh?

Tianheng reached out and gently ruffled his hair: “I once promised you, ‘When the day comes that I stand atop the martial world, suppressing all directions, I shall invite everyone to celebrate our union.’ But now, I am still far from that goal. We are not yet married, so what happened last night was premature. However…”

He gave a soft, affectionate smile. “I do have true feelings for you. Last night, I gave in to desire and lost control—something I shouldn’t have done. I hope you won’t hold it against me… And if you are upset, you may direct your anger at me however you wish—I will accept it willingly and without complaint.”

Gu Zuo was a little dazed.

That was definitely… a love confession.

His big brother had said he “couldn’t help himself!” Said it was his fault! Said he’d do whatever Gu Zuo wanted! That he was happy to be ordered around!

How could Gu Zuo not blush all over again?!

He pressed his palm to his cheek.

Still hot.

He should be grateful his brother didn’t start describing his feelings about what happened last night… Thank goodness his brother wasn’t that straightforward!

After shouting inwardly for a bit, Gu Zuo’s face was still red. “Big brother, don’t say that… I was the one who started it anyway… Besides, there’s nothing wrong with you. I also… mm… wanted it.”

The last few words were spoken so quietly they barely made it out—Gu Zuo was utterly embarrassed.

Still, even that quiet was more than enough for Gongyi Tianheng’s sharp hearing.

His gaze softened, and he gave a gentle smile. “Ah Zuo, I understand your heart.”

He reached out and caressed the side of Gu Zuo’s face. “From today onward, I won’t act on my own again… Looking back, I’ve been a little too rigid. I hope you can forgive me.”

Gu Zuo blinked.

Somehow… he didn’t quite understand what those last words meant.

Is big brother saying they would do things in the future, or not do things?

As soon as the thought popped up, Gu Zuo scrambled to push it away.

Better not to overthink it!At least for now. Today’s awkwardness seemed to have passed…

Then, Gongyi Tianheng, sitting by Gu Zuo’s side, asked in a gentle voice, “Ah Zuo, after waking up today—do you feel anything different?”

Gu Zuo paused, then asked reflexively, “Different how?”

But he quickly realized: it probably wasn’t that kind of difference.

It must be related to his cultivation.

So, he calmed his mind and began examining his current condition.

First, Gu Zuo checked his internal qi cultivation—no changes there, so he ignored it.

Next was what mattered most to him: his psychic cultivation.

As soon as he checked, Gu Zuo froze.

Inside his dantian, the massive Divine Corr that had always been there… was gone!

The disappearance of the Divine Core usually meant the Divine Spirit had emerged from the body, but then—where was the Divine Spirit itself? Where had it gone? And what exactly was his “true self,” anyway? He didn’t think he had a very clear definition…

Wasn’t the Divine Spirit just supposed to be his true self? The embodiment of his consciousness?

Just as he was thinking that, a sudden gale seemed to whip through the dantian. Something howled in from an impossibly distant place, a sound so thunderous it boomed endlessly in his ears, shaking even his heart.

Yet mixed into that fearsome aura was a strong sense of familiarity and intimacy, making Gu Zuo instantly realize—

That was his Divine Spirit!

Once it drew near, Gu Zuo finally got a look at its true form—and just like that, his overwhelming joy screeched to a halt.

It is… a wheel?

Even if it was covered in elegant silver patterns, brimming with mystery and exuding a powerful aura, it was still, unmistakably, a wheel!

Why the hell is his Divine Spirit… a wheel?!

From the moment he got up today, nothing had felt normal.

But Gu Zuo had been through countless situations by now. After taking a few deep breaths, he calmed down and began to observe the wheel seriously.

No matter why it was a wheel, the fact remained: it was his Divine Spirit! That much was certain! Since that was the case, he needed to understand it well!

Then, Gu Zuo realized something:

This wheel looked familiar.

It was divided into… six segments.

The whole thing was silver-white, as mentioned, and Gu Zuo knew that once a cultivator reached the Spirit Psyche Realm, their Divine Spirit—after leaving the body—would manifest in a tangible form. That form always had a color, and silver definitely suited his taste more than red, green, blue, or the like.

Upon closer inspection, the ornate patterns covering the wheel turned out to be characters—ones he didn’t recognize. Yet these strange letters somehow resembled the ones from the Yao Tian Xin Method and Lingshen Hantian Technique he’d studied before. He couldn’t read them, but the longer he looked, the more he felt like they described how to use the wheel, and that they were important.

Then he turned to the six segments.

There were two on each side, one at the top, and one at the bottom. Each segment contained a phantom figure.

These phantoms seemed humanoid, but also not—more like a mass of energy, or a projection of power.

When Gu Zuo got a clear look, his expression became awkward.

The topmost segment contained a gold-red figure. The ones on either side held figures in black-red, blood-red, pure black, and one segment was empty…

At the center of the wheel sat a small circular disc. It appeared empty—and yet not. It radiated a pure white misty energy that somewhat resembled the silver of the wheel itself. But around this whiteness, faint silver-gray clouds hovered, partially obscuring it. The whole thing gave off a hazy, profound feeling, like something truly mysterious was hidden inside.

After three seconds of mental struggle, Gu Zuo could only think of one phrase:

The Six Paths of Reincarnation.

To put it bluntly, it was like his big brother’s Six Dao Technique had been stuffed into his brain… which just felt very weird.

Of course, Gu Zuo didn’t think he and his big brother were going to literally reenact the whole mythic “Six Paths Reincarnation” deal. That was something out of ancient legends. While Tianheng’s cultivation method clearly took inspiration from those ideas, what he’d developed was quite different in practice.

Still, one thing was certain: whatever the true nature of this “six-path wheel” in his mind was—there was no way it had nothing to do with his big brother!

Gu Zuo couldn’t help turning toward Gongyi Tianheng. “…Big brother, did anything happen to you too?”

Tianheng’s expression turned ever so slightly… subtle.

“My realm has advanced repeatedly. I’ve now reached the peak of the Ascendant Realm—only a step away from the Celestial Realm. But psychic power is not supposed to change until after the Celestial Realm. Yet now, in my own dantian…”

Gu Zuo leaned forward with curiosity: “What about now?”

Tianheng paused, then said calmly,

“Now, there’s a giant wheel-shaped shadow in my dantian.”