Chapter 33: Discovery

As the figure of Red Cloud gradually faded into the distance, the goat demon left behind finally snapped back to reality, wiping the fine beads of sweat from his brow.

“To think… that old blind—no, that fellow cultivator is truly formidable. At the very least, he must be at the peak of the Treasure Body stage,” he muttered, smoothing his agitation. Glancing at the corpse of Ox Kai on the ground, he suddenly came to his senses and erupted into fury.

“You damned ox! You said taking his head would be as easy as slicing melons, but you didn’t even last a single round. You nearly cost me my life!” Having vented his anger, he paused, then spoke with a hateful sneer, “This isn’t enough to quell my rage. Today, I’ll pluck your hide, strip your flesh, and roast you over a fire to find my satisfaction.”

With this declaration, he glanced around to ensure no one was near. His arm swelled to several times its size, and he hauled up the corpse, quickly vanishing into the distance.

The essence of a demon cultivator lies in their flesh and demon core. The core had already been removed; others might disdain the body, but he would not let it go to waste. Now that the ox was dead, burying him would be pointless—better to benefit himself.

…

Red Cloud sped along, chasing the direction his senses indicated. In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he had drawn much nearer, his heart pounding faster in his borrowed body as he approached.

When he was close enough, he climbed a small hill and looked down into the canyon. The thick, oppressive aura of tribulation made his brows rise slightly.

Below, a dense mist blanketed the area. It wasn’t so thick as to obscure even a hand in front of one's face, but beyond ten steps, it was impossible to make out any detail. Something within the fog seemed to affect the mind…

He felt a touch of indifference, yet remained vigilant, focusing his demonic energy into his eyes, which glimmered with a faint red light.

Whatever was in there—it almost seemed like a plant…

Red Cloud narrowed his gaze, staring intently for a long time, yet he remained uncertain. After all, until now, he'd only encountered two kinds of tribulation objects.

He still couldn’t see through the truth of it.

Should he… go in and take a look?

He considered it, but hesitated. Red Cloud disliked acting without certainty; he was not fond of situations he couldn’t grasp.

After much deliberation, he decided: Better to observe from here for a while before making any moves.

Having settled on this, he swung his iron staff, carving out a stone cave more than twenty feet deep. He entered, fumbled for the book the Lord of Moonlit Court had given him in bulk, and read by the faint light.

Hmm…

As he flipped through the book, his eyes narrowed when he came across a description of the tribulation elixir that could extend one’s lifespan.

This tribulation elixir resembled a small tree, with broad leaves and many branches, sprouting numerous tendrils. It could bloom with nine flowers, drawing in vitality, and wherever it grew, the land became desolate. The more life force it absorbed, the more lifespan-extending elixir it could produce. The elixir itself would last only three breaths; after that, it turned to dust…

It could bewilder the mind, summon the bones of the dead, and bestow life upon all things. Its power could not be withstood by mere Treasure Bodies. The more vitality it absorbed, however, the weaker it became, until, having consumed all it could, it was reduced to only mortal strength…

A small tree… then what lies in the canyon below must be something similar.

Red Cloud stroked his chin in contemplation. If he could confirm that this was a tribulation elixir, he would need to consider how to harvest it.

As he pondered, he heard faint sounds. His mind raced and he immediately stilled his breath, suppressing all his aura.

Looking out, he saw a figure in silver armor, carrying a greatsword on his back, striding confidently in his direction. Floating before him was a compass with ethereal wings, leading the way deeper into the canyon.

At the first glimpse of the compass, Red Cloud felt his mental panel tremble, a notification appearing:

Fragmented tribulation spirit detected—host, collect immediately!

Another fragmented tribulation spirit, and judging by its aura, it seemed stronger than whatever lurked deeper in the fog…

Red Cloud hesitated for a moment but silently tailed after the armored man. He was curious about the man’s intentions.

Trailing at a measured distance, Red Cloud watched, his frown deepening. Though his borrowed body lacked keen eyesight, his own senses remained sharp. If he wasn’t mistaken, the man was laying out a formation.

As he drew closer, Red Cloud sensed a force siphoning the vitality from his body, making him snort inwardly.

Panel, stop pretending to be dead—get out here and take a beating.

With a thought, he activated his panel, which trembled and displayed his tribulation points dropping from 125 to 120.

Beep—five tribulation points consumed. Fragmented tribulation spirit resistance to tribulation aura acquired.

In an instant, a faint new aura enveloped his body, dispersing the sense of draining vitality.

Red Cloud noticed the change and, seeing the points truly subtracted, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amazement at the panel’s cunning.

I ask for your help, and you charge me for it?

Helpless but resigned, he realized he could do nothing about the panel. Likely a product of his passage through the Gate of Myriad Heavens, its abilities were already remarkable; he ought to be content.

Returning his attention to the armored man, he saw the figure had reached the very center, forming seals and channeling his demonic energy to activate something.

Red Cloud remained hidden, observing quietly. As the man unleashed waves of demonic energy, a pillar of dark light shot up into the sky.

At that moment, the silver-armored man, who had been motionless until now, turned toward Red Cloud’s hiding spot and spoke in a deep, gravelly voice:

“Who’s skulking in the shadows? Show yourself at once.”

Discovered?

Red Cloud was taken aback, but when he noticed the fragmented tribulation spirit beside the man, he understood.

Without hesitation, he stepped from his hiding place and smiled, bowing in greeting.

“I wonder which fellow cultivator lies ahead. The old blind man greets you.”

But the armored man, upon seeing Red Cloud, did not reply. Instead, he drew the greatsword from his back, leapt forward, and slashed straight down at him.