Upon hearing the question from the young Daoist, Elder Ding paused for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the Demon-sealing Cave.
"In response to Daoist's inquiry, there are countless demons sealed within the cave. Life and death intertwine within, making it difficult to assess. Even if all of them were to perish today, it is unlikely to be the end. They were already tainted by impurities. Even if they manage to escape, they cannot disturb the spiritual beings in the mountains... As for the child from the Chunyu family, since no corpse has been found, it is possible that they were rescued."
Daoist clapped his hands and nodded gently, "Elder's explanation is clear. Ultimately, the suspicion falls heavily on the Chunyu family's child. However, since the incident occurred within the Demon-sealing Cave, it is not appropriate for our Cloud-cutting Sect to intervene directly. It will be up to Elder Ding to negotiate with the Chunyu family and the Tingchang Mountain to retrieve the spiritual objects."
With that said, ignoring Elder Ding's bewildered expression, Daoist turned and walked in another direction.
After a few steps, Daoist seemed to remember something.
"Oh, Elder Ding, the escaped prisoners... those who should be pursued must be brought back. The lives of ordinary scum are insignificant, but allowing them to escape tarnishes the reputation of our sect."
As Daoist finished speaking, a cyan sword light enveloped his figure, and in an instant, he transformed into a streak of light shooting towards the sky! By the time Elder Ding raised his hand, the clear blue sky was all that remained, with no trace of Daoist.
In the vast wilderness, Chu Weiyang carried a bamboo basket, moving forward with increasingly laborious steps.
A sudden indulgence in a feast did not swiftly restore Chu Weiyang's strength.
On the contrary, due to the erosion of malevolent qi, his current condition was worse than when he was trapped in the stone cave.
He could feel a growing sense of stiffness and slight tingling in his limbs and bones, a sign of the lead and mercury solidifying within his body.
This sensation made Chu Weiyang realize that what Steward Ma had said might be true.
Whether it was an evaluation of his physical condition or the possible "prophecy" of his madness.
Unfortunately, the chaotic memories of the colorful world from his past life were of no help.
At this moment, the only words that Chu Weiyang pondered repeatedly were those spoken by Guo Dian and Steward Ma.
He eagerly sought more insights from those fragmented words.
After a moment, Chu Weiyang suddenly stopped in his tracks and slammed the bamboo basket on the ground.
The force caused Steward Ma, who was dozing off, to wake up abruptly.
"No!" Steward Ma was somewhat puzzled.
"No? What's wrong?" Chu Weiyang's hollow eyes showed rare emotional fluctuations as he gripped the edge of the basket excitedly.
"I overlooked it, you overlooked it, we both overlooked the effects of the 'Five Organs Absorbing Qi Scripture'! While practicing this technique, Guo Dian once said that those from the Baihua Tower did not grasp its true essence and went astray."
"Whether it leads astray or not, does this not prove that the type of food consumed affects the efficacy of the cultivation technique?"
"Today, I have already sensed similar subtle differences. Consuming the pig feed in the stone cave versus half a piece of fresh meat significantly impacts the nourishing power within the magical power!"
"Is it possible that by consuming certain treasures that can dispel malevolent qi, the flesh of certain demonic beasts, exotic herbs, or even precious elixirs, while cultivating and refining magical power, the inherent properties of these treasures gradually nourish the body, creating a symbiotic relationship..."
"Moreover, as you mentioned, the malevolent qi within me is not impure, but pure malevolent qi."
"Malevolent qi is also one of the energies. Sword qi, pill qi, elemental qi, and even poison qi can be cultivated into magical power through techniques. It is unreasonable to think that there are no methods based on malevolent qi in this world!"
At these words, Steward Ma was stunned.
Instead of immediately delving into contemplation, he looked at Chu Weiyang with an extremely unfamiliar gaze, as if he had truly understood the person at that moment.
Then, blinking, after a moment of consideration, Steward Ma responded slowly—
"Considering the logic, it seems reasonable."
"Treasures that dispel malevolent qi... I need to think carefully. Herbs, elixirs, and the like have similar effects; the difference lies in the potency. As for the flesh of demonic beasts, few can dispel malevolent qi, but as long as the beast has cultivation, its flesh and blood are extremely nourishing. Consuming more of it is always beneficial!"
"As for techniques based on malevolent qi, that falls into the realm of demonic cultivation, of which I know little. However, the ability to refine malevolent qi... such a domineering technique, even within the demonic sects, would be considered a supreme teaching, a profound scripture."
"But you have given me inspiration. There is no need to focus solely on refining malevolent qi. Instead, we can explore techniques related to malevolent qi, drawing parallels..."
"For example, our sect's sword cultivation method, which uses metal to generate malevolent qi. When nurturing the sword embryo, malevolent qi may sharpen and nourish it."
"Similarly, the methods of beast taming, raising gu, including poison and medicinal techniques, all require the nourishment of malevolent qi, enhancing their strength and effectiveness!"
At this point, Steward Ma suddenly looked up, gazing solemnly at Chu Weiyang.
"I can assist you sincerely without any tricks. If I can help you advance to the Foundation Building realm, perhaps the malevolent qi won't harm you, but instead, become your aid!"
"I am useful. I can teach you the true sword techniques passed down by our sect!"
He grinned slightly.
This time, without distorting his expression, Chu Weiyang truly smiled.
He smiled at Steward Ma.
"Are you really willing to teach me the sword techniques of the Qianyuan Sect?"
At these words, Steward Ma also smiled, with a hint of mockery.
"I am just a steward of the Demon-sealing Cave, a dying steward, a man whose fate is decided by others."
With that, Steward Ma asked, "So, will you spare my life? I also want to live."
Chu Weiyang continued to smile, watching Steward Ma's unprecedentedly humble performance.
However, the young man did not directly respond to the question.
Instead, he patted the treasure sword at his waist and lifted the bundle, indicating the several sword manuals inside.
"So, Steward, you must teach me carefully."
At these words, Steward Ma nodded vigorously, as if awakening from a daze, truly coming alive at that moment.
"I will prepare well. When I was practicing at the sect's gate, I was also highly skilled in swordsmanship! And you are an extremely sharp individual! I will teach you well! I am not a useless person! I am not a useless person!"
As he spoke, Steward Ma's shoulders trembled, almost on the verge of losing control.
In the same spot, Chu Weiyang's smile became more subtle, no longer paying attention to Steward Ma's performance, and continued walking forward with the bamboo basket on his back.
In the distance, the sunlight gradually dimmed.
A setting sun spread its light over the water, half of the river shimmering in red and the other half in a chilly hue.
Many books are now hard to come by, so cherish them while you can.