Chapter 412: I Am Willing

As Lu Sangjiu stood up, Xie Ningyuan and Gu Jue instinctively rose as well.

But Sword Bu Gui glanced at Xie Ningyuan and said, "Our Ancestor will only see one outsider, Lu Sangjiu. Mr. Xie, you’d best wait here."

With that, he looked to Gu Jue. "Let’s go."

At first, Xie Ningyuan thought Sword Bu Gui’s words were reasonable. Though worried, he was willing to wait.

But the moment he saw Sword Bu Gui tell Gu Jue to come along, it didn’t sit right with him. He couldn’t help but ask, "Then why does *he* get to go?"

Sword Bu Gui retorted self-righteously, "He’s one of my Lingjian Sect. Of course he can go wherever he pleases. Got a problem with that?"

Xie Ningyuan: "..."

’He felt like Sword Bu Gui was abusing his authority.’

’But... fine. He was a little jealous that Gu Jue could go when he couldn’t.’

’But he trusted Gu Jue, and he trusted Lu Sangjiu even more.’

So, after a moment’s pause, he gave Gu Jue a solemn bow. "Then... I’m entrusting Little Jiu to you."

Gu Jue gave a slight nod. "Rest assured."

Lu Sangjiu also offered a comforting word. "We’re just going to have a look today. Just wait here. Don’t worry, I’ll be back soon."

And so, Lu Sangjiu and Gu Jue followed Sword Bu Gui to the seclusion chambers of the Lingjian Sect’s Ancestor, Feiyun True Man.

Feiyun True Man was a Female Cultivator with a cold, sharp aura. Her cultivation was a step below He Guang’s; she had not yet reached the point where she could trigger an Ascension Thunder Tribulation at will.

So, while her cultivation was slightly lower, she actually had an advantage over He Guang—at least she could fight others freely.

However, the members of the Lingjian Sect were all Sword Fools, and this Ancestor was no exception. She was devoted to the Sword Dao, with little interest in anything else.

She didn’t even seem to care much about this matter, which, in Lu Sangjiu’s eyes, was a crisis that would determine the very survival of the Spirit Void Realm.

The only reason she agreed to examine Lu Sangjiu was because the Lingjian Sect Leader had pleaded with her.

Now, upon seeing the three arrive, she showed no concern, nor did she ask any questions.

Her gaze landed squarely on Lu Sangjiu as she said flatly, "Come here."

Lu Sangjiu hesitated for a moment before performing a courtesy bow and saying, "Senior, before you examine me, there’s something I must tell you..."

’Of course, she wanted to tell her about her Immortal Demon Dual Cultivation. After all, with the Love Gu inside her, Feiyun True Man was bound to discover her secret during the examination.’

’It was better to explain things beforehand to prevent the woman from suddenly turning on her.’

But before she could even speak, Feiyun True Man, with great impatience, reached out and pulled Lu Sangjiu toward her through the air.

"Stop with the nonsense. Let’s get this over with so you can leave. Don’t waste my time."

Lu Sangjiu: "..."

’Are all the people from the Lingjian Sect like this?’

Feiyun True Man was utterly domineering. Without giving Lu Sangjiu any time to explain, she seized her by the wrist, and her Spiritual Energy immediately probed into Lu Sangjiu’s body.

"Oh?"

Even for someone as composed as Feiyun True Man, her expression shifted slightly.

She gave Lu Sangjiu an odd look. "Are you an Immortal Cultivator or a Demon Cultivator?"

’Lu Sangjiu felt a wave of relief. At least this woman didn’t seem to be the type to despise evil with a burning passion; she was giving her a chance to explain.’

She quickly explained, "I was originally a disciple of the Seven Emotions Sect. By a twist of fate, I came upon a method for Immortal Demon Dual Cultivation. But rest assured, Senior, I have never brought harm to the world..."

Before she could finish, Feiyun cut her off with a wave of her hand. "I don’t need to hear all that. Just answer my questions. Why are you so long-winded at your age?"

Lu Sangjiu: "..."

’Alright, I’ll shut my mouth. Is that better?’

Feiyun was indeed surprised by Lu Sangjiu’s condition, but she truly had no intention of probing any further.

After that one casual question, she said no more. She simply circulated her Spiritual Power through Lu Sangjiu’s body for a moment and quickly located the Love Gu.

Lu Sangjiu could feel Feiyun’s Spiritual Power make contact with the Love Gu. Then, just as it had with Cangming, her Spiritual Power was instantly repelled.

The Love Gu was unharmed, but the backlash caused Lu Sangjiu to spit up a mouthful of blood.

Gu Jue, who had been watching nervously the whole time, paled at the sight. He immediately dropped to his knees. "Ancestor, please show mercy!"

Feiyun True Man glanced up at Gu Jue. "What’s the rush? It’s just a bit of backlash. She’s not going to die."

Lu Sangjiu grimaced in pain. ’She’s right, I’m not going to die... but it hurts!’

But the woman was helping her, so she couldn’t very well complain. After taking a moment to recover, she asked cautiously, "Senior, is there a way to remove the Gu?"

"Yes," Feiyun confirmed with a nod.

Lu Sangjiu’s face lit up with surprised delight. "Really? What is it? Is it difficult?"

Feiyun said flatly, "It’s quite simple. You just need someone willing to draw the Gu Worm into their own body. Then you’ll be fine."

Lu Sangjiu: "..."

’Wait, that’s... How is that a solution?’

’What stranger would be willing to draw the Gu Worm out for her?’

’And she could never let someone she knew take such a risk on her behalf!’

She couldn’t help but press, "Isn’t there a way to kill the Gu Worm directly?"

Feiyun shook her head. "The person who did the refining for this Gu Worm likely poured a great deal of effort into it, and their cultivation has already reached the Transcendance Tribulation Stage."

"The Gu Worm is linked to its master’s life. Unless you kill him first, the Gu Worm cannot be killed."

"But I’d wager the Mother Gu is on his person as well. If he dies, you die with him."

"So, in that sense, there is no cure for the Gu."

A heavy feeling settled over Lu Sangjiu... ’It looks like my only option is to go back to Cangming.’

’Maybe then she could find a way to trick Cangming into removing the Gu poison for her. It wasn’t time for complete despair just yet.’

Seeing her silent, Feiyun grew impatient. "Made up your mind yet? I can see that boy over there is willing to help you. If you’ve decided, then get on with it. Once I teach you the method, don’t bother me again."

The boy Feiyun was referring to was, of course, Gu Jue.

Sword Bu Gui jumped in alarm, hurriedly shielding his disciple. "Ancestor, you can’t! This is my disciple! He is not willing!"

Lu Sangjiu also bowed hastily. "Thank you, Senior, but I have no intention of using this method. We’ll take our leave."

With that, she turned to leave. Sword Bu Gui instantly let out a sigh of relief.

But just then, Gu Jue suddenly spoke up. "No... I am willing. Ancestor, please teach me the method."

Lu Sangjiu and Sword Bu Gui stared at him in astonishment. Sword Bu Gui’s face darkened. "Are you insane?!"

Lu Sangjiu frowned as well. "Mr. Gu..."

Before she could speak, Gu Jue cut in, "Mr. Lu, there’s no need to persuade me. Whether or not we use me to help you, I should at least learn the method now. It might be useful later on."

Lu Sangjiu refused, her tone as sharp as steel. "No. It won’t be used. Not on anyone."

She looked at Gu Jue, her gaze firm and unwavering. "I know you’re trying to help me, Mr. Gu. But I don’t need it. And I especially don’t need anyone who cares whether I live or die to sacrifice themselves for me."