Staring at the entrance to this cycle's Misty Snow Domain marked by her master, Han Lian could only feel helpless. The Polar Extreme Wind Zone of the Northern Region was a lethal place. Nascent Soul cultivators could only circle the outskirts to temper their bodies. Entering the depths was out of the question.
Now that they were Divine Transformation, they could at least try. But the Misty Snow Domain had a cultivation limit. Would it even let them in?
After thinking it over, Han Lian sent messages to Yun Chen, Xun Kun, and Ran Xi. The decision lay with them.
Yun Chen replied first. He had not left Huaxian Gate, waiting on Han Lian's word.
"In that case, our early breakthrough to Divine Transformation is a blessing. Let's brave the Polar Extreme Wind Zone as training. If we pass through and can enter the Misty Snow Domain, all the better. If not, we turn back. Long seclusions do not suit us right now."
"I understand. Then we wait for Xun Kun and Ran Xi and see what they choose," Han Lian answered.
"Amitabha. From what I know of Ran Xi and Xun Kun, they will also want to see the Northern Region's peril with their own eyes," Yun Chen said.
The two being discussed received Han Lian's message at the same time. Reading the contents on the transmission jade slip, Ran Xi lifted the restriction and went to find Xun Kun. Xun Kun did the same.
"Ran Xi, did you get Han Lian's message?"
"Just now. You received it too?"
"Mm. I wanted to discuss it. Are you still planning to go north?"
"I am. The Polar Extreme Wind Zone is a fine place to temper the body."
Yunxi answered without hesitation.
She also had her own reasons. She carried a wind spiritual root, and on the Seven Stars Soul-Shattering Staff, the star corresponding to wind had yet to be lit. The Northern Region's extreme cold would benefit a cultivator with an ice spiritual root like her as well. She would not give up this journey lightly.
Xun Kun nodded. "In that case, we go together. Yun Chen Fózǐ can take Jihan Gate's flying boat and depart first. You and I will follow after matters at Medicine King Valley conclude and catch up to them. How about it?"
"Agreed."
They replied to Han Lian at once.
After receiving their answers, Han Lian turned to Yun Chen. "You were right. They have matters to handle and want us to depart first. They will catch up once finished."
"Amitabha. I will inform my master, then come back to meet you," Yun Chen said.
The next day, Yun Chen Fózǐ bade farewell to Master Yun Yi, boarded Jihan Gate's flying boat, and set out for the Northern Region.
Medicine King Valley, Guest Courtyard
Over the past two days, Yunxi had fully mastered the operation of the high-grade medical pod within her space and largely grasped the proportions for the regenerative fluid. The exact mix would depend on Ye Yuchen's condition.
Since parting from Ye Yirui that day, the latter had not come again. Extending her divine sense, Yunxi knew Ye Yirui was busy cleansing the sect.
Medicine King Valley's internal strife had let evil cultivators seep in deeply. If Ye Chengbi had not poisoned Kunmo Sect disciples in secret and provoked Xun Kun to come demand justice, he would not have exposed himself so early. The valley likely would have marched down the same old road. Yunxi could now guess why evil cultivators insisted on controlling Medicine King Valley.
The sect's founding Ancestor had come from Yixian Gate. It was half a descendant branch of Yixian Gate. Evil cultivators had long coveted the formula for the Yinxi Elixir. Before this descendant—Yunxi —appeared, they set their sights on Medicine King Valley.
First they exploited Ye Chengbi's jealousy to remove Valley Master Ye Chengzong through his hands, then propped Ye Chengbi up to seize power. Unfortunately for them, Ye Chengzong had an outstanding son—Ye Yuchen, an innate Dao Body. He became an obstacle to Ye Chengbi's ascent.
Under evil-cultivator hints, Ye Chengbi sought to take possession of the innate Dao Body and thus become the rightful Young Valley Master.
Of course, Yunxi believed evil cultivators would never make wedding clothes for others. That innate Dao Body would never truly land in Ye Chengbi's hands.
Their schemes were tight, but Ye Yuchen refused to cooperate, shattering the plan at the cost of self-injury. The one hurt most was Ye Yirui.
Ye Chengbi used that very point to suppress Ye Yirui openly and in secret for years, lording it over Medicine King Valley. This time, Ye Yirui settled new and old debts together. With thunderous methods, she seized nearly all of Ye Chengbi's faction. Some were executed, some crippled, the rest expelled. For a time, the valley fell quiet.
Yunxi appreciated Ye Yirui. In weakness, she knew how to lie low. Even in hardship, she never abandoned her brother, could swallow her pride to beg for help, and knew how to borrow momentum. Yunxi and Xun Kun remaining at Medicine King Valley was, in effect, support for her.
If events followed the fragmented visions Yunxi had seen during her tribulation, with no one willing to pull Ye Yirui up, she would eventually compromise with evil cultivators for her brother, likely sacrificing herself. Otherwise, the surviving Ye Yuchen would not have gone mad with vengeance against the valley and Ye Chengbi. Often, a single thought divides heaven from hell. Yunxi was glad she had not refused Ye Yirui outright back then.
Three evenings later, Ye Yirui finally tapped the courtyard's restriction and made a low-key visit.
"Ran Xi Zūnzhě, Yuchen has been soaking in the Rejuvenation Liquid you refined. His body's vitality has returned. His condition grows better by the day."
She then offered a storage ring. "These are the spiritual plants you require for the medicine. I have gathered one full set. Please use these first. I am still collecting a second."
Yunxi accepted the ring and said, "Take me to see your brother's current condition so I can adjust the proportions."
"Yes. This way, Ran Xi Zūnzhě."
Eager to wake her brother, Ye Yirui gestured forward. The two again entered the secret chamber, where Ye Yirui swept her sleeve and opened the ice coffin's lid.
Yunxi's divine sense swept through at once. Ye Yuchen's condition had improved greatly. She sent a thread of spiritual power into his body to examine his meridians and viscera.
A moment later, she withdrew the power and said, "Do you have Longevity Pills on hand?"
"I do. I already fed him one. That is how he has lasted to now."
"Give him another. Then send him to my residence."
"Yes."
Ye Yirui answered without hesitation, took out a porcelain bottle from her storage bracelet, poured out a pill, placed it into Ye Yuchen's mouth, and used spiritual power to dissolve the medicine and aid absorption.
Once certain his condition was stable, she swept her sleeve to lift the ice coffin. Together with Ran Xi, she left the secret chamber.
On the way to the guest courtyard, Ye Yirui hesitated for a long while before asking, "Ran Xi Zūnzhě, the help you have given Yuchen and me is something we will never forget. How can we repay you?"