ushernet Chapter 46 - Nascent Soul Elder Arrives!
Chapter 46 - Nascent Soul Elder Arrives!
Chapter 46: Nascent Soul Elder Arrives!
The Iron Pillar Temple’s fields yielded a crop of ling dao (灵稻), spirit-infused rice capable of producing ling jiu (灵酒), a rare brew reputed to enhance cultivation. The old abbot, cherishing the temple’s sole jar of this precious liquor as a family heirloom, decided to offer it to Xiao Yu as a gesture of gratitude.
“Immortal, please join me in tasting this spirit wine. Its aroma is unparalleled, and though I rarely indulge, tonight calls for celebration!”
“Very well.” Xiao Yu smiled and accepted the invitation.
Chairs and tables were set in the temple courtyard under the moonlight. Plates of modest dishes accompanied the revered wine. As the group drank, the atmosphere lightened, the simple joys outweighing the underwhelming strength of the wine itself.
“Abbot,” Xiao Yu finally said, rising from his seat. “I have lingered here for several days. It’s time for me to take my leave.”
The old abbot’s face softened with understanding, though his heart sank, “Immortal, your presence has been nothing short of a blessing. Without you, this temple would be in ruins, and we would all be dead. Please, if I may, allow me to see you off tomorrow morning.”
Moved by the abbot’s sincerity, Xiao Yu nodded, “Very well.”@@@@
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The following morning, Xiao Yu prepared to depart. The abbot, alongside a few disciples, escorted him for eighty miles before halting reluctantly.
The abbot, his knees nearly buckling under the immense pressure, managed to glance at the scroll. It depicted a proud youth, adorned in a blazing crimson robe, a storage pouch at his waist, and wielding a mystical ruler.
“N-No,” the abbot stammered, shaking his head furiously.
Shangguan Ce’s eyes narrowed, “You deny knowing him, yet the aura of the Nine Suns Ruler lingers upon you. Shall we test your honesty?”
[Nine Suns Ruler (九阳尺): An artefact of immense power, capable of channelling devastating solar energy. Its lingering aura betrayed its recent presence.]
The abbot’s heart plummeted. “Predecessor, I swear on the honour of Iron Pillar Temple, I have never encountered the man in this image. Please, I implore you to believe me.”
“Swearing won’t absolve you,” Shangguan Ce said coldly. “I possess the Soul-Searching Technique. If your words hold truth, you’ll have nothing to fear.”
[Soul-Searching Technique (搜魂大法): A sinister art used in xianxia narratives, often reserved for extracting memories. Victims seldom survive intact, with their souls left fragmented and minds shattered.]
The abbot’s face turned ashen. The Soul-Searching Technique was infamous, a cruel art that stripped memories from its victims, leaving them mentally and spiritually shattered.
“Predecessor!” The abbot fell to his knees. “I have lived an upright life and harboured no enmity with you. Please, spare me this torment!”
Shangguan Ce’s expression remained unmoved. “Ordinarily, I might have shown mercy...”