Chapter 425: Take Her Away

Xie Ningyuan didn’t finish speaking, but everyone understood the terrifying implications.

Li Qiancheng’s face paled. He asked, utterly bewildered, "This is an Immortal Artifact, not a Demon Artifact. Why does it have this kind of function?"

Xie Ningyuan said bitterly, "Because this function was originally meant to redeem mortals."

"Normally, a Buddhist Practitioner would bring a wicked person into it. They would use the Thousand World Tribulation to guide the person toward goodness. If they finally succeed in the Heart Inquiry, the redemption is considered a success, and they can leave the Magic Treasure."

"However, the redeemer is also in danger of being influenced by the wicked person. Therefore, during the final Heart Inquiry, both of them must pass the trial before they can leave."

After Xie Ningyuan finished explaining, everyone finally understood.

But at the same time, their hearts leaped into their throats. One has her memories, while the other does not—the disparity was simply too great!

’But in the end, Ye Zhiyao herself probably won’t be able to pass the Heart Inquiry. Is she trying to take Lu Sangjiu down with her? She’s completely insane!’

Cangming took a deep breath and looked at Xie Ningyuan coldly. "You’ve said enough nonsense. Now tell me, how do we get her out?"

Xie Ningyuan didn’t look at him. Staring at the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation, he said slowly, "...There is no way."

That’s right. There was no way.

At least, as far as Xie Ningyuan knew, there was no way to open the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation from the outside until the Thousand World Tribulation had ended.

Forcibly breaking it open would also put the person inside in mortal danger!

"No way?!"

Cangming couldn’t stop himself from reaching for Xie Ningyuan. "Say that again!"

But before he could reach him, Fa Shan stepped in front of Xie Ningyuan, blocking the way.

He stared coldly at Cangming. "Haven’t you been mad enough already?"

"No one wants to save her more than he does, but if there’s no way, there’s no way. What’s the use in killing him?"

Cangming glared icily at Fa Shan, who stood before Xie Ningyuan. "If she can’t be saved, then he can accompany her in death!"

Fa Shan was exasperated. "Can you get a grip?"

"We don’t even know the outcome yet. Even if she really is... Cangming, her affairs are none of your business."

Cangming’s fingers tightened into a fist. Finally, with a cold snort, he turned his head away and refused to look at Fa Shan any longer.

Xie Ningyuan ignored Cangming. He calmly cupped the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation in his palms. "Let me keep it safe... I will watch over her. The rest of you should go and do what you must."

Luo Linlang couldn’t help but protest, "But Little Junior Sister..."

Xie Ningyuan glanced at her. "I am here."

Luo Linlang knew Xie Ningyuan must be in a terrible state of mind. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it, ultimately saying nothing more.

Cangming, however, interjected. "And why should it be given to you? I said she’s coming back to the Western Demon Realm with me. Even if she’s inside this Immortal Artifact, she should still return to the Western Demon Realm with me!"

For the first time, Xie Ningyuan looked at Cangming. His gaze was calm, yet it seemed to conceal a thousand raging storms.

"At this point, you can stop pretending to be so devoted."

He said, "Any affection between you two was severed years ago, the moment you harmed her."

"And now, after you placed a Love Gu on her, you two are fated to be locked in a struggle to the death. So stop this self-indulgent drama."

Cangming’s expression turned instantly grim. "Do you think I wouldn’t dare to kill you?"

Xie Ningyuan’s lips twisted into a smirk, killing intent lurking in his eyes. "And do you think I truly can’t defeat you?"

’In a true test of strength, he was indeed no match for Cangming.’

’But if he were to fight to the death, he could drag Cangming down with him, even if it cost him his own life.’

’...If not for the Love Gu, he probably would have done it long ago.’

The two faced off, sparks flying, looking as if they would come to blows at any second.

The onlookers grew tense and quickly tried to intervene. "A great enemy is before us! Don’t be rash!"

Then, everyone else turned to persuade Cangming. "The Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation is a treasure of the Buddhist Sect, after all. Fellow Daoist Xie certainly understands it better than anyone else. If he keeps it safe, he’ll be able to resolve any problems that might arise."

"Fellow Daoist Cangming, you are a Demon Cultivator. Your path is inherently at odds with that of Buddhist Practitioners. I fear you would be helpless if this Immortal Artifact were in your hands!"

"If you truly want Fellow Daoist Lu to come out of this alive, then let Fellow Daoist Xie keep it."

Cangming clenched his fists and gave Xie Ningyuan one last, deep look. "...Fine. But I demand to be able to visit whenever I wish."

Xie Ningyuan couldn’t be bothered to clash with Cangming right now. He withdrew his gaze, his face impassive. "Agreed."

Although one had to endure the Thousand World Tribulation inside the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation, time flowed much faster within than in the outside world. It would not actually take a thousand years.

According to the records of the Ten Thousand Buddha Sect, the fastest anyone had ever emerged was three months.

Xie Ningyuan took the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation to a scenic location with lush mountains, clear waters, and abundant Spiritual Energy, where he established a cave residence.

He had been on the verge of breaking through to the Transcendence Tribulation Stage, but now... Although he couldn’t directly interfere with Lu Sangjiu’s situation inside the artifact, he could still offer some help.

The hairpin he had once given Lu Sangjiu, which she was wearing when she entered, could connect to a Magic Treasure in his possession.

Xie Ningyuan used this connection to continuously channel Spiritual Energy to Lu Sangjiu.

’Even if she loses her memory, if this Spiritual Energy can reach her, at least... it can grant her some ability to protect herself. She won’t have to suffer so much at the hands of Ye Zhiyao.’

「Inside the Thousand Leaf Bodhi Tribulation.」

In a lifetime—she had lost count of which one—Lu Sangjiu was born into an ordinary family in the mortal world.

Her family was poor, and she was destined to endure great hardship in this life.

However, when she was eight years old and carrying a bucket of water, a strange strength suddenly surged through her. The weight in her hands vanished, and the heavy bucket suddenly felt as light as a feather.

Lu Sangjiu blinked, staring at her hands in confusion. ’Is this... Divine Power from the heavens?’

From that day on, the life of hardship she was meant to endure suddenly became much easier.

She was strong and healthy. Not only did she possess what felt like Divine Power, making her chores effortless, but she also never fell ill.

This continued until she was fourteen, when she met a woman named Ye Zhiyao.

Her face was as serene as a Bodhisattva’s, and her aura was transcendent.

Approaching with an easy grace, she smiled faintly at Lu Sangjiu. "Little girl, I am a cultivator of immortality. How would you like to become my disciple?"

Her family was overjoyed. Only Lu Sangjiu frowned as she looked at the beautiful woman. ’She’s very pretty, but for some reason, I don’t like her.’

And so, while her family showered the woman with thanks, she shook her head firmly. "I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be your disciple."

Ye Zhiyao’s smile faltered for a moment. ’I’ve already dealt with Lu Sangjiu for several lifetimes now.’

’Even without her memories, this woman is as stubborn as a mule.’

’Either she’s being tormented by me and would rather kill herself than become my disciple... ’

’...or, no matter how I try to coax her, she remains steadfast in her decision.’

’It’s been the same for several lifetimes... How utterly detestable.’

The smile on Ye Zhiyao’s face remained unchanged. Ignoring Lu Sangjiu completely, she turned to the girl’s family. "If you agree, I’ll take her with me."